Recent News
July 26, 2008- Members of Belltown relocated with Engine 41 to Turn of River Station 1 for a standby from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am the following morning due to Turn of River’s Annual Dinner. During this time additional Belltown crews continued to man Belltown’s own station. The standby was unusually uneventful for such a busy volunteer district, with Engine 41 only responding to a single late night medical call. During the early evening the crew manning Belltown’s station responded with Rescue 44 to a lockout call.
July 19, 2008- Belltown Volunteer Firefighters had a busy 24 hours. What started with a late night standby for a multiple alarm fire in Stamford’s fire district brought 14 members to the station. During this standby Engine 41 responded first due to a downtown nursing home for an odor of smoke investigation. The morning became allot more routine with an early morning residential fire alarm that was investigated by Engine 41 & Rescue 44 and was determined to be unintentional.
The afternoon brought a heavier than normal call volume starting with a Mutual Aid response to a Commercial Fire Alarm in Springdale’s fire district. This was not a call that Belltown normally responds on and while Engine 41 was on scene, Tower Ladder 45 was sent mutual aid into Stamford’s fire district to assist Rescue 1 with a stuck occupied elevator in a downtown office building. As Engine 41 was clearing from the Springdale box alarm, they heard second and third due units being sent into Springdale for a Brush Fire with possible structural exposures, realizing they were closer Car 411 (Acting Chief Alessi) asked fire dispatch if they were needed and was assigned to the incident.
The evening brought a lengthy medical incident at a local school. Members had been providing a fire watch standby all day at the school for a large religious event. The weather was very hot both inside and outside the building. In the after noon we had a medical call for a woman feeling sick. Engine 41 responded with Stamford EMS to assist Utility 40 that was already on scene. This minor incident was a sign of things to come. Two hours later Rescue 44, Engine 41, Car 411 (Acting Chief Alessi) & Car 412 (Acting Assistant Chief N. Didelot) responded for multiple patients with similar symptoms. This incident also included Medic 3, Medic 4, and Medic Supervisor 901 from Stamford EMS and an ambulance from Access Ambulance Service to the scene, as well as Deputy Fire Marshal 109 from Stamford Fire Rescue Department, a Zone Sergeant from the Stamford Police Department and an Inspector for the Stamford Health Department. After all patients had been either treated or transported Rescue 44 & Utility 40 remained on scene for the duration of the event.
July 14, 2008- Engine 41 responded mutual aid into Turn of River’s fire district for a reported unconscious female in a restaurant. This is not a call that Belltown normally responds to but Engine 41 arrived first and found the female patient in Cardiac Arrest. Engine 41’s crew started CPR and used our AED to defibrillate the patient. Working with Medic 4 from Stamford EMS, Engine 5 from Stamford Fire Rescue Department and Rescue 66 from Turn of River, treatment continued. By the time the patient was transported she was breathing and had a pulse. This incident showed how rapid response, team work and solid training lead to a positive outcome for the patient.
July 14, 2008- The Officer's and Members congratulate our six newest members for successfully passing the written portion of the CT Firefighter I exam. 100% pass rate for the entire class. Congratulations again to all students on receiving their Connecticut State Firefighter I Certification.
July 12, 2008- Belltown’s Bi-Annual Block Party was held today from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. This traditional event is always a good way to meet the public and share in a celebration with our neighborhood residents. This year’s event featured food, games, and the ever popular Fire Engine rides on our beloved 1949 Mack L95 pumper, Engine 433. Entertainment included a DJ, and live music from the bands Summer Lost & Free Ride. Our members worked hard the week before the Block party getting everything ready and started our day at 9:00 am the day of the Block Party. Belltown also had an important visit from Stamford's own Congressman Christopher Shays, who donned a Belltown Block Party T-Shirt and joind our members and their families in the food booth making Pizza Fritta. During the early part of the event Engine 41 & Rescue 44 responded on four incidents in two hours, including a Cardiac Arrest call with a patient we knew all to well.
July 12, 2008- It is with profound sadness that all the members of the Belltown Volunteer Fire Department join together in extending our most sincere condolences to the family of neighborhood resident and Retired Stamford Firefighter John DeMaio. Father of Norwalk Hospital & Stamford EMS Paramedic John DeMaio Jr. Many of our members knew “Jonny D” only in his retirement as he delivered flowers and balloons to almost any event we had. John and his wife lived in the district for over 40 years and although John was never a member of Belltown himself, he was always a friend and was willing to help with anything we needed. John DeMaio was a true example of our motto “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” and will be sorely missed by all.
July 10, 2008- Answering the Bell- Belltown Fire celebrates a big birthday (with timeline) On saturday evening in April of 1928, 16 Stamford residents gathered at the home of Frank F. Viet on Leonard Street to discuss the creation of a volunteer fire department to serve the Belltown area. Eighty years later that department has remained true to its roots. Click here to read full story.
June 24, 2008- The Officer's and Members congratulate our seven newest members for successfully passing their Medical Response Technician (MRT) Course and Healthcare Provider Certification through the American Heart Association which certifies our members in CPR and Automated External Defibrillator. (AED) Special Thanks to Turn of River Volunteer Fire Department for hosting these certifications and to the lead Instructor John Palazza.
June 21, 2008- The Officer's and Members congratulate our six newest members for successfully passing their State Certified Firefighter I Practical Examination. Special thanks to our instructors who spent countless hours teaching the course. Good Luck on the written exam!
April 25, 2008- It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of sadness that Chief John Didelot announces the passing of Veteran Firefighter Gary Remling, son of Past Chief Daniel Remling and father of Associate Member Nicole Remling.
On behalf of the Officers and Members of the Belltown Fire Department Chief Didelot has the sad but honorable duty of conveying our deep sadness and extending our most heartfelt condolences to the Remling Family, during this time of loss. Firefighter Remling served the Belltown Fire Department for close to 40 years, joining on December 10, 1968. He served in several the positions including Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Fire Marshal. Click here to see the memorial page.
April 15, 2008- At 2:32PM Belltown units were dispatched to the intersection of Newfield Avenue and Case Road for a motor vehicle accident, with one vehicle possibly on fire. Volunteers responded on board Engine 41 and discovered a two vehicle accident with heavy fire in the engine compartment of one vehicle. 41 crew quickly determined that all occupants had exited the vehicles, and went to work on the fire with an 1-3/4 handline. SEMS Medic Three arrived and began assisting one patient who had sustained minor injuries. Volunteers applied speedy dry to several fluid leaks before clearing the scene approximately 30 minutes later.
April 7th 2008- At approximately 4:42pm Belltown Tower Ladder 45 was dispatched to 225 Eden Road for a structure fire reported by a Darien Volunteer Firefighter. While Tower Ladder 45 was en route with a five man crew Belltown was dispatched to respond with an additional crew to the fire. Rescue 44 responded with the additional crew. Tower Ladder 45 crew conducted a primary search and assisted with the removal of the pet birds from the house while Rescue 44 crew ventilated. Additional members responded to the station to cover the district. A total of 17 volunteer responded.
March 23, 2008- At 2:46pm 17 volunteers left their families during Easter dinner to respond to a structure fire at 76 Mill Road in the Long Ridge Fire District. Belltown’s Tower Ladder 45 responded with a six man crew and was on scene at 2:53pm. Tower Ladder 45 conducted a primary search, assisted with extinguishment on the 2nd floor, and overhauled the 1st and 2nd floor. An additional 11 members were at the station to staff Engine 41, Engine 42, and Rescue 44 in the event of another incident.
February 27, 2008- At approximately 11:45pm Belltown Engine 41 responded with a 4 man crew to 21 Burdick Street for a Medical Emergency. As they were clearing from the medical Belltown units were dispatched to 40 Lenox Ave in Glenbrook for a house fire. Engine 41 returned to the station and joined with other volunteers who had covered the station during the first incident to respond as a 6 man crew in Tower Ladder 45. Belltown volunteers arrived on the scene and assisted Glenbrook Fire Department with generator power and lighting so that crews operated under a well lit area while pulling siding from the house. An additional 12 volunteers staffed Engine 41 and Rescue 44 until Tower Ladder 45 returned. A total of 18 volunteers responded to this incident.
February 27, 2008- Belltown held the Fairfield County Chiefs Meeting in the department’s hall tonight. Volunteer Chiefs across Fairfield County met with Belltown Volunteers and the Department of Environmental Protection. (DEP) DEP presented a general over view of their organization and the extensive services they can provide to first responders in the field.
February 16, 2008- At approximately 11:30pm Belltown volunteers were alerted for a possible chimney fire at 138 Oaklawn Ave. Rescue 44 crew arrived on the scene and found smoke filling the area. Crews found a wood burning stove to be operating satisfactory and checked the immediate area with the thermal imaging camera. Car 411, Engine 42, Tower Ladder 45 responded to the scene while additional volunteers covered the rest of the district with Engine 41. A total of 19 volunteers responded to this incident.
February 2, 2008- At approximately 230 AM Belltown units were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident near the bend on Toms Road, 911 calls indicated a car had struck a tree at that location. Rescue 44 responded and found a 2005 BMW had run off the road at a high rate of speed and struck a tree head on. All occupants had self extricated, and one patient was already under the care of SEMS Medic Three. Belltown members assisted EMS with placing the patient into the ambulance, and checked for further hazards. Rescue 44 stood by until the vehicle was towed while additional manpower covered the station.
January 24, 2008- A two alarm fire in the Stamford Fire District brought Belltown volunteers to the firehouse for station coverage. Soon after members assembled Truck 45 was dispatched mutual aid to the Glenbrook Fire District for a fire alarm activation at Glenbrook Industrial Park. 45 was quickly cleared from that assignment and returned to quarters. Around 1030 Belltown units were dispatched to a reported oven fire on Belltown Road. Volunteers responded on board Engine 41, Truck 45, Rescue 44, and Engine 42. Car 411 assumed command and companies determined the smoke seen by the homeowner had been caused by grease buildup.
January 2, 2008- The new year brought big changes to Belltown as the department transitioned from a combination of paid and volunteer firefighters, to all volunteer. Belltown members were quickly put to work with two simultaneous calls. While enroute to a fire alarm activation in the Turn of River Fire District Belltown was toned for a possible structure fire on Toms Road. With Engine 41 currently out of service for repairs Truck 45 responded first due and was met by Car 411 and home responding firefighters. Engine 42 was released quickly from the Turn of River call and responded as well. All units were cleared when it was determined that the smoke in the residence was caused by an oil burner backfire. Later in the day Belltown members responded on board Truck 45 to a fire alarm activation in the Glenbrook Fire District which was caused by overcooked food.
December 28, 2007- While Stamford Fire and Rescue units were operating at a 2 alarm structure fire Engine 42 was dispatched along with SFRD Station 3 to an activated fire alarm at 66 Glenbrook Road in the Stamford Fire District. While Engine 42 was operating at that incident, Truck 45 was requested to relocate to the Central Fire Station for coverage. Belltown members assembled an additional crew and relocated the tower ladder. On arrival at headquarters 45 was dispatched to fill out the assignment at 66 Glenbrook Road after a small fire was discovered. Belltown units assisted with salvage operations, due to extensive water damage from the buildings sprinkler system, before returning to quarters.
December 4, 2007- Belltown responds to two fires in one day. At approximately 10:30 am Turn of River Fire Department was dispatched to a reported working house fire. Fire dispatch quickly relayed to Engine 62 that they were receiving multiple calls. Fire Marshal 610 arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire, requesting Tower Ladder 45 from Belltown. Chief 411 responded along with Tower Ladder 45 to a fire that was complicated by high winds and a long distance to the nearest Hydrant, requiring tankers from Long Ridge and Turn of River. Tower Ladder 45’s crew began to vent the roof before it became untenable. After the fire was extinguished Support Unit 40 responded with manpower to assist in equipment retrieval and clean up.
While Units were operating out of district on this fire, other members responded to the Belltown firehouse and staffed Engine 42 and Rescue 44. During this time Engine 42 responded first due along with Engine 52 from Springdale into Turn of River for a reported Natural Gas Leak in an occupied strip mall. After returning from that call Engine 42 was again called into Turn of River for a Medical call at an office building.
At approximately 5:30 pm that night as members were preparing for the weeks regular drill they were alerted to a possible house fire in the Belltown District. Engine 42, Tower Ladder 45, Rescue 44 and Chief 411 responded. First arriving units found the house charged with smoke from a fire in a wood pile next to the wood burning stove inside of a single family residence. A resident on scene had prevented further fire spread by pouring water on the wood pile. Firefighters removed the remaining burning material, checked for fire extension and ventilated the house with fans. Once the fire was fully out, members returned to the firehouse for regularly scheduled training.
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