By Sarah Opdahl

New Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department (NFVFD) recently acquired a sophisticated ambulance.  The new vehicle is fully in service in Town and has already responded to several 911 calls. The ambulance has 4-wheel drive and includes adjustable ride height features that allo w the vehicle easier access to New Fairfield’s trickiest driveways and lake communities. Plus, the The inside patient compartment is well organized for all emergency medical responses. Sel ectman Lori Beninson said, “It’s an amazing ambulance! It will help the crews respond safely in inclement weather.” She especially appreciates that the “four wheel drive option will make navigating the hills and windy roadways much easier in the snow and rainy weather.”

A looker, the shiny red ambulance with black accents, will now be the official paint scheme for New Fairfield’s emergency medical services. NFVFD offered a “special thank you to the ambulance committee, town administrators, and residents of the town for all of your work and support,” in obtaining the vehicle. In turn, Beninson said, “I wish the crews all the best as they serve our community with this new ambulance.”

NFVFD—Company A, Ball Pond VFC, and Squantz Engine Company—is proud of its history of volunteer firefighters who have provided fire and medical services to the citizens of the Town, first as three separate entities, ultimat ely joining as one department in 1981. The fire department provides emergency medical service (EMS) through a combination of volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs), volunteer medical response technicians (MRTs), a staff paramedic dedicated to New Fairfield, and a staff EMT 7 days a week from 6 am to 6pm. The town’s ambulances stand ready in the Company A firehouse.

The need for volunteers is great, if you’re interested in raising a hand, please visit one of the stations or contact Fire Chief Bruce Taylor at nfchief@newfairfield.org or 203-312-5732.