CCFPP Is Raising Funds for Safety, Gala Tomorrow

ccvfpp-3-30

By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter

First Selectman Peter Tesei will be honored on Saturday, April 21, with the Chief’s Award during the fifth annual Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol Benefit at Greenwich Country Day School.

Past honorees of the event include former Greenwich First Selectman, Paul Hicks; State Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151); and former Major League Baseball manager, Bobby Valentine.

The CCFPP is a volunteer company which operates under the structure of the Greenwich Fire Department. They provide a broad spectrum of services to residents and first responders, including fire suppression, salvage operations, traffic and scene control at emergencies.

“I am honored to receive the Chief’s Award and to bring recognition to all that these fine volunteers do on a daily basis,” Tesei said.

Because of Tesei’s ardent support for the CCFPP and public safety town-wide, he is the perfect recipient for this year’s award, according to Peter Yeskey, president of the board of directors for the CCFPP.

“He’s somebody who has worked really tirelessly to promote the fire department, police department and public safety in general in the town of Greenwich,” Yeskey said, noting that Tesei has promoted a strong volunteer spirit through his service to the town. “He’s really enabled us to thrive.”

The benefit begins at 7 p.m., and will feature light fare from On the Marc, cocktails by ABSOLUT and music from The Richie Vance Orchestra. It’s the CCFPP’s largest fundraising effort of the year.

Money raised from ticket sales, donations and the auction will be put directly back into the company to help with things like insurance costs and the CCFPP’s annual operating budget.

Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol Second Lieutenant Brett Atkinson, holding Hailey, and Sergeant Nick LaBorne rescued the nine-year-old dog and Chelsea, and a 10-year-old cat from a fire that destroyed their home.(JohnFerrisRobben photo)

“We rely very heavily on this fundraiser so we can continue to train, purchase new equipment, purchase gear and uniforms for our members, and all the things that are needed for a volunteer fire company,” Yeskey said.

The CCFPP purchased a 2015 Dodge 5500 utility vehicle with funds raised from the first annual benefit. Last year, high-volume water pumps were acquired.

The CCFPP, which has been in operation since 1927, is truly unique not only to Greenwich, but the entire country. It’s one of less than a dozen organizations like it still in existence nationwide.

“Our primary mission and what makes us unique is that we’re a fire salvage organization,” Yeskey said. “What that entails, is we go into burning structures and other emergency scenes and one of our roles is to salvage as much as we can.”

The first thing the CCFPP looks to do is save property in a fire, if possible, using special tarps, covers and other equipment to divert smoke and water away from residents’ personal belongings and properties.

“There are very few companies that specialize in that left,” Yeskey added. The closest fire patrol company that Yeskey knows of is located in Rochester, N.Y. It was modeled after the New York City Fire Patrol, which disbanded in 2004.

Yeskey said that Greenwich residents have been very supportive over the years, and that the CCFPP represents the strong volunteer spirit in town.

Tesei added that it’s important to continue to support the CCFPP so they can deliver the same vital public safety assistance that Greenwich residents have known since 1927.

“These dedicated volunteers deserve our continued support as they remain committed to being on call 24/7 to ensure the safety and welfare of the more than 62,000 residents who call Greenwich home,” Tesei said. “The Fire Police Patrol is in part, one of the reasons why Safe Wise named Greenwich as the 2017 Safest City in America to raise a family.”

Last year, the CCFPP responded to over 1,000 emergency calls totaling over 2,000 volunteer hours.

For more information on the CCFPP Benefit, and to purchase tickets or make a donation, go to ccfpp.org. Tickets will be available for purchase through Friday, April 20. Tickets cannot be purchased at the door.

Related Posts
Loading...