2014 was the busiest year on record for the Hambden Fire Department. Your Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics responded to 552 calls for assistance. This represents more than a 10 percent increase over 2013. We had a very successful Easter Egg Hunt at our township park, Rib Takeout Dinner on Mother’s Day, Memorial Day Parade and Pancakes at the fire station. We also had two very well attended, and delicious, Clam Bakes last year. The Clam Bakes are part of a 50 year tradition for our fire department. We would like to thank each and every one of you who continues to support your Hambden Fire Department.

We logged thousands of hours of training and continuing education. We spent a week at Hambden Elementary and Just 4 Kidz Day Care teaching fire prevention. We brought the Safety Trailer to the school and taught many, many CPR classes—and much, much more! The best thing is that we look forward to doing it all again in 2015.

It has been a never ending winter and I’m sure you are all looking forward to Spring and warmer weather as much as I am. Many of us used our wood burners to heat our homes. Please don’t forget to clean your chimney before using them again next fall. The buildup of creosote is the cause of many chimney fires. As the weather warms up, please be sure to keep an eye out for our friends who ride motorcycles. I know they are anxious to get out on the road on the first warm day. Remember the saying “look twice and save a life”. I hope everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant Spring.

YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT

In February we held our Annual Awards Dinner at St. Dennis Party Center. Lt. Bill Baxter received an award for 30 years of service, Samantha Petrovich for 10 years, Brent Bencar for 5 years, John Bitonti for 5 years, Doug Riedel for 5 years and John Sweeney for 5 years. For every 5 years of dedicated service, the members are recognized.

The Firefighter of the Year is nominated by his peers and chosen by the Officers. The 2014 Firefighter of the Year is David Baird. The Officer of the Year is nominated by the Firefighters and chosen by the Chiefs. Your 2014 Officer of the Year is Capt. Dave Peterson. This is the third time he has won this honor. Please be sure to congratulate these members if you see them. Each member of the department received a framed drawing of the Fire Station, drawn by Hambden resident Bob Kolcum. Bob is an amazing artist and the drawings are beautiful. Hambden residents are very lucky to have such a dedicated group of Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics.

On February 1st we also promoted two Firefighters to Lieutenant. Firefighter Paramedic David Baird, who lives in the city of Chardon was promoted to Lieutenant as well as Firefighter Paramedic Chris Titterington, who lives in Hambden. They have both worked very hard for this promotion. We have two new members who have started the Firefighter Level II Class. They will spend about 270 hours of their own time attending this training. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for the latest news about what’s happening in your fire department.