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FHFD | Chief's Message
2010
Fair Haven Chiefs
2010
Fair Haven Fire Chiefs
Chief Jim Cerruti
Deputy Wade Davis
1st Assistant Bill Heath
2nd Assistant Derek DeBree
Fire Chiefs (from l to r): Jim Cerruti, Wade Davis, Bill Heath, Derek DeBree
Chief's Message
When I attended my first firefighting class in
1982, the instructor asked us, “How did the
Great Chicago Fire of 1871 begin?” We, of course,
replied with the story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow and the
lantern (a story made up by a newspaper reporter).
Our instructor countered with an emphatic 'no' and
went on to say "that fire started with flame about this
big", as he held up his hand with a 1/4 inch gap between
his thumb and index finger.
This is a lesson I have not forgotten, nor should our
town’s residents. Every fire starts the same way, with
a small flame. The real story behind fires is how they
could have been prevented. That is why every October,
members of our all volunteer Fire Department
spend many hours educating over 900 students from
Pre-K to fifth grade on how to prevent fires and what
to do in the event of a fire. By the time they reach 5th
grade, most students, perhaps, are tired of hearing "Get Out, Stay Out". But they sure remember this lesson.
Indeed, fire prevention is a topic not limited to kids.
It is always striking to me that when we give firehouse
tours for youth groups in town, kids are much
more comfortable talking about fire emergencies than
the adults on the tour. I ask the kids what they
would do if a smoke detector goes off and where is
the meeting spot outside the home where the family
will gather. Many of the parents get uneasy at this
point because they know they don't have an emergency
plan. Take the time to sit with your family
and talk about fire safety. Know two ways out of
your home. For example will you meet under the
tree in the front yard or by the mailbox at the end of
the driveway.? Pick a spot and make sure the kids
remember. Practice exiting your home. The first
question from a responder will be "is everybody
out?" Our primary mission is to protect life; property
is secondary.
Here’s how you can help us help you:
- Make sure your house number is big enough for
us to see from the street and well illuminated.
- Trim back bushes and trees from fire hydrants
and gas meters.
- Make sure your home carbon monoxide detector
has a current sensor.
- Change the batteries in your smoke alarms
twice per year.
- Keep hydrants clear of snow during the winter.
- Get your chimney cleaned.
- Clear a path in your basement to the electrical
panel, furnace and hot water heater.
- Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
- Use flashlights instead of candles during power
outages.
- Give as much information to the 911 operator as
you can in medical or fire emergencies.
The real story is about fire prevention, but be assured,
we will be there when you need us. Each Fair
Haven volunteer firefighter, first aider, and fire police
member spends countless hours in training and
equipment maintenance. I am privileged to be part
of such a dedicated group of people that give so
much back to the community. Enjoy the remainder
of the summer and stay safe. Remember, it
starts with a flame about this big.
-Fire Chief Jim Cerruti |
