Bucket brigades and a household-to-household emergency call system may be a part of the Somerville Fire Department’s past, but the eagerness to pitch in and help out remains strong.
As part of its 40-year anniversary, the fire department recognized the Somerville Fire Dept. Women’s Auxiliary and individual firefighters for their efforts on May 11. The Somerville Fire Dept. Women’s Auxiliary has been with the fire department all along, said Fire Chief Michael Dostie.
“If it’s a structure fire, they automatically go out with us,” Dostie said.
The Auxiliary provides food and drinks to weary firefighters on scene, not to mention offering their moral support. Dostie recognized the two founding members of the Auxiliary, Shirley Hewett and Ernestine Peaslee during the ceremony for their dedication to the department. Nine other members were recognized for their service, dating back to 1974.
Those members of the Auxiliary, some present at the ceremony and some not, are Darlene Crummet (joined 1974), Lisa Miller (1982), Peggy Dostie (1984), Martha Staples (1993), Elaine Porter (2004), Nancy Stimson (2004), Darlene Landry (2005), Crystal Landry (2006) and Penny Minto (2007).
“I can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate this,” Dostie said to the intimate gathering of members and their families at the Somerville Fire station. “It doesn’t matter what the uniform says. We all work as one big team.”
Firefighters received recognition for the work on the department, whether for one year or 25 years. Dostie praised each of the Auxiliary members and each of the firefighters, recognizing them for their unique talents and contributions. The Chief recognized the newest member of the fire department for his rapid skill improvement and ability to adapt to unfamiliar territory.
Asst. Fire Chief David Stanley wouldn’t let Dostie leave before recognizing the Fire Chief’s dedication to the job. He presented Dostie with a certificate, recognizing 26 years on the fire department and his service as Fire Chief. The award was presented on condition the Chief not just leave it in his truck and to hang the award on the wall in his home.
Dostie recognized his Asst. Chief for serving 25 years on the fire department and thanked him for his hard work.
Donald Hewett has served the town as Fire Warden for 44 years. He recalled starting volunteer work in firefighting at a young age. Hewett was the Deputy Fire Warden for Somerville in 1948 and was one of the charter members of the Somerville Fire Department, initiating the department in 1969.
Before the fire department was officially founded, Hewett headed up the town’s informal, all volunteer fire service.
The first truck the Somerville Fire Department owned was sold to them from the Windsor Fire Dept. for $1. Dostie said Somerville didn’t own a fire truck until 1965. The men and women who worked with the department and town raised funds and community support to build up what the fire department is today. Dostie credited Hewett and other founding members for building up the department by raising support over the years.
“Mike and David put in a lot of their time and don’t get paid for it,” Hewett said, crediting members of today’s Somerville Fire Dept. for their all-volunteer efforts.
In addition to the Chief and Assistant Chief, firefighters recognized at the ceremony included Timothy Dostie, Adam Peaslee, Chris Roes, Benjamin Avant, Tara Jones, Natasha Bouchard, Martha Staples, Gordon Thebeau and Kyle Veilleux.
“I can’t say enough about this department,” Dostie said. “It may be small, but it is one of the best organizations I have been a part of.”
