Gary Jeanfaivre, Gjeanfaivre@bcnnew.com
Published: 05:47 a.m., Thursday, May 13, 2010
While Cinco de Mayo fans enjoyed Mexican fare and margaritas at Viva Zapata last Wednesday, Westport firefighters at the Saugatuck Hose Company No. 4 engaged in their own ritual -- inventory day.
Every Wednesday, firefighters at each of the department's four stations go through the equipment to make sure it is functioning properly and in its appropriate place on the vehicle.
"We take everything off the rig and check to make sure it's operating correctly," said Lt. Ron Wojnoski, as he rolled up a cold-water rescue suit with the assistance of firefighter Rich Calabria.
With a relatively mild winter, Wojnoski said the suit didn't get much practice this year. And with summer drawing closer, it likely won't until next year. Still, he added, it's important to make sure the suit is stored correctly and in working order.
Nearby, firefighter Tobias Ostapchuk was checking the extinguishers aboard Engine 4 to ensure they were full and secure. The Norwalk resident has served with the Westport Fire Department since January 2005. Wojnoski is a 23-year veteran of the department.
Calabria, of Killingworth, has been with the department since July 2003. He specializes in calibrating the four-way meters, which measure levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen and the lower explosive limit (LEL). Each vehicle is equipped with a meter.
"We use this commonly on a lot of different calls," Calabria said.
In addition to the weekly check, the meters are calibrated once a month by Calabria, who noted that the town realizes a savings by the department handling it internally rather than having it done by an outside company. The department has other firefighters who specialize in maintenance of the multitude of equipment.
Deputy Chief Jon Gottfried said inventory day is an essential element to maintaining best practices and ensuring the highest level of preparedness.
"It's critical," he said, "because that's when you catch the problems."
Speaking on Monday, which is apparatus check-up day, Gottfried pointed out that just that morning firefighters detected a malfunctioning gauge aboard Engine 4, so it was brought to headquarters and replaced.
"Even though we have an aggressive maintenance program ... stuff still breaks," he said, noting that the department's newest apparatus was purchased in 2001.
While inventory day is an important practice, Gottfried said firefighters are busy every day of the week, making sure that when an emergency arises, they -- and their equipment -- are ready.
As Gottfried pointed out, "We are a 24-hour-a-day service."
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