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The
WVFD is not a Town agency or department but a private, non-profit
membership corporation made up entirely of volunteers. Started in
1931 by a few Town residents, contributions and personal funds
totaling $5,800 bought the Town's first fire engine, a 1934 Mack.
Known as the
"Old
Mack"
it is still running and until a few year ago was used in
interdepartmental competitions and musters. Now fully restored, the
Old Mack is driven only in the Memorial Day Parade and at special
events.

The
WVFD is made up of two "divisions," Fire Rescue and
Emergency Medical Services. Our combined membership is about 90,
with many being members of both divisions. None of our members is
paid for his/her services. Weston is one of the only towns in
Fairfield county where neither fire nor EMS is staffed (fully or
partially) with paid personnel.
All of the fire apparatus is purchased with Town funds. However both
our ambulances were purchased and equipped through donations. Much
of the other equipment has been purchased with funds that were
generously contributed by you, our friends and neighbors. Typically
the Town's budget for WVFD operations is about ½% of Weston's total
budget. The WVEMS is fully funded by voluntary contributions,
receiving no money from the Town.
During 2006 the Fire Department and EMS responded to 1,123 calls for
help, 603 and 520, respectively. We currently have two fire
stations: Norfield Headquarters or Station #1 and Lyons Plains or
Station #2.
At
the Norfield station we have two class A fire engines, one engine
dedicated to water supply that carries over a mile of five-inch
hose, and a tanker capable of carrying 2,500 gallons of water. At
the Lyons Plain station we have one class A engine. Each engine
carries hundreds of feet of hose, a variety of tools, and ground
ladders from 24 to 35 feet in length.
Our
Rescue truck carries a variety of specialty equipment from the
Jaws-of-Life to power tools to rescue ropes.
Weston's two ambulances are staffed entirely by professional EMTs,
all volunteers providing 24-hour, 7-day a week emergency services.
They are supported by a paramedic dedicated to the towns of Weston
and Wilton which share the cost. The paramedic program assures Town
residents the highest level of pre-hospital medical intervention at
all times.

From time to time our volunteers are called upon to help other fire
departments and EMS squads, as we occasionally need help from
neighboring towns. Weston is part of a multi-town mutual aid
agreement whereby we are assured additional help will be there if
needed. Going to fire and ambulance calls, though very time
consuming, is only a small part of what we do. Our members donate
countless hours testing and maintaining pumps, air packs, medical
equipment and ensuring a constant state of readiness.
Keeping skills sharp requires hours and hours of
training. Our EMT’s and Firefighters have both monthly and weekly
drills. Our entire firefighting force is state certified, Firefighter
One (130 hours training) and we have many members trained to the
Firefighter Two (160 hours). Each year we refine and practice our
skills so you can be assured of fire, rescue, and emergency medical
services that are second to none! |