Local Heroes –

Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue Company Demonstrates Its Skills

By Andrew Gorosko

The Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company last Sunday held an open house at its Riverside Road firehouse in observance of Fire Prevention Week 2001. The event provided a range of activities and services designed to explain fire safety and firefighting techniques to the public.

The open house featured a simulated motor vehicle accident with two motorist extrications, mock fire rescues from a building, and also demonstrated the use of a thermal-imaging camera.

Featured exhibits within the firehouse included a Newtown Police Department display and demonstration on child safety seat use, first aid as explained by the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the use of fire sprinklers in the home.

The event also featured a house trailer through which synthetic smoke was pumped to simulate the smoke conditions in a fire. The simulation provided children with an opportunity to practice making escapes in fires.

Smokey Bear, the beloved fire prevention figure, made an appearance at the open house, greeting residents and urging fire safety.

Jim Shpunt, the fire company’s vice president, who is a 35-year-member of the organization, explained how residents could join the fire company. Gerrit Velthuizen, chief of Sandy Hook’s fire police, managed traffic flow at the open house.

Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead explained that the open house is designed to inform the public about fire safety and fire prevention. Approximately 40 of Sandy Hook’s 52 firefighters attended, the fire chief said. The fire prevention open house is held every other year.

The grilling of hot dogs and hamburgers alongside a row of fire trucks parked in front of the firehouse lent a festive air to the activities held on a crisp fall day.

An outdoor exhibit provided participants with information on smoke detectors, electrical safety, kitchen safety, and heating safety. The exhibit had the format of a baseball diamond along which residents walked, stopping at each base for fire safety information.

Near the end of the four-hour event, Sandy Hook volunteer firefighters converged in a large lot at the rear of the firehouse to simulate a two-vehicle accident, involving two motorist extrications. Aided by the ambulance corps, the fire volunteers demonstrated their skills in safely removing drivers trapped in motor vehicles.