TWO CALLS ON RT 8 WITHIN 15 MINUTES Friday, July 18, 2008 - At approximately 1541 hours Trumbull Center and Nichols were dispatched to the reported car fire on Route 8 Northbound just after the Penny Avenue (exit 8 ) off ramp.  While in route, Nichols Rescue 300 traveling southbound reported to Trumbull Fire Control that they were confirming a vehicle in the northbound lane “Going Good”.  Nichols Car 2 was first to arrive on scene with State PD and reported a vehicle with the engine and passenger compartment heavily involved.  Rescue 300 arrived and began suppression activities while Trumbull Center Engine 101 provided scene traffic control and assisted with the overhaul.  Trumbull Cars 3 and 4 also responded to the incident and assisted with operations.        While members were picking up from the car fire, Nichols was dispatched to another alarm on “Route 8 Northbound for the report of a box truck leaking diesel fuel”.  Trumbull Center Car 3 cleared the initial alarm and took in the reported spill with Trumbull Center Engine 101.  While in route Trumbull Fire Control received additional information stating that the spill may be from a punctured saddle tank on the vehicle.  Nichols Engine 301 and Quint 303 also responded on this alarm with 301 committing to the scene and 303 staging at the entrance ramp.  Upon arrival, Trumbull Car 3 reported a large continuous spill in the breakdown lane with a puddle located under the vehicle.  FD personnel applied speedy dry to the affected area immediately around the vehicle and the State of CT DEP was notified of the situation.  Units from both calls cleared shorty after.

NFD HOLDS PUBLIC EDUCATION CLASS AND RUNS MVA Thursday, July 17, 2008 - Today the Nichols Fire Department’s public education division presented a short show and tell to the kids attending the “Great Rescue” Bible school at Christ the Redeemer Church in our first due district.  Members of the class ranged from 5+ years old up to the counselors who were both inquisitive and curious about the job of being a firefighter.  Deputy Chief John Plofkin and FF John Sheehan put on a classroom program which was followed by a show and tell of Engine 301.  During the classroom portion of the presentation, members had to leave to answer a call reporting an MVA on Route 8 Southbound at Exit 10 for possible entrapment.  Rescue 300 staffed with 5 responded along with 301. 300 arrived to find no entrapment with a 2 car MVA. Crews assisted Trumbull EMS stabilizing 1 patient along with stabilizing both vehicles and establishing scene safety measures.  FF Sheehan and DC Plofkin returned to the school to complete the program.  Fun was had by all in attendance!!!

Public Service Message Regarding Grease Fires Thursday, July 17, 2008 - This is  a powerful message.  Watch the video and don't forget what you see. This is a dramatic video (30-second, very short) about how to deal with a common kitchen fire ... oil in a frying pan. Please read the following introduction and then watch the show. It's a real eye-opener!!   At the Fire Fighting Training school they demonstrate this with a deep fat fryer set on the fire field. An instructor dons a fire suit and, using an 8-oz cup at the end of a 10-foot pole, tosses water onto the grease fire. The results got the  attention of the students. The water, being heavier than the oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam  blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a  thirty-foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast. Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room.   Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.   Please follow link to watch the video: www.ranaldofamily.com/SWF/KitchenOilFire.wmv

Car fire on White Plains Rd Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - At approximately 0845, Trumbull Center and Nichols were dispatched to a reported car fire in the area of 516 White Plains Road.  While in route to the location, responding units were given an update of numerous calls being received by dispatch, reporting the vehicle on fire.  Nichols Car 2 arrived and reported a pick up truck on fire with the engine compartment heavily involved.  Nichols Rescue 300 arrived on scene and began stretching a 1 ¾” attack and backup line.  Trumbull Center Engine 101 arrived on scene and assisted Nichols members with deploying the handlines.  Firefighter from both Trumbull Center and Nichols worked together to attack the fire, which was knocked down on less than 5 minutes.  Units remained on scene for approximately 45 minutes completing overhaul and assisting with removal of the truck.  Prior to the arrival of FD personnel, Trumbull PD attempted to suppress the flames with extinguishers, but was unsuccessful.

NFD Holds Class at the High School Sunday, June 15, 2008 - Nichols FD members were asked to present a 40 minute class room presentation on how mathematics applies to real world jobs.  Two of the departments members presented a power point which taught students how mathematics applies to firefighting and rescue situations such as; Pump discharge pressures, reaction force, breakover point of fire streams, mechanical advantages as applied to lifting in confined spaces and many other areas.  The formal classroom was followed up with a day of hands on training where students participated in assisting firefighters with; holding hand lines and realizing what reaction force was.  Students were able to hold a 1" trash line and then moved up to a 1 3/4" attack line.  They were also shown breakover point of streams and how gravity affects the water after it comes out of the hose.  They were also taught about friction loss and how it relates to pump pressures and gallons per minute.  Fun was had by all, but the main point of the class was to see how math applies to our service.  Thank you THS students for having us and we look forward to next years program!!!!

Fairfield County Haz Mat Drill Thursday, June 12, 2008 - Fairfield County Haz mat Tech Bruce Kelly brought the new response vehicle to the NFD for a night of show and tell coupled with the basics of decon which our members would be asked to perform.  Members dressed up in level A clothing and a mock decontamination was held in order to show newer members the roles they would play in a hazardous materials release.  As always John "Ironman" Sheehan was the first to jump in a suit and dressed up for the practical session along with FF Blake Petty.  Members also had an opportunity to look over the vehicle to see what resources the team carries on board.  The department would like to thank Bruce Kelly for taking the time to show us FCHM's wares.

MOCK EXTRICATION AT ST. JOSEPHS HIGH SCHOOL Monday, May 5, 2008 - At 0830 hours this morning the NFD took part in an annual tradition with the local High Schools as they enter into prom season. The NFD was asked to host a mock extrication with assistance from Trumbull EMS, Trumbull PD and the St Josephs High School drama club. Cars were arranged to show students what a head on collision would look like as the result of a drunk driver. Crews took part in removing roofs and doors as EMS provided patient care and PD performed field sobriety tests and arrested the responsible party. Hopefully the event will help the students in making the right decisions while still being able to have fun.

LARGE BRUSH FIRE AT AVALON GATES Saturday, March 22, 2008 - At 1542 Trumbull Center was dispatched to Avalon Gates for the brush fire. As Trumbull Center engine 102 was responding, multiple 911 calls reported a large fire which was getting close to building 9. 102 was advised and requested both Nichols and Long Hill as mutual aid. First units on scene reported a large brush fire working its way up a hillside approx 200 ft x 300 ft in size. Command (Long Hill car 4) requested additional engines to attack the fire from various locations. Quint 303 arrived second setting up the ladder for a master stream operation. Quint 303, Squad 209 and Engine 102 worked together to knock down the bulk of the fire as all units worked to hit hot spots and perform overhaul. Units worked for just over 2 hours with the last unit clearing at 1752 hours. Units on scene included; 102, 107, car 4 (Trumbull Center); 301, 303, cars 2 and 4 (Nichols); 205,209 cars 1, 2, and 4 (Long Hill)

NICHOLS ANNUAL EASTER PARTY Saturday, March 22, 2008 - Around 1100 this morning, the members of the NFD along with there families gathered at station 1 for the annual Easter party. Firefighter Charlie Gillespie ran the party with many events, games and prizes to fill the day along with a visit from the easter bunny. Kids and parents alike were invited to takes place in egg hunts, sack races, egg coloring, face mask painting, and creating their own easter baskets. Members and their families all had a great time as the main egg hunt included around 1200 eggs. A special tanks to firefighter Gillespie for all his time and hard work.

ENGINE PROVIDES COVERAGE TO SHELTON Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - At 1450, Nichols was dispatched to the town of Shelton to stand by at Huntington Company 3 while units worked at a house fire. 301 and car 2 responded with 5 volunteers. Units stood by until 1624 without and additional incident.

ROUTE 25 ROLLOVER Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - At 1014, Nichols was dispatched to RT 25 northbound between exits 7 and 9 for the MVA rollover. Within minutes Ct State Police arrived to find a single car off into the woods confirming extrication which added Trumbull Center to the assignment. 300, 303 and car 2 responded with 10 volunteers. Nichols car 2 arrived to find a car approx. 50 feet into the woods. EMS and State Police were able to remove the victim and provided patient care as 300s crew worked to clear trees and brush along with disconnecting the battery. Units cleared within one hour.

ST PATRICKS DINNER MAKES A COMEBACK Saturday, March 15, 2008 - After a few years off, the members and their families of the NFD took part in a St. Patricks dinner at station 1. Everyone enjoyed a great corned beef dinner and great Irish music. As always a special thanks to one the the NFDs newest members Larry Cavanaugh for running his first event and doing a great job.

SHELTON RD MVA Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - At 0150 hours, Nichols was dispatched to Shelton Rd and North St for the MVA possible car fire. 300, 301, 303, cars 2 and 4 responded with 15 volunteers. Car 4 arrived to find a single car MVA with all occupants out of the car and the smoke was due to the airbag deployment. Car 4 held Rescue 300 to await the removal of the car as units returned to service within 30 minutes.

ROUTE 8 MVA Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - At 1104 hours, Nichols was dispatched to RT 8 Northbound prior to exit 9 for the MVA. 300, 303 and car 1 responded with 8 volunteers. Car 1 arrived to find a 2 car MVA with one car having extensive front end damage. Car 1 held 300 to secure all hazards and apply speedy dry to the fluid spill as all units returned to service in under 30 minutes.

TRUCK GOES RIT TO TRUMBULL CENTER HOUSE FIRE Sunday, February 17, 2008 - At 0904 hours, Trumbull Center was dispatched to MacArthur Rd for the chimney fire. Tc car 4 arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the roof and requested Long Hill and Nichols as RIT for the structure fire. 304 responded with 4 volunteers. Crews from 101 (TC) and 205 (LH) went to work on the fire in the attic as well as the remaining fire in the chimney. 304's crew was split as one crew remained RIT and the second advanced an attack line to the first floor opening up walls and ceilings checking for extension. At 0927, command (TC car 2) requested more man power bringing in 301, 303, cars 2, 3 and 4 with 16 volunteers. 303's crew was split with one assigned to RIT and the second assigned to throwing ladders. 301 was relocated to Trumbull Center station 1 for coverage with Bridgeport ladder 10. The incident was placed under control at 1014 and all Nichols units returned to service at 1115. Units operating included engines 101, 103, 205, 206, 209, 301; ladders 104, 303; truck 304; rescue 100; service 107; cars 1, 2 & 4 from TC, cars 2 & 4 from LH, along with cars 2, 3 & 4 from Nichols. Out of town coverage included engine 101 from Stepney, Engine 32 from Huntington, and Ladder 10 from Bridgeport.