Archives

On Jan 7, FF Ben Couillard (center) receives his yellow helmet

L to R:  Lt. Mike Samsel, Lt. Mike Giroux, FF Ben Couillard,  Ben's father FF Jim Couillard (retired), Capt. Matt Falletti 

L to R:  FF Ben Couillard receives his yellow helmet from his father FF Jim Couillard (retired) 

On Jan 28, FF Noah Fine receives his yellow helmet

L to R:   Deputy Chief Scott Fine presents the yellow helmet to his son FF Noah Fine 

L to R:   Deputy Chief Scott Fine, his son FF Noah Fine, and Capt. Carlo Piacentini

On Jan 28, FF Allison Sheldon receives her yellow helmet

L to R:   FF Allison Sheldon receives her yellow helmet from Capt. Carlo Piacentini

Yellow helmets are presented after completion of mandatory Firefighter I training.  Probationary firefighters are issued a black helmet which signifies non-interior qualification.  Upon completion of Firefighter I, they receive their yellow helmet, which designates an interior firefighter.  Firefighter I training involves several months of classroom and hands on

Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day

December 14, 2019 at noon at Veterans Memorial Park in South Windsor

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.

Click here to see last year's photos.

The following officers are being recognized on their recent promotions:
CAPTAIN JARED PELLETIER
CAPTAIN MATTHEW FALLETTI
DEPUTY CHIEF DEBRA BURCH
LIEUTENANT MICHAEL SAMSEL
LIEUTENANT TIA CORTESE

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50 years of a Fire Exploring program generates a lot of amazing people. Nearly 100 past and current Explorers, Officers, and Advisors gathered today to share stories, see old friends, make new friends, and celebrate a great program.

Having great leaders/mentors such as Jack Bond, George Cox, Phil Crombie, Jr., and many others attend means the world to those of us that you have influenced over the years - THANK YOU!

Thanks to the Explorer Leadership for all their efforts in putting this event together!
- Scott Fine, Thomas Bengston, Tia Cortese, Keith Reynolds, Robin Packi Pendleton, and the Explorer Officers.

At the Board of Fire Commission meeting on August 8th, the Board approved the promotion and appointment of three members. I’m pleased to announce the following - effective September 1, 2019:
- Captain DEBRA BURCH is promoted to the rank of DEPUTY CHIEF. (Car 14)
- Lieutenant JARED PELLETIER is appointed to the rank of CAPTAIN. (Car 29)
- Lieutenant MATTHEW FALLETTI is appointed to the rank of CAPTAIN. (Car 21)

Deputy Chief Burch will be assigned to the Staff and serve as the Department’s EMS Officer, Health and Safety Officer as well as the Infectious Disease Control Officer. The Health and Safety role will be expanded to include Physicals and Incident Safety.

Captain Pelletier will be assigned to the Staff in the Training Division. His duties will be expanded under the direction of Deputy Chief Papp.

Captain Falletti will be assigned to Station 1/Tower 1. He will serve as the Company Captain.

As they are transitioning to their new

At the recent Board of Fire Commission meeting, the Board approved the promotion and appointment of two members. I’m pleased to announce the following - effective October 1, 2019:
- Firefighter TIA CORTESE is promoted to the rank of LIEUTENANT (Car 33).
- Firefighter MICHAEL SAMSEL is promoted to the rank of LIEUTENANT (Car 32).

Lieutenant Cortese will be assigned to Station 3 as a Company Officer as well continuing to assist our Explorer Program as an Advisor.

Lieutenant SAMSEL will be assigned to Station 1 as a Company Officer, position that his Grandfather, Lt. John Samsel once held.

As they are transitioning to their new roles, other candidates remain on the promotional list and are eligible for future assignments.

Please share in our Congratulations to Tia and Mike!
Kevin E. Cooney, Chief
South Windsor Fire Dept

Matt Falletti presents Rich Gokey with his yellow helmet on March 6, 2019 after his completion of mandatory Firefighter I training.  Probationary firefighters are issued a black helmet which signifies non-interior qualification.  Upon completion of Firefighter I, they receive their yellow helmet, which designates an interior firefighter.  Firefighter I training involves several months of classroom and hands on training.  This is the first major accomplishment of a new firefighter. 

MEDIA RELEASE:  On Tuesday, February 5^th, the South Windsor Fire Department held its Annual Banquet at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility.  Over 75 active members attended as well many Life Members as we celebrated accomplishments and presented a few significant awards.  Also attending were Town Dignitaries, the Town Council and Fire Chiefs from our neighboring Fire Departments.

In keeping tradition, the main aspect of the event is to honor our members and present the annual awards and was kicked off with the Presentation of the Colors by the SWFD Honor Guard.

The FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR was awarded to BRYAN HOLMES.  All the Company Captains submit nominations and chose from active Firefighters within their Companies. 

The PRESIDENTS AWARD was awarded to DOROTHY ‘DOT’ McDONALD.  This award recipient is selected by the President of Social side of our organization and is awarded to a member who exemplifies the Social aspect of the Fire Service. The recipient is selected by out-going President,

SWFD participated in The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk - Hello Holidays by delivering Santa and Mrs. Claus to light the tree! Great crowd as always. Thanks to all that decorated the truck and the members and families that attended. Happy and Safe Holidays!

 

THANK YOU SOUTH WINDSOR COMMUNITY!

Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day

December 15, 2018 at noon at Veterans Memorial Park in South Windsor

Please help us Remember, Honor, and Teach on December 15th, 2018 at 12:00 noon by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or inviting friends to help.
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.

Click here to see past year's photos.

NEVERS ROAD PARK, SOUTH WINDSOR
SPONSORED BY S.W. POLICE DEPT, S.W. REC DEPT  & MANEELEY’S  

Proceeds to benefit: Veterans Base Camp, First Responders and South Windsor Community Foundation
For more info contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

On Sunday 9/16, we were at the Wishes on Wheels! A wonderful event! Thank you to Capt. Greg Roberts, Lt. Michael Giroux, Alex Lefkovich, Kathy Sweatt, and John Kania for helping support this event!
Click picture for more pics!

On an extracurricular note, congratulations to the SWFD Softball Team on their Championship Game win tonight! 16-13 against Hartford PD.
Great game guys!

Visit the SWFD booth at the Wapping Fair
in September on Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th!

Click to see photos!

Photo by Roger Hildebrand

Now that Summer is upon us, the weather is perfect for a relaxing evening outside while sitting around a campfire. It is also a great time to remind everyone of the town's ordinance regarding such fires.

Regulations regarding open burning can be found in the Town of South Windsor ordinance at the bottom of this page. In general, small outdoor fires that do not exceed 3 feet in diameter and do not create a nuisance are allowed without a permit. This includes cooking fires, campfires, and commercially available outdoor fireplaces such as chimineas and patio hearths. Fires shall not be left unattended, shall not be too close to any structures, and sufficient water and tools to extinguish the fire must be readily available nearby.

Open burning of brush, rubbish, and other debris is not allowed without a specially obtained permit from the CT DEEP.

Please come on out and enjoy the time in the park with our four legged friends!!
Visit us at our Fire Prevention booth for important information on how to protect your family and pets from fire.
The event runs from 9:30 am until 3pm located at 75 Brookfield St in South Windsor.
Facebook for Paws In The Park

SWFD Fight for Air Climb Fundraiser at Mexicali on Wednesday 5/2 from 5pm to close. 
20% of food purchases will go to The American Lung Association.

Carlo Piacentini receiving the 30 year service award.
He is currently Deputy Chief in charge of Harzardous Materials, Incident and Department Safety Officer.

(Photo) Deputy Chief John Hofmann presenting award to Deputy Chief Carlo Piacentini

On February 6, 2018, the South Windsor Fire Department held its Annual Banquet at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility. Over 75 active members attended as well many Life Members as we celebrated accomplishments and presented a few significant awards. Also attending were Town Dignitaries, the Town Council and Fire Chiefs from our neighboring Fire Departments.  In keeping tradition, the main aspect of the event is to honor our members and present the annual awards.

The FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR was awarded to TOM CAREY. All the Company Captains submit nominations and chose from active Firefighters within their Companies. Presented by Company Three Captain Deb Burch.
(Photo) Company Captains with FF of the Year Tom Carey

The EXCELLENCE IN EXPLORING AWARD was presented to RYAN SEDER. This award is presented to an Explorer who goes above and beyond and supports the programs in many aspects. Our Explorer Program is the oldest Fire Exploring Program in CT and is associated with the Boy Scouts of

Date: Monday, January 22 Time: 3 p.m.
Location: CREC PSA Civic Leadership High School, 1617 King Street, Enfield, CT 06082
Summary:

On Monday, CREC PSA Civic Leadership High School (PSA-CLHS), Enfield, will receive a donated fire truck from the town of South Windsor and the South Windsor Fire Department. Now students will have access to hands-on experience in many aspects of fire service training, such as pump operations, calculation of pump pressures and friction loss, fire suppression operations, and fire behavior. The ability to teach these skills will help to make the school’s theme classes, which include Fire Science, Chemistry, Intro to Fire and EMS, and Forensics more authentic. In addition, it will make it possible for the school to add more theme courses in the future. The truck may also be used for off-site recruiting events.

Fire Chief Kevin Cooney, a 35-year veteran of the South Windsor Fire Department, sees the donation as an excellent way to interest students in a

L to R:  Christian Arildsen (brother), Dave Arildsen (father), Mitchell Arildsen, Lt. Mike Kowalczyk 

Mitchell Arildsen receives his yellow helmet on January 2, 2018 after completing mandatory Firefighter I training.  Probationary firefighters are issued a black helmet which signifies non-interior qualification.  Upon completion of Firefighter I, they receive their yellow helmet, which designates an interior firefighter.  Firefighter I training involves several months of classroom and hands on training.  This is the first major accomplishment of a new firefighter. 

Mitchell has successfully completed Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Nationally Certified EMT, and has obtained Pump Operator and Driver certification. The Arildsen family is one of several firefighting families within the department.

Blood Drive held at Fire Headquarters on 1175 Ellington Rd in South Windsor on Wednesday, 12/20 from 11:00am to 4:45pm

Streamline your donation experience by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass

We have been doing this for many, many years...this photo was taken 47 years ago! The Fire Lt. in the photo is Roger Hildebrand - Still an active member / Chief Photographer with the SWFD. In the front row, sitting, 2nd from left, in plaid shirt is Kevin Cooney, current SWFD Fire Chief. Both Roger and Kevin stopped by the school to say hi to the children and thank the members for taking the extra time for all they do with these events.

All the elementary schools and many day cares will be visited this month. The SWFD will also be holding an OPEN HOUSE, Sunday, Oct. 29th, 10-1 at Station 3, 232 West Road. All Welcome!

New Location at 75 Brookfield St. in South Windsor, CT.

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2017 Hometown Heroes Cup Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 17 at Topstone Golf Course

All golfers, men and women, are cordially invited to participate in the annual Hometown Heroes Golf Tournament. The fee to play is $500 for a team of four, or $140 per golfer. This fee includes golf, use of a golf cart, lunch and a buffet dinner. Space is limited. Registering now will reserve your spot.

THE MISSION
The Hometown Heroes Golf Tournament is an annual nonprofit event held to honor the brave men and women who serve in all areas of public safety. Local public safety agencies are invited and encouraged to participate in these events. If your agency is interested in participating please contact the event organizers for details and special pricing.

GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
11:30 a.m.: Registration
1 p.m.: Shotgun Start (Scramble Format)
6 p.m.: Buffet dinner
After dinner: Tournament and raffle prize winners will be announced

Topstone Golf Course is located at 516 Griffin Road, South Windsor, CT.

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South Windsor Strawberry Festival & Craft Fair on Saturday 6/10

FREE ADMISSION!

Look for the South Windsor Fire Department Safety House!
Strawberry Festival will be 9am-5:30pm at Nevers Park.  Click here for more details on the South Windsor Strawberry Festival website.

06-24-17 New Firetruck Playscape honoring both former FF Derek DENFELD and the SWFD 

Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the My Friends Place - Boundless Playground and the Dedication of a new Firetruck Playscape honoring both former FF Derek DENFELD and the SWFD. 

Click here to view more photos.

The SWFD original engine, a 1938 Diamond T, will be there!
Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road in East Windsor. 
Rain Date: May 21st

Paws In The Park at Nevers Park on Saturday, May 6th, 2017

Please come on out and enjoy the time in the park with our four legged friends!! 
The event runs from 9:30 am until 3pm. Facebook for Paws In The Park

MEDIA RELEASE: The South Windsor Fire Department is participating in the Statewide "CELEBRATE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER DAY'.

Stop by Sunday, April 23rd from 10am-2pm - Station 3, 232 WEST ROAD- chat with YOUR Firefighters - YOUR Friends / Neighbors. See what it takes to be a Firefighter or Support Member...If you have an interest - we have a job for you!

MEDIA ALERT: Connecticut Fire Departments to Celebrate Volunteer Firefighter Day

Fire Departments to Celebrate Volunteer Firefighter Day on Sunday, April 23, 2017

WHO: In celebration of Volunteer Firefighter Day in Connecticut and the start of National Volunteer Week (April 23-29, 2017), more than 60 fire departments will hold open houses at nearly 80 locations throughout Connecticut at the same time on the same day (April 23, 2017, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Visitors to the fire houses will be able to talk with volunteer firefighters about the work they do, see demonstrations, explore fire apparatus and turnout gear, get a tour of the fire