Posted on April 17, 2018
WATERFORD – State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) and State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford) attended Volunteer Firefighter Day at the Cohanzie Fire Station on April 15, 2018 and presented an official citation to the fire company recognizing local efforts to raise awareness about the need for volunteer personnel.
“The brave men and women firefighters and EMTs that volunteer their time and services to emergency responses in our community are to be commended and recognized especially today on Firefighters Day,” said Rep. McCarty. “We are very fortunate to have such qualified and dedicated individuals working to keep us all safe on a daily basis. I would also like to recognize Chief Branche and the entire Cohanzie Fire Company No. 5 for putting on such an educational and valuable demonstration highlighting firefighters’ training and the work they do in saving lives and keeping our community safe.”
“Our firefighters do so much for our local community, coming to our aid when we are most in need and putting their own safety on the line to help others,” said Sen. Formica. “This event was a great way to see their skills firsthand and learn more about the importance of volunteer service across the state. Thank you to those who serve every day.”
The lawmakers presented an official General Assembly Citation to the Cohanzie Volunteer Fire Company #5 in recognition of the company being chosen as the 2018 State Ambassador for the “Everyday Hero CT” program, a partnership between the by the CT Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s SAFER Grant Program.
As 2018 Ambassador, Cohanzie was chosen to host Sunday’s event to raise awareness about the need for volunteer firefighter recruitment. The event featured demonstrations including car fire extinguishing, vehicle extraction using the Jaws of Life, and hands on demonstrations allowing attendees to try their hand at extinguishing fires. The demonstrations included members of the Waterford Ambulance Service and the Quaker Hill Fire Company.