Once again we find some of our leadership in the City of New London questioning the importance of our ambulance services and mentioning privitization.  This is especially troubling because this is based on speculation and solely on MONEY and not on the level of service that is being provided.  Even the thought of privitizing the ambulance is a step 40 years back in time.  While most FD's and municipalities are looking at gaining their own EMS transport services, New London leadership has mentioned looking to go the other way.  This move would be detrimental to the safety of the citizens of New London, and would mean valuable firefighting apparatus would be unavailable while waiting at scenes for private ambulances to arrive.  We intend on keeping a close eye on this discussion and will keep New Londoners posted on this important safety issue that directly affects New London residents.  Please take the time to watch the short video below on fire based EMS.  This video has been a staple on the left side of our site because we have believed for a long time that fire based EMS is the ONLY way to go.  Due to privacy issues, it is difficult for us to publicize the success stories about our ambulance service, however, it is safe to say that many lives are saved every year by our EMT's and ambulances due to their training and very efficient response times.  These response times are well documented by the State of CT OEMS.  Thank you for your continued support and stay safe! 

Group 2 responded to a one vehicle rollover on the northbound side of I-95 on the Gold Star Bridge on Wednesday 5/17/12.  The crash backed up traffic as NLFF's work to package two injured victims.  The Connecticut State Police and State DOT also responded and were on the scene.  NLFF's remained on the scene until the vehicle could be uprighted.  Photos provided by Corey Watford at Homebrewtvnews.com. 

All NLFF's toured the AT&T building on Washington Street this week in an effort to "pre-plan" the large communications building.  Pre-plans are often done by NLFF's at various times throughout the year and/or when a new building is constructed or renovated.  This particular building has a beautiful view of New London.

Congratulations to two of our members who graduated from UNH over the weekend.  FF Justin Curcio and FF Micheal Kuchyt both received Bachelors Degrees from the university.  These firefighters attended college on their own time and at their own expense.  The New London Fire Department does not have a college incentive program and members must pay for their own college courses even if the class is related to fire and/or public safety.  Great job to these members and to all members who have gone on to college and received their degree.  These members are an asset to the NLFD and to the City of New London.

NLFF's who make up the Dr. Carl Wies Scholarship Trust and the John O'Connor Scholarship Trust have awarded thousands in scholarships this year.  Three $1,000 awards will been given to New London High School students who are attending college in the fall.  Four additional awards will be provided to students from various schools in the New London area.  Once the students are notified, their names will be posted on our website.  Congratulations and best of luck to the recipients!

 Local 1522 has learned of the passing of retired FF Willie Tackling, father of active NLFF Jack Tackling. Calling hours will be at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home 84 Montauk Ave. New London, CT on Sunday 5/6/12 from 5pm - 8pm. The funeral service will take place on Monday at 10am at the funeral home with Interment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, with military honors. An honor guard of NLFF's has been requested for both services. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and the Tackling family.

Group 4 responded to a working fire at 149 Garfield Avenue on 4/30/12 at approximately 10:45pm.  Upon arrival, units found a kitchen fire in a large 18 unit 3 story apartment building.  The fire was quickly extinguished by arriving units.  All on-duty NLFD units responded to this incident.  A fire of this type can be very dangerous if not quickly controlled.  This building was fully occupied at the time of the fire.  Due to the fire being on the first floor, smoke and fire can easily travel into the hallways and upper floor apartments, trapping residents.  Nice job by Group 4 members.  Photos were taken after fire was extinguished.  Thanks to our friend Corey Watford at homebrewtvnews.com for pics! 

Most people associate the dangers of fire fighting to building fires.  What many in the public may not be aware of, are the many other incidents that firefighters respond to and face immediate danger to their health and safety.  Last week, NLFF's responded to a gas leak on Bank Street and encountered elevated levels of gas in a vault under the street.  A neighboring building was evacuated while members investigated and awaited the arrival of Yankee Gas.  Later that same morning, NLFF's responded to a reported brush fire.  Upon arrival, NLFF's found a live power line down in a wooded area on Colman Street.  Firefighters had to wait for CL&P to arrive and cut power before they could apply water to the fire.  These are just two small examples of the dangerous situations that firefighters face on any given day in New London.