Public Joins Canton Volunteer Firefighters/EMTs in Dedicating New Fire Engines

Richard Hutchings, Town of Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department Chief welcomed First Selectmen Dick Barlow, Reverend Rushan Sinnaduray of The First Congregational Church, family and guests to the Dedication of the Department’s two new fire apparatus – Engine 1 and Engine 4 – and the crews who will ride them in service to the community.

First Selectman Barlow’s presentation spoke of two overriding and interconnected themes: commitment and investment.

Noting the beautiful, sunny day, Barlow said he knew Canton’s volunteer firefighters, EMTs and Fire Police rarely got this type of weather when they respond to emergencies at 3:00 in the morning. He also spoke of the Town’s significant financial investment in the Department; an investment made by virtue of the ongoing commitment demonstrated by the Department’s volunteer membership.

The Rev. Sinnaduray’s Dedication echoed the event’s overriding theme of commitment, while acknowledging the challenges of these volunteer’s calling to fire and emergency medical service. Inviting Canton’s volunteer firefighters, EMTS and Fire Police to join him in front of Engines 1 and 4, Sinnaduray offered this Dedication: “May these trucks safely transport their crews and enhance their abilities and support their work by performing their mechanical functions properly, dependably and consistently while Canton’s volunteer firefighters, EMTs and Fire Police are in harms way, providing their expertise and comfort to our community.”

Hutchings closed the event by thanking those in attendance and inviting them to have some refreshments, take tours of the new engines and meet some of Canton’s volunteer firefighters, EMTs and Fire Police. As the event drew to a close, Hutchings reflected on the words of First Selectman Barlow and Reverend Sinnaduray.

“At the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department, our motto is, ‘Valuing Life at a Moment’s Notice’. It’s through our ongoing commitment to training, professionalism and teamwork – and the support of the community we serve - that we’re able to do the difficult and dangerous work that is our calling.”

Collinsville Volunteer Fire Dept, Inc, a philanthropic and social organization that owns the Jamboree field where the Dedication was held, donated the funding for the reception.

Interested in becoming a member of the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department? Visit www.cantonfireandems.org, or drop by the Department’s Collinsville or Canton fire stations any Monday evening during the Department’s weekly drill at 7 p.m.

Submitted release