Engines and eats draw Cornwall to firehouse

CORNWALL — The community came out Sunday, Oct. 19, for an afternoon at the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department’s open house.

The West Cornwall firehouse was packed with guests to support the crew and see the trucks (both fire and ice cream) and safety presentations.

Attendees ate burgers and hot dogs served by First Selectman Gordon Ridgway and witnessed a helicopter take off and land courtesy of a visit from the LifeStar rescue crew.

Guests got an up-close look at the LifeStar helicopter Oct. 19.Riley Klein

The event was held amid the department’s fundraising effort to replace two outdated rescue vehicles. The old trucks were situated next to two newer trucks similar to the ones CVFD is seeking to purchase. The examples were provided courtesy of the Sharon and Falls Village departments.

CVFD President Dick Sears addressed the crowd as the meal advanced to cake and ice cream.

“Forty percent of our truck fleet is going out of service,” Sears said, noting that two of the department’s five trucks are being replaced. “We’re going to replace them with your help... help us help you.”

Rescue pumpers carry lifesaving equipment on board.Riley Klein

Resident Richard Schlesinger spoke of his experience being rescued by the volunteer ambulance corps after experiencing cardiac arrest about four years ago. “They saved my life because they had the right equipment and the dedication and the skill.”

A roadside thermometer sign outside the firehouse showed the fundraising effort to raise $600,000 by December has surpassed the halfway mark.

To learn more or donate, visit cornwallfire.org.