Crime & Safety

3 Questions for Fire Chief Bill Seward

William Seward, North Branford's fire chief, updates us on town news and some fun stuff, too!

It's week two of our . This week, in addition to finding out what's new in different departments and something residents need to know, we're asking "What's your favorite movie?" 

North Branford Patch: What’s new in your department?
Fire Chief William Seward: This week in the North Branford Fire Department, members focused on developing practical skills of operating from ground and aerial ladders.  Personnel executed simulated fire response and implemented vertical ventilation procedures using hand tools and power saws. Additionally, fire hose used by department was tested in accordance with NFPA standards and OSHA regulations.  It is interesting to note that members of volunteer fire departments must meet the same rigid standards as career firefighters. The difference, volunteer firefighters perform their duties without receiving a pay check.

On another topic, the town is preparing to participate in the upcoming “Emergency Planning & Preparedness Initiative” as recommended by Governor Malloy in his report that cites actions/inactions by the state, cities and towns, provided during recent extraordinary weather events.  The town’s new Emergency Operations Center located within town hall will be activated and serve as the focal point for command and control of town assets. The drill will take place on Monday, July 30 and Tuesday, July 31. The renovation to the EOC has been made possible through the use of federal grant funding administered by the state.

Find out what's happening in North Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

North Branford Patch: What's something residents should know?
Seward:
It is most important for the community to recognize the fact that North Branford only has fire hydrants in a portion of the town.  Recently, reflective hydrant flags were installed on each fire hydrant as part of an Eagle Scout project.  These flags provide firefighters with identifiable locations of hydrant locations while driving to alarms.  Therefore, it is most important that hydrant flags remain attached to the fire hydrant and are not removed or destroyed.  Resident’s who observe a fire hydrant reflective flag being removed or damaged, are encouraged to report this action to the North Branford Police Department.

North Branford Patch: What's your favorite movie?
Seward:  My favorite movie is Apollo 13.  As a youth, one hobby I had was to write letters to astronauts to which I always received a personal reply back.  This included NASA’s original 7; as a matter of fact, my parents allowed my brother and myself with the ability to name my younger brother Scott Glen – after Scott Carpenter and John Glenn of the Mercury program.

Find out what's happening in North Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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