Burlington Fire Department Honored for Response Work

The Burlington Fire Department was recognized for its professional work and fast and efficient responses during the Burlington Board of Selectmen meeting this week. 

Town Administrator John Petrin said the town is looking to highlight the work of the town's department for the services they provide the community. 

"We're not looking to issue special citations tonight but to talk about the great job our Fire Department does in the community," he said. "There have been several incidents in the last few months where people were in a difficult positions and our Fire Department responded and provided a great service." 

Petrin invited Fire Department Chief Steve Yetman to speak to the board about three recent incidents where members of the department stepped up and made a difference. 

The first was the October 23 apartment fire at Lord Baron Apartments. The 3-alarm fire that began a little before 9 p.m. destroyed the building at 8 Baron Park Lane. The apartment had about 80 residents and the response necessitated three people being rescued by ladder and one person being transported to the hospital. 

In total about 60 members of the department responded, assisted by fire departments from neighboring communities. Yetman recognized first responder Lt. John Skinner of Group 4, the group's members and dispatcher Elaine Carpenter and Nicole Runyan.   

The second incident Yetman highlighted was the early morning house fire on November 23 at 20 Carey Avenue. The fire began at 4:28 a.m. Yetman said and was in a two-family house. All the residents were accounted for when emergency crews arrived.  

"The fire was difficult to fight because it was a very windy and very cold night with a windchill around -5 degrees," Yetman said. "We also had a partial roof collapse." 

"I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Group 2 led by Captain Kevin Browne and dispatcher Elane Carpenter," Yetman added. 

He also added that during both of the two fires the department was currently engaged in other calls. 

The final incident Yetman spoke of was a two-car collision at 2:15 p.m. on November 21 at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Bedford Street. He said that members of the department saved a man's life that day. 

"One patient was found in cardiac arrest, CPR was performed, he was defibrillated  and transported to the hospital," Yetman said. "He survived because of efforts from the Police Department, the Fire Department, Armstrong Paramedics and members of the hospital staff." 

Yetman said the first responders were Fire Fighters Tom MacLeod and Paul O'Meara. 

This is an example of the emergency medical service we provide as a town," Petrin said. "Their quick reaction along with members of the Department of Public Works who were on scene to assist with access to one of the people in a vehicle was needed for one of the people to come through." 

"To the members here and the members working tonight, we're in awe of what firefighters do," Chairman of the Board Robert Hogan said. "We've watched over the years as the department has grown and the professional work ethic of its members should make everybody proud. Thank you for your service." 

Selectman Daniel Grattan also spoke of a personal experience. 

"I owe a debt of gratitude - the Burlington Fire Department saved my mother's life 10 years ago when she went into cardiac arrest," he said. 

The recognition of the department was the first item on the agenda. Watch it on Burlington Cable Access Television.