By Martin B. Cassidy
Staff Writer
October 9, 2007
As part of a new push to lure volunteer firefighters into the town's ranks, the fire department is distributing a new video to showcase the service to prospective recruits.
The seven-and-a-half minute $15,000 town-funded video features interviews with volunteer firefighters as well as footage of them putting out fires, using rescue equipment, and information about the process of becoming a volunteer firefighter.
Brian Kelly, the Greenwich Fire Department's volunteer recruitment and retention coordinator and a longtime volunteer firefighter, said the video will be shown at Town Hall and distributed to companies that promote service programs to employees.
Kelly said he thinks the video shows the range of opportunities available besides putting out fires, including serving in support personnel roles such as fire truck drivers, fire policemen and others who do not enter burning buildings.
"I think it is something that shows the positive parts of being a volunteer firefighter," said Kelly, a captain of the Cos Cob Fire Police Inc. "It's designed to maybe provoke the thought whether you are younger or middle-aged that 'I could do that.' "
Currently there are about 100 fully certified volunteer firefighters, including support personnel, in the town's five volunteer fire companies, and Kelly said he hopes to bring in 10 to 15 new volunteer firefighters townwide every year.
Volunteers, who must be at least 18 years old, typically join the company closest to their home. There are firehouses in Cos Cob, Byram, Sound Beach, the Round Hill area, and Glenville that have volunteer companies.
Firefighter certification and earning an entry tag -- a department-issued document verifying firefighters are fit enough to enter burning buildings to fight blazes -- takes 140 classroom hours over several months, Kelly said.
Support staff such as fire truck drivers, fire policemen and others train for about 30 hours, Kelly said.
The video also highlights other benefits provided for volunteer firefighters including discounted health insurance, a $1,000 local property tax abatement, reimbursement for vehicle use on fire calls, and various training stipends.
Last week was Greenwich Volunteer Firemen's Association Fire Prevention Week, with the video being shown at volunteer companies holding open houses for their communities.
Other efforts to spur recruiting this fall include promoting the department's Fire Explorer Program which is based out of the Glenville and Sound Beach stations.
The two Explorer Posts which are run by volunteer firefighters, provide training and other experiences for high-school aged residents interested in firefighting, and currently have about 20 members.
"We hope to generate some good response with the efforts," said Kelly.
Joseph Kaliko, 55, a retired patent attorney, said he he joined the Cos Cob Fire Police Inc., after Kelly gave a presentation during a class at the Citizen's Police Academy offered by the Greenwich Police Department.
Kaliko said he gets a sense of satisfaction working with the fire police, handling important tasks like directing traffic during fires and other emergencies and tasks like cordoning off downed wires, freeing up police and firefighters to focus on greater emergencies.
"What we do helps protect the town because we relieve the firefighters and police to go back into service and handle bigger problems," Kaliko said. "It's been a tremendous opportunity and pleasure to serve with them."
To ask about becoming a volunteer firefighter or to view the video, call Kelly at 618-8877.
Copyright © 2007, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.