Presentation

Paul Mikkelson introduced Jamie DePace who is currently Avon's Fire Marshall. Previous to that, he was Avon's Fire Chief from 1995 through 2010. He is also on the Board of the CT Fire Chiefs Association. He has two kids and two granddaughters. He and his wife have been married for 39 years.

The Avon Volunteer Fire Department protects more than 18,000 people living in the 22.6 square mile area that makes up the Town of Avon.  The Department’s mission is to provide fire suppression and prevention, life safety and rescue support, as well as other community support to the citizens of Avon.  In addition, the Department provides mutual aid support to those surrounding communities that, in time of need, may request such assistance.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on the selflessness and dedication of its 200 members. There are 77 firefighters, 14 fire police, 16 administrative members, 20 Explorers, 19 active veterans, 10 retired veterans, 32 lifetime members, and 14 honorary members, all of whom play a vital role in the safety of Avon.  The Department operates six companies and 15 pieces of apparatus, including a brush truck, ladder truck, tanker, rescue vehicle, boat, and pumpers.  Four stations are located throughout the town – Company 1 on Darling Drive, Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, Company 3 on West Avon Road, and Company 4 on Huckleberry Hill Road.  .

The fire department is currently much involved in building a firefighting training facility in Farmington, a cooperative project with several area towns participating.  The facility will allow firemen to practice all aspects of fighting a fire, even how to safely lean a ladder against a burning building.  DiPace says the experience will be invaluable.  UTC donated $50,000 to the project.  The Avon Fire Department raised money through golf tournaments.  The annual cost of maintaining the facility will be $8000 per year.

Also speaking on behalf of the VFD was Rob Shillington, the president of the Avon VFD Board of Directors.  He has been a member of the department for 23 years.  Shillington indicated a new building may be coming to Lovely Street.  The town is aggressively going after some funding to make the building feasible.  The department is also looking into responding to emergency medical calls.  That, too, will require funding sources.