Saturday, November 21, 2015

Derby donates retired fire truck to New Haven FD

Pictured from left, Derby Fire Commissioner Mike Kelleher, New Haven firefighter and Storm Engine Ambulance Corps Chief Lou Oliwa, New Haven Fire Department Chief Matt Marcarelli, Mayor Anita Dugatto, and Storm Engine Company firefighter Jim Anderson. Dugatto is presenting old Engine 12 to Marcarelli, which was retired by the Derby Fire Department and replaced this year with a new Engine 12. / Contributed photo


DERBY – On Nov. 12 the Derby Fire Department passed along the keys to retired Engine 12 to Assistant Chief of Operations Matt Marcarelli of the New Haven Regional Fire Training Academy.

Derby replaced the 1989 canopy-cab pumper truck with a modern, state-of the-art closed-cab truck in accordance with recommendations by the National Fire Protection Association.

Funds for the purchase of the new truck were allocated under the city’s capital plan, which provides for long-term capital expenditures.

The donation of the retired pumper was in exchange for four years of training at the New Haven Regional Fire Training Academy’s burn facility for compulsory live structure fires.

The training facility on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard in New Haven is only one of three in the state that can conduct live-burning exercises.

Marcarelli said the training facility has been in need of a fire pump for training purposes, but hasn’t been able to acquire one due to financial reasons.

Now, with Derby’s donation, firefighters around the state will be able to train on equipment similar to what they are using in their departments today, while avoiding the logistical challenge of bringing other trucks into the facility.

Dugatto praised the transaction. “There are so many upsides to this agreement," she said. "Most importantly, however, is that Derby’s firefighters will have the opportunity to train, at no cost to the city, in areas critical to their safety and that of our citizens."

The exchange received the required approval from Derby’s Board of Aldermen.

“We saw this opportunity as a win-win situation,” said Board President Art Gerckens.

Both the Mayor and President of the Board of Aldermen praised Fire Commissioner Michael Kelleher for his stewardship of the project. 



This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.


Love story is topic of holiday book discussion at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a Special Holiday Lunchtime Book Discussion at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9.
The selected title is The Mistletoe Promise, a love story by bestselling author Richard Paul Evans. 

Left alone and distrustful after a bitter divorce three years earlier, Elise is dreading the arrival of another holiday season.
After an encounter with a stranger one November day, Elise agrees to his "pretend couple" proposal to help get her through the next eight weeks.  

As things progress and her broken heart begins to mend, long-held secrets are revealed, threatening to unravel the emerging relationship.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.
Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew." Dessert and beverages will be provided.

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit 
www.derbypubliclibrary.org.   


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Shelton High hosts robotics competition today

Students, parents, educators, and mentors were on hand today in Shelton High School gym for Circus Robotix, a competition among 22 teams from schools throughout the state. 
It was the 12th annual FIRST Lego League Robotics Qualifying Tournament. The winners will go on to a state championship event Dec. 5 at Shelton High School.

The students' enthusiasm for learning science and technology that this program creates is infectious. 
One parent told me some of the mentors (including himself) had remained to volunteer with the program even years after their own children had graduated from high school.



Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Paugies in Derby plan boot drive Friday


DERBY - The Paugassett Hook & Ladder Company 4 will hold its semiannual fundraising boot drive Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 57 New Haven Ave. (Route 34) in front of the firehouse and in front of House of Bones.


This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.