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Providence Post 343 Visit
December 15, 2007 |

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In the fall, Providence Post
343 visited Post 85 to exchange ideas on running a fire service
post. Post 343 invited Post 85 to the Providence Fire HQ
for a tour. Post 343 arranged for a tour of the special
hazards unit, who gave us a tour of their response apparatus and
did a lifting demonstration with air bags. Members were
also able to tour Providence's mobile air unit and canteen,
allowing us to see how a large city performs the same tasks Post
85 is responsible for. The Post then visited Providence's
communication center. We learned how Providence dispatches
its calls through both its computerized and paper (backup)
systems. Members listened to emergency calls received and
dispatched. We then returned to HQ, where Providence
firefighter Danny Rinaldi had been cooking up American chop suey.
Unfortunately, the PFD was not able to join us for lunch due to
a 2-alarm fire that was dispatched as we were about to eat.
That didn't stop Posts 85 & 343 from enjoying lunch, which was outstanding!! Our
compliments to the chef.
A big thank you to Asst. Chief Dillon,
Post 343, and all the members of the Providence Fire Department
for their hospitality. It was a fun day and a great
learning experience for Post 85.
Click here for more photos. |
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Ski Swap
December 7 & 8, 2007 |
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The Ski Swap was started 40 years ago to provide families a
convenient
way to sell equipment that their kids had outgrown and provide an
affordable way to purchase new/used equipment for the season,
while raising money for charity. This year's event was
true to the original mission. The 2007 Swap was a great success.
Special thanks to Rogers
Ski and Sport, Whites Ski Shop, Dexter Blois, the Westborough
Schools and all our customers and
consignees for contributing to this
year's event. |
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CPR Training
November 17 & 18, 2007 |
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The Post conducted its annual CPR training. Members
received their CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification.
Members learned 1 and 2 person CPR, use of an AED and CPR for
domestic animals.
Click here for more photos. |
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Worcester Training November 13 & 15, 2007 |
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The Post participated with
the Westborough Fire Department in live fire drills at the
Worcester Fire Department Training Center at the Worcester FD
headquarters on Grove Street. The training occurred over
two nights. WFD members utilized Worcester's burn building
to hone their skills. The Post assisted by refilling air
tanks, providing lighting and
a rehab area. The drill
provided a real-life scenario for refilling air-packs, giving
all our members the opportunity to practice. Thank you to
both WFDs for allowing us to participate!
Click here for more photos. |
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Rappelling October 13, 2007 |
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The Post went rappelling at College Rock in Hopkinton.
Members set up two rappelling systems. The first was on a
20' face, where members could practice at a lower height.
The second was on a 50' face with a free rappel 2/3 down.
Everyone had a great time.
Click here for more photos. |
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Visit with Providence Post 343
September 22, 2007 |
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Providence, RI Post 343 came to Post 85 headquarters. The
two Posts shared ideas for activities and training. We all
enjoyed a cookout, and a good time was had by all. Post 85
will be going to Providence in the near future to see a city
fire department. Thanks to Post 343 for making the trip up! |
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SCUBA Checkout Dives
August 11 & 12, 2007 |
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The Post spent the weekend on Cape Cod completing their SCUBA
certification. Checkout dives were at the Sandwich Town
Beach. Members demonstrated skills in the ocean during two
dives on both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, members then
took a final third dive without the instructors.
Overnight, the Post camped out at Camp Greenough in Yarmouth.
The trip and class were a great success.
A very special thanks to our instructor, Chrissy, for putting on
a great class and Larry for acting as the second instructor for
the checkout dives.
Click here for more photos. |
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SCUBA Training
July 2007 |
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The Post sponsored a
SCUBA class for its members. Members in the class trained to
receive
their certification as recreational divers, which is good for
life. Classroom and pool work finished up at the end of
July.
Click here for more photos. |
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Can Drive
July 21, 2007 |
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The Post held its annual can
drive. The Post collected and sorted close to 18000 cans.
Thanks to all who made donations. If you would like to
drop off cans, you may do so throughout the year. For more
information, see the fundraising page. |
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Vee Arc Drill
July 14, 2007 |
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The Post assisted the
Westborough Fire Department at the Vee Arc drill. The Fire
Department conducted training with live burns in the building.
The Post assisted by refilling 35 airpacks, providing water and
helping with hose.
Click here for more photos. |
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Block Party
June 30, 2007 |
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The Post assisted the town
with the annual July 4th block party. The Post helped set
up and take down booths and provided electricity and lighting.
The Post also sold glowsticks. We sell glowsticks
year-round. If you would like to purchase glowsticks, see
the
fundraising page.
Click here for more photos. |
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Open House
June 15, 2007 |
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The Post
held its annual open house.
If you didn't catch us this year, look for us again next June. |
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Gibbons School Presentation
June 14, 2007 |
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The Post displayed its
equipment and demonstrated the use of airpacks at the Gibbons
Middle School.
Click here for more photos. |
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Memorial Day
May 28, 2007 |
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The Post marched in the
annual Memorial Day Parade. Members passed out water to
thirsty parade participants. Afterwards, the Post assisted
with the Fire Department's open house.
Click here for more photos. |
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Town Meeting
May 14, 2007 |
[photo not applicable] |
The Post submitted an
article to renew the leasing arrangement with the Town of
Westborough for the land we occupy behind the Forbes Municipal
Building. The article passed, allowing the Board of
Selectmen to enter into a new lease with the Post. Many
thanks to all who supported our article. |
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Road Rally
April 28, 2007 |
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The Post participated in the
Knox Trail Council's Road Rally. The Road Rally consisted
of a scavenger hunt through various towns. Two Post teams
entered and won a total of four awards. |
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Harvey's Fire
April 9, 2007 |
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The Post
responded to E.L. Harvey & Sons for a fire in a building used to
sort waste.
Click here for more photos. |
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Vee Arc Drill
April 3, 2007 |
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The Post assisted the
Westborough Fire Department's drill at the former Vee Arc
facility. The WFD was conducting practical training
evolutions in the vacant building, including smoke filled room
searches, emergency firefighter drags & carries, and
self-evacuation techniques. The Post provided generators
and interior/exterior lighting for the event. Members were
also able to observe activities at the various training
stations. This included using the thermal imaging camera.
Click here for more photos. |
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Hydrant Shoveling.
March 20, 2007 |
[photo not available] |
Post members spent the
evening shoveling out hydrants from Ward's Corner to Tufts
Machine Shop. Hydrants had been plowed in with snow, which
would cause a serious delay if needed for a fire. |
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Skiing at Wachusett Mtn.
February 22, 2007 |
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The Post took a trip to
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area for a day of skiing. A good
time was had by all. Special thanks to Westborough
firefighter Jerry Jette for assisting with the trip!
Click here for more photos. |
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Ice Rescue Training
February 9, 2007 |
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The Westborough Fire
Department ran an ice water rescue class at Lake Chauncey.
Post members attended the practical. Members assisted with
equipment, manned safety lines and practiced with throw bags.
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SCBA Training
February 6, 2007 |
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During the weekly meeting,
senior members Mike Cusher and Nick Everitt demonstrated the use
of SCBAs to new members. The Westborough Fire Department
acquired new SCBAs with integrated PASS devices. The new
members were instructed on operating the SCBAs, changing bottles
and resetting/disarming the PASS alarms. |