By Michael Korvyakov
Standing at the center of Old Greenwich, the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department has served the people of the town since 1904. Its red-brick building has been an iconic symbol of the town for as long as it has been standing.
In the late 19th century with the Downtown fire department so far away from the coast, Old Greenwich seldom got the timely emergency services necessary. Frustrated, taxpayers assembled in 1904 to demand a firehouse be created in that area of town. And, thus, the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department (SBVFD) was founded.
The fire department began with just a hose wagon, a 30-foot ladder, and half a dozen men. With technological advancements in the early 20th century, the fire department quickly ditched the horse and buggy for a more efficient motorized vehicle. This allowed for speedier response times and for the fire department to expand its services to bordering sections of town, such as Riverside. In the 1960s, the old wooden structure was replaced with a modern brick and steel building. Throughout the past decades, the SBVFD has become increasingly involved in disaster relief efforts. Following the 1983 I-95 bridge collapse into the Mianus River, SBVFD were some of the first on the scene. During the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, the department mobilized its Technical Rescue Team to assist in the recovery efforts.
Today, the department has three full-time paid employees and approximately 26 volunteers. It also has a much larger response area and provides a wider variety of services. For example, the department includes EMTs, SCUBA divers, rescue operators, and various other technical positions. Volunteers in these positions work together to further the SBVFD’s mission of “protecting life and property from the adverse effects of fires, medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions.”
In addition to fighting fires, the SBVFD contributes to the town through many community outreach initiatives. It hosts various programs on fire safety for children, including an open house on safety protocol, where participants get to view all of the equipment and practice fire safety procedures with simulated situations and props. The department has an exhibit open during First Light, the yearly event when Sound Beach businesses remain open for people to stroll around and shop. And, since 1923, the Fire Department has been a sponsor of the annual Memorial Day parade.
Volunteers interested in participating need to complete the 165 hours of training to become certified firefighters. This involves about two weeks of nightly training evaluated by outside instructors and a written exam. This certification process prepares the candidate to be a firefighter not just in the state of CT, but nationally and internationally. After receiving this certificate, volunteers devote approximately 12 to 14 hours a month to the department, much of which is additional preparedness training. “Volunteers are everything to us. Without them, we wouldn’t have any operation,” said Joe Gianfrancesco, Fire Chief at the SBVFD. For their service, volunteers are granted various benefits, such as tax and operations reimbursements, and opportunities for advancement.
This group of volunteers is diverse in many ways. “It’s everyone from students to hedge fund managers,” said Mr. Gianfrancesco. The wide variety of positions offered — from firefighters to drivers to technical teams — allows people of all ages and walks of life to participate. “It’s a great way to meet people and to make connections,” said Brian Kelly, the Recruitment and Volunteer Coordinator for the Greenwich Fire Department. “We all come together for the same purpose.”
Ms. Rachel Kulig, a volunteer firefighter and secretary of the executive board, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I love the sense of camaraderie and being a part of a great team. The fire department is like my second family.”
For people aged 14 to 17, who aren’t yet old enough to become volunteer firefighters, there is an Explorer Program, in which kids follow a modified training course. This includes simulated scenarios that might be encountered in the work of a firefighter. These Explorers also help out with different functions and parades. Mr. Kelly said, “The Explorer Program provides a good segue for people to join the ranks of the fire department. I started with the program 31 years ago, and I’m still with it.”
Funded primarily with donations, the firefighters at the SBVFD respond to nearly 1,000 calls a year, saving lives and property in the town of Old Greenwich. “If you’re interested in getting involved and making a difference in the community, joining the ranks of the Fire Department is a great way to do that,” said Mr. Kelly.
If you’re interested in signing up to volunteer at the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department, please send an email to Brian Kelly, at brian.kelly@greenwichct.org.
