SPOTLIGHT: Goshen Fire Company Hosts Annual Open House Amid Rising Call Volumes and Communication Upgrades

GOSHEN, CT – On Sunday, May 18, the Goshen Fire Company opened its doors to the community for its much-anticipated annual Open House event. This year’s gathering not only offered a behind-the-scenes look at the fire department's operations but also highlighted significant updates and ongoing challenges faced by the volunteer-driven organization.

The event, blessed with clear skies and a strong turnout, was an opportunity for residents to engage with local firefighters, explore fire safety demonstrations, and learn about the vital services provided by the fire company.  One of the main attractions was a car extraction demonstration, which drew a large crowd intrigued by the intricacies of rescue operations. "People seem to really love to watch how that works," Lori Clinton, a member of the fire company and event organizer noted, emphasizing the educational value of such demonstrations. Children, too, were thrilled to interact with firefighting tools and even got the chance to operate the big hose, adding an element of fun to the educational event.

Amidst the festivities, The Goshen News has learned the fire department is facing a pressing challenge: an uptick in emergency calls. "We had a total of calls last year that were just a little over 500," Clinton explained, noting an increase in motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies. The department's diverse capabilities, which include water rescues and mutual aid for surrounding towns, mean that the volunteer crew is constantly on the move.

This rise in call volume underscores the need for more volunteers. "We're always looking for new members," Lori emphasized, pointing out that the fire company is entirely volunteer based, with members juggling personal and professional commitments alongside their firefighting duties. "You really can't expect the same people to keep going on all of the calls," she added, stressing the importance of a steady influx of new recruits to alleviate the burden on current members.

Moreover, the department recently benefited from an upgrade to its communication system, a crucial development given the increasing complexity of emergency responses. "Communication is one of the most important things in the fire service," Fire Marshal Bob Diorio remarked. The new radio system, part of a countywide initiative, enhances the department's ability to coordinate effectively with mutual aid partners and respond swiftly to emergencies. "It’s improving the communication and its several channels," he explained, underscoring the essential nature of reliable communication in life-or-death situations.

The upgrade, funded through a combination of grants and local tax dollars, represents a significant investment in the safety and efficiency of emergency services in Goshen and surrounding areas. Goshen Fire Chief Barry Hall, acknowledged the technological advancement, stating, "It’s just technology at its best... the communication system that was in place years back is just kind of outgrown itself."

Despite these advancements, the fire company faces ongoing challenges, particularly in recruiting and retaining volunteers. "We're a bedroom town here," Hall explained, noting the difficulty in securing daytime coverage due to many volunteers working outside the area. "Nighttime is a little bit better than daytime for sure," he added, highlighting a common issue faced by rural fire departments.

Fire Marshal Diorio, who attended the Open House, praised the dedication of the Goshen Fire Company. "The fire department up there, Goshen and Barry Hall who runs it, do a phenomenal job," he said. Diorio highlighted the diverse training the volunteers undergo, from firefighting to cold water rescue, ensuring they are well-prepared for any emergency.

As the Goshen Fire Company looks to the future, the focus remains on strengthening its volunteer base and continuing to improve its operational capabilities. The Open House was not only a celebration of the department’s achievements but also a call to action for the community to support and join their local fire service.

Diorio also emphasized the importance of community engagement and education in fire safety. "I applaud the businesses and the residents... that showed up at this event to learn about fire safety," he said.

Fire Chief Hall – who has been in the fire business for nearly 5 decades - said the challenges will remain because of an aging community but his department is always ready to step up. “People are relying on the EMS services these days a lot more than in the past… which is a good thing that they call for the ambulance, and we are always ready to assist” Hall said.