NFDs 9/11 Rememberance - September 11, 2023
On a warm hazy morning on September 11th, 2023, members of the Nichols Fire Department take the time to remember those who have fallen on that day 22 years ago. The commemoration began with the rolling out of the trucks at 9:45, the lowering of the station flag at half-mast at 10:06, a one-minute siren and three sets of five bells at 9:59 to remember the collapse of the South Tower and a one-minute siren and three sets of five bells to remember the collapse of the North Tower. The commemoration concluded with the station flag being raised and the presentation of the wreath near the flagpole. A salute to the wreath and a one-minute stay at attention concluded the memorial.
NFD's 309 Trophy Winner at the Bridgewater Parade - August 18, 2023
From left to right: Commissioner Patrick Freyer, Mike Duva, Lucas Taormina, Theresa DeCesare, Lt. Scott Detuzzi
NFD Congratulates Two New Certified Firefighters - April 27, 2023
On Thursday April 27, 2023, two of our NFD Probationary firefighters graduated from the 2023 Spring Firefighter 1 Class and became certified firefighters. We take this opportunity to congratulate Firefighter Theresa DeCesare and Firefighter Brian Carrafiello (both shown in the center of the picture). Additionally, Brian received the “Instructors Choice Award” (right) out of the Class of ’23 candidates.
We are all NFD proud!
A New Chief is Sworn In at the January Monthly Meeting - January 3, 2023
Fire Commissioner Patrick Freyer swears in new Fire Chief Brian McGovern at the January 3rd Nichols Fire Department meeting. Outgoing Chief Ray Franko looks on.
Commissioner Freyer thanked Chief Franko for his two years serving as Chief. Ray Franko joined NFD at 16 years old and worked his way up to Chief in the Department.
Quite an accomplishment.
We are all proud!
NIA Christmas Tree Lighting - December 4, 2022
Arriving in style on NFD’s Pierce 107 foot ladder truck. Santa looks like he’s reaching for the moon.
Santa by the NIA Christmas tree.
The NFD delivered the big guy to the NIA Christmas tree lighting ceremony bringing smiles to all. Here he is with Commissioner Patrick Freyer.
NFD Open House - October 16, 2022
Nichols Fire Department welcomes young and old at their Annual Open House on October 16, 2022
Commissioners Attend Emergency Management Field Day
On September 19, 2022 Commissioners Freyer and Schroeder attended the Department of Emergency Management Region 1 Field Day at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT
There were approximately 40 displays that demonstrated various equipment available to the Region in the event of a “ major” event such as a hazmat spill, major fire, plane crash or hurricane to name a few. Displays included a Communications center vehicle ( pictured left ) the bomb squad, a helicopter for search and rescue, and a decontamination trailer and many others. The event was attended by Chiefs, EMS, Commissioners, Along with State and local representatives including Trumbull’s First Select Women. A well attended informative day!
A Word from Commissioner Patrick Freyer
Training Today for Tomorrow’s Incidents
Nichols Fire Department trains every Thursday night. Training sessions range from donning SCBA gear to practicing car extrication.
Recently I attended 2 of the more real-life situations that can occur. On February 10th, Nichols firefighters practiced ice rescue at Pinewood Lake. In this case a “suited up” victim gets into the lake and calls for help. On a rotating basis, each firefighter dons their protective gear and goes out on the ice with the ice rescue sled to save the victim.
On March 10th, Nichols firefighters were able to “smoke up” the entire interior of a house soon to be demolished. A victim was placed inside the house. Firefighters climbed ladders, breached windows, and did a lifelike search and rescue. Our thanks to the homeowner. (You know who you are)
The point here is quite simple; being a volunteer firefighter is not just showing up for calls. Training is an important requirement. The March session had 17 firefighters training more than 3 hours on their own time so they can be ready today, for a call tomorrow.
Fire Department and Commission Members Participate in the Jingle Bell Run on December 4, 2021
Chris Briganti Sworn In as Senior Firefighter on October 5, 2021
Commissioner Patrick Freyer swears in Chris Briganti as a Senior Firefighter at the October 5th Fire Department monthly meeting.
Nichols Fire Department Honors June 30, 2021 as Barbara Plofkin Day
Nichols Fire Department honors
Barbara Plofkin for 21 years as a Commissioner and 9 years as District Treasurer.
A Proclamation was read by First Selectman Vicki Tesoro which makes June 30, 2021 Barbara Plofkin Day.
Nichols Fire Dept gathered to “pitch fork in”
At 8 am on 4/17/21 members of the Nichols Fire Dept gathered to “pitch fork in” ( pun intended) at Stations 1 and 2 with mulch spreading. Always trying to keep the Fire Tax payers property looking good. Many thanks to these Volunteers for their service in many different ways.
Chief Franko is Sworn In as New NFD Chief
Trumbull, Conn. – At Nichols Fire Department Station 1, Commissioner Patrick Freyer swears in Nichols Fire department new Chief Raymond Franko at the monthly Department meeting January 5, 2021. Chief Franko replaces Chief Kingsbury who stepped down as NFD Chief on December 31, 2020
Chief Kingsbury to Step Down
TRUMBULL, Conn.—The Nichols Fire Department announced on December 31st, 2020 that Fire Chief Andrew Kingsbury will be stepping down as Chief, and that Assistant Fire Chief Raymond Franko will be taking over the reins in January. Deputy Chief John DelVento will remain as Deputy Chief and assist Chief Franko in the transition.
“I am proud of the accomplishments we have been able to achieve as a department” Kingsbury said. “The fleet was in pretty rough shape when I took over. We have been able to replace our Aerial Ladder and Squad, complete a much needed training facility behind Fire Headquarters, and expand our bays at the Booth Hill Road station. We are also ushering in a state of the art radio system.” “Asst Chief Franko does have a few challenges in front of him still” stated Kingsbury. “Our Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus need to be replaced in 2021, and we still have a front line pumper that will be 40 years old, that needs to be replaced also. I am confident that Chief Franko and his staff will be able to accomplish those goals and much more”.
Chief Kingsbury has been Fire Chief in Nichols for the last 4 years, prior to that he was Fire Chief in Westport for 6 years where he spent 30 years as a career firefighter. Like Kingsbury, Chief Franko has been in numerous leadership roles within the Nichols Fire Department, serving in most positions, he started with the department in 1986. Chief Franko’s father was also a firefighter in Nichols, serving as a Lieutenant with the department.
Fire Commission Chairman Patrick Freyer plans to swear-in Chief Franko during next Tuesday’s monthly meeting January 5th, 2021. “I am glad Asst. Chief Franko has accepted the challenge and I echo Chief Kingsbury’s confidence in his leadership. Chief Kingsbury looks forward to having some free time “ the Commissioner exclaimed. “I have a lot of home improvement projects to get caught up on” Kingsbury added. He will continue his duties as Deputy Emergency Management Director for the Town of Trumbull and teaching as an adjunct instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy.
Nichols Fire Dept's New Squad 309
Nichols Fire Department’s new Squad 309 is a 2020 Pierce Enforcer Heavy-Duty Rescue Pumper.
- 1500 GPM Pump
- 750 gallon Water Tank
- 20 gallon Foam Tank
- Cummins Diesel 450 hp L9 Engine
- Ground Ladders
- Hard Suction
- Full Complement of Hose
- Hurst eDraulic Extrication Equipment