Ridgefield Professional Firefighters look back on 2014: In January, new firefighters Steve Kindschi and Matt Bannon were sworn in after putting themselves through the Connecticut Fire Academy and successfully passing their probationary period. In the spring, Ridgefield firefighters again played in a charity hockey tournament against Danbury Fire. Final score: Danbury 6, Ridgefield 3. Over $2700 was raised to assist a young woman who needed a service dog. In March FF/Paramedic Guy Miglinas was appointed Deputy Fire Marshall after completing an extensive training program at the Connecticut Fire Academy. In May Firefighter and Paramedic Michael Trenck was awarded Ridgefield Fire Department’s EMS Responder of the Year at Danbury Hospital Also in May, Lt. Rom Duckworth received the Christopher Blackwell Dedication to Service Award at Danbury Hospital. The award is named for a firefighter-paramedic who worked at RFD as a contract paramedic and for the Fire Department of New York and died responding to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. In June, Kevin Tappe was promoted to Chief of Department and Jerry Myers was promoted to Assistant Chief. In July, the department evaluated new thermal imaging cameras to replace the old bulky outdated units we had. A new, lighter, faster, user-friendlier unit was chosen and put into service. Also put into service during this year were portable battery powered hydraulic tools from Hurst. In August, Local 1739 again sponsored Road Hogs for Josh, a motorcycle ride charity which helps children who suffer from neurological disorders. The Joshua Foundation raises funds through various kinds of activities to provide medical care, equipment or other items that will improve the quality of life and would otherwise be unavailable. In September, Local 1739 again held its annual charity golf tournament at Richter Park in Danbury. This tournament raises money for our charitable fund, which is used to aid many local causes such as helping disabled and terminally ill children, the homebound elderly and others in need. Beneficiaries have included individuals and organizations such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Ridgefield Social Services, the Joshua Foundation and the Are You OK? Program. In fall of 2014, FF/Paramedic Michael Trenck was promoted to the position of EMS coordinator. During October, Local 1739 again ran its Cause for a Cure T-shirt sale. We sold dozens of pink T-shirts to raise funds for breast cancer research. Also in October, Ridgefield Professional Firefighters and friends teed off in a charity golf event to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation at Centennial Golf Course. Also in October, Firefighter Ryan Eckhoff was selected 2014 Firefighter of the Year for the Ridgefield Fire Dept. The Exchange Club of Ridgefield sponsors this award along with awards. In November, two more members were promoted in rank. Rommie Duckworth was promoted to Captain, and Tony Cerulli was promoted to Lieutenant. In December, RVFD volunteer firefighter Jack Bonner completed the Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program and was hired by the Ridgefield Fire Department as a career firefighter. On two weekends in December, Local 1739 again ran its Santa Claus charity event, where Santa Claus arrives on a fire engine with his elves, delivering gifts to kids in Ridgefield. Over the last five years this charity has raised over $50,000 for local causes. We look forward to many more positive achievements in 2015!
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:33:35 +0000
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