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The Parade Squad,  led by LT Detuzzi brought home the “best appearing apparatus ” trophy at the Bridgewater Parade held August 18, 2023. MANY members spent hours scrubbing, polishing and waxing even during the actual parade just prior to the “judging station”. This exercise encourages members to participate in “extra’ activities that spawns comradery and pride inthe Nichols Fire Department. Congrats to all! 

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The CT Fire Academy in collaboration with the UCONN Fire Department and Residential Life has developed a Lithium-ion battery PSA. This PSA focuses on the pressing national concern surrounding Lithium-ion batteries. In 2021, New York City alone witnessed the alarming response to 104 fires ignited by these batteries, causing 79 injuries and tragically claiming the lives of four individuals.  Together, we can raise awareness and promote safer practices regarding Lithium-ion batteries. Stay informed, stay safe!

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Brian-Theresa-crop

On Thursday April 27, 2023, two of our NFD Probationary firefighters graduated from the 2023 Spring Firefighter 1 Class and became certified firefighters. We take this opportunity to congratulate Firefighter Theresa DeCesare and Firefighter Brian Carrafiello (both shown in the center of the picture). Additionally, Brian received the “Instructors Choice Award” (right) out of the Class of ’23 candidates.

We are all NFD proud!

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Arriving in style on NFD’s Pierce 107 foot ladder truck. Santa looks like he’s reaching for the moon.

Santa by the NIA
Christmas tree.

The NFD delivered the big guy to the NIA Christmas tree lighting ceremony bringing smiles to all. Here he is with Commissioner Patrick Freyer.

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Nichols Fire Department welcomes young and old at their Annual Open House on October 16, 2022

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On May 10, 2022, 5 NFD members received award citations for their part in Case # 979 that took place on November 6, 2021.
The case involved a head on motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Members of NFD, Trumbull Center Fire Department, Trumbull Police and Trumbull EMS worked together and
helped save lives.

Recipients were:
LT Jason Demanche
FF Scott Detuzzi
FF Devin Brainard
FF Paul Lagerfelt
FF Mike Provanzano

Congratulations! You make us proud!

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Popcorn Toss Banner
The Nichols Fire Department will be hosting its first popcorn ball toss this year! Members will be driving fire apparatus throughout select routes in the district and tossing popcorn balls out to help spread holiday cheer! Unwrapped toys and gift cards are being accepted during the toss and will benefit Trumbull Social Services and The Bridgeport FD Toy Drive.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/415022523614438 for more information,

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On Saturday December 4, 2021 members of the Nichols Fire Department and the Nichols Fire Commission participated in the Jingle Bell run to raise awareness of the constant need for new members for this volunteer organization. Department members donned their turn out gear and SCBA ( breathing apparatus packs) adding 60 pounds to the challenge.

7 started and 7 finished.

Congrats to all and thank you for your service!

Commissioner Patrick Freyer

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Early this morning at approximately 02:50 Nichols and Trumbull Center Fire Departments were alerted to reports of a single car rollover with entrapment. Upon arrival Rescue 300 noted a single pickup truck style vehicle on its drivers side with the occupant still inside. Crews quickly stabilized the vehicle using cribbing, rescue struts, and a “tie back” device. They then worked to remove the roof of the vehicle to extricate the patient. The patient was then turned into the hands of Trumbull EMS. Units were clear within 50 minutes.

The Nichols Fire Department has recently seen a very large increase of motor vehicle accidents, including some that are very serious. We would like to remind everyone to always wear your seatbelts when in a moving vehicle, and to always maintain the posted speed limits.

Trumbull Emergency Medical Services (TEMS)

Trumbull Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1, Inc.

At approximately 22:55 hours on Friday evening, Nichols Fire Department along with Trumbull Center and Long Hill were called to the Marriott Hotel on Hawley Lane for a commercial fire alarm activation, reporting a pull station activation. Engine 301 arrived on scene within 6 minutes of the dispatch and began their investigation. Upon entering the building they were informed by maintenance of a possible smoke condition in a 5th floor room. On their way to the 5th floor they were updated further that there was a bed possibly on fire in the room. In the room 301’s crew found smoke condition along with a moderately burned mattress and sheets that were extinguished prior to their arrival. Crews worked to remove the smoke from the building and ensured the fire was fully extinguished. Crews remained on scene for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes assisting the fire marshals office with the investigation.

Trumbull Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1, Inc.

Long Hill Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Inc

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Commissioner Patrick Freyer swears in Chris Briganti as a Senior Firefighter at the October 5th Fire Department monthly meeting.

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Commissioner Freyer                  Chris Briganti

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During ‘Career Week’ at the NIA’s Camp Starkweather, The Nichols Fire Department brought Ladder 304 to invite some of the kids to ‘Touch A Truck’ on July 14, 2021.

Six groups of children ranging in age from 4 to 11 had a chance to get familiar with a fire truck. Assistant Chief Ryan McEnaney, Captain Joe Clark, Firefighter Dan Hannan along with Commissioner Patrick Freyer were at the ready to answer all types of questions and solve all kinds of problems.

A fun time was had by all!

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Nichols Fire Department honors
Barbara Plofkin for 21 years as a Commissioner and 9 years as District Treasurer.

A Proclamation was read by First Selectman Vicki Tesoro which makes June 30, 2021 Barbara Plofkin Day.


Barbara Plofkin                  Vicki Tesoro

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Members of the Nichols Fire Department were dodging the raindrops
at the Memorial Day Flag Ceremony at the NIA, Sunday May 30, 2021.

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Former Nichols Chief, John Plofkin goes through some of the points of Basic Hose Operation with some of the new volunteers on April 8, 2021.

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TRUMBULL, Conn.—The Nichols Fire Department has received a $2,997 fire prevention grant from FM Global, a major commercial property insurer.

FM Global representative Michael Spaziani notified Nichols Fire Chief Andrew Kingsbury that their grant application was selected among a pool of hundreds of applications received.  The award will be used to assist with pre-fire planning activities in an effort to efficiently collect and track data related to local community buildings.  The information will help first responders by displaying mapping and data when responding to an emergency situation.

Because fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide, during the past 40 years FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service organizations around the globe. Locally, the company has awarded grants to a number of Connecticut-based organizations.

“At FM Global, we strongly believe the majority of property damage is preventable, not inevitable,” said Michael Spaziani, assistant vice president – manager of the fire prevention grant program. “Far too often, inadequate budgets prevent those organizations working to prevent fire from being as proactive as they would like to be. With additional financial support, grant recipients are actively helping to improve property risk in the communities they serve.”

Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants to fire departments that best demonstrate a need for funding, where dollars can have the most impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause.

Andrew Kingsbury
Raymond Franko

TRUMBULL, Conn.—The Nichols Fire Department announced on December 31st, 2020 that Fire Chief Andrew Kingsbury will be stepping down as Chief, and that Assistant Fire Chief Raymond Franko will be taking over the reins in January.  Deputy Chief John DelVento will remain as Deputy Chief and assist Chief Franko in the transition.

“I am proud of the accomplishments we have been able to achieve as a department” Kingsbury said. “The fleet was in pretty rough shape when I took over.  We have been able to replace our Aerial Ladder and Squad, complete a much needed training facility behind Fire Headquarters, and expand our bays at the Booth Hill Road station.  We are also ushering in a state of the art radio system.”  

“Asst Chief Franko does have a few challenges in front of him still” stated Kingsbury. “Our Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus need to be replaced in 2021, and we still have a front line pumper that will be 40 years old, that needs to be replaced as well.  I am confident that Chief Franko and his staff will be able to accomplish those goals and much more”.  

Chief Kingsbury has been Fire Chief in Nichols for the last 4 years, prior to that he was Fire Chief in Westport for 6 years where he spent 30 years as a career firefighter.  Like Kingsbury, Chief Franko has been in numerous leadership roles within the Nichols Fire Department, serving in most positions, he started with the department in 1986.  Chief Franko’s father was also a firefighter in Nichols, serving as a Lieutenant with the department. 

Fire Commission Chairman Patrick Freyer plans to swear-in Chief Franko during next Tuesday’s monthly meeting January 5th, 2021. “I am glad Asst. Chief Franko has accepted the challenge and I echo Chief Kingsbury’s confidence in his leadership. Chief Kingsbury looks forward to having some free time “ the Commissioner exclaimed. “I have a lot of home improvement projects to get caught up on” Kingsbury added. He will continue his duties as Deputy Emergency Management Director for the Town of Trumbull and teaching as an adjunct instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy.

-- We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season
and a wonderful, prosperous New Year!! --
Picture taken December 23rd, 2020

Pictured presenting the check in the contributed
photo to Major Longcoy of the Salvation Army
is Past Chief of Department Douglas Doyle.

On December 21st, 2020 the Nichols Fire Department from Trumbull, Connecticut presented Major Katharine Longcoy of the Bridgeport Salvation Army a check for $2013.50.  The Nichols Fire Department has been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army the weekend before Christmas for nearly fifty years. 

Regrettably, this year the department was unable to man the kettles due to COVID-19 concerns.  Knowing the need would be greater than ever this year, Nichols Firefighters rose to the challenge and raised the funds through member donations.

Fire in a fryolator at McDonalds, fire was contained to the unit and hood/duct system. Units checked for extension and let the building naturally ventilate. As we approach the Holiday season the NFD would like to remind all residents to evacuate any building in case of a fire and immediately dial 911, and always having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Here is the NFD’s new Squad 309, a 2020 Pierce Enforcer
Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper.

Some Squad 309 Specs

  • 1500 GPM Pump
  • 750 gallon Water Tank 
  • 20 gallon Foam Tank 
  • Cummins Diesel 450 hp L9 Engine
  • Ground Ladders
  • Hard Suction
  • Full Complement of Hose
  • Hurst eDraulic Extrication Equipment

Thursday evening Nichols firefighter’s drilled on simulated building fires with trapped occupants.  Firefighters had to force entry and stretch handlines to a 2nd floor fire while searching for victims along the way.   This is the third week in a series of evolutions utilizing our training facility in increasingly difficult scenarios, this week’s curve ball was restricted access to the front of the building for apparatus and firefighting.  The training also allowed our firefighters to utilize the new townwide radio system under stressful conditions.  Firefighters performed exceptionally well as they continue to hone their skills and “Move with a Purpose”.

The Nichols Fire Department with assistance from the Stratford Fire Department responded to a 3 car MVA w/ rollover at exit 51 on Rte 15 SB in Trumbull this afternoon. One patient was transported to an area hospital by Trumbull EMS. The Nichols Fire department reminds all motorists to buckle up , seat belts save lives.

Today the Nichols FD participated in the inaugural 1st Responder Kayak Race sponsored by U.S. Veteran’s Rowing & Kayaking at Pinewood Lake.  The U.S. Veteran’s have been kayaking at Pinewood Lake for the last 5 years and wanted to give back to the community with this inaugural event.  The Nichols team finished a strong 3rd behind Trumbull EMS who clinched 2nd with a late pass, Pinewood Lake Lifeguards took the win at this  camaraderie filled event.  We are all looking forward to next year’s event. 

At approximately 10:02 this morning units were dispatched to a reported rollover in the area of exit 7 of Rt. 8 Southbound. First arriving unit Rescue 300 found a single vehicle on its side with a single patient already outside of the vehicle. Members were quick to stabilize the vehicle while Trumbull EMS provided care to the patient. Crews from Squad 309 and Truck 304 also assisted at the incident. Units were cleared from the scene within 1 hour.
 

This weekend marks the third weekend in a row where Nichols units have responded to serious motor vehicle accidents. We would like to remind everyone to drive safely and always wear your seat belt.

On the morning of September 15th, the Nichols Fire Department responded to Merritt Blvd in the Corporate Park for a natural gas leak.

Crew working in front of St Vincent’s Special Needs had severed a natural gas main with a backhoe. Fire Personnel metered the area and adjacent buildings and awaited the arrival of Southern Connecticut Gas Co. The gas company was quickly able to clamp the leak.

The Nichols Fire Department cautions all to be very careful while digging and trenching, and to always be sure they utilize Call-Before-You-Dig before commencing any work.

 

On the morning of
September 11, 2020 the
Nichols Fire Department
paid their respects to the all the emergency workers that gave their lives on September 11, 2001.

At 0809 this morning Nichols FD along with Trumbull Center FD were dispatched to a 2 car MVA on Rte 8 SB at Exit 10.  R-300 assisted with patient removal from one vehicle while R-100 and Nichols Car-1 attended to the second vehicle.  Three patients were transported by Trumbull EMS, the CSP along with TPD also responded.  Last FD unit cleared at 0901 hours.

Members of the Nichols Fire Department practiced drafting and master stream operations at Pinewood Lake on a beautiful Thursday evening, face masks in place of course!

“The Nichols Fire Department thanks all those who helped us memorialize this country’s bravest.”

Notice from the Fire Marshal

Per the order of the Trumbull Fire Marshals’ Office, there is a burn ban in effect. This also goes for any standing burn permits that have been issued. Once the ban has been lifted, everyone will be notified by the Fire Marshals’ Office!

Remember, please stay home and stay safe!

We Need Your Help!

Do your part to stop the spread of the Caronavirus and help flatten the curve.

– Wash your Hands
– Disinfect Frequently
– Don’t Touch your Eyes, Nose & Mouth
– Practices Social Distancing
– Stay home if your sick

A Nichols Fire Dept Snow Call

Share a unique experience by riding with Car #1 to a call in the snow.
January 18, 2020

NIA Bonfire 2019

On December 22, 2019, the NIA Bonfire was supervised by the Nichols Fire Department and the results were spectacular!

-- Station 1 never looked better for the holidays!! --
Picture taken Christmas Eve 2019

-- ATTENTION --

NICHOLS FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Even though it doesn’t say so in our title, the Nichols Fire Department is a volunteer organization, and it needs your support. Please take the time to view our recruitment video and see for yourself. Why not be part of a proud team, learn new skills and be an asset to your community, as well! 

C’mon, now is the time!