News:                                                                          Last Updated 18 July 2006

 

 

Run Reports for June 2006- June continued the trend of May, as the department had only

four runs for the month of June. Two vehicle accidents (on the same day, both with minor

injuries) and two first-responder calls for the month. As of the time this update was written,

the fire department is having the quietest year in recent memory. Over-all for this date, the Chester

Volunteer Fire Department has answered 28 alarms for 2006. This compares to 69 alarms for the

same date in 2005, 48 alarms in 2004, and 51 alarms in 2003. Hopefully, this trend continues. The

last structure fire in the city was on October 7th, 2005 (A mobile home on Charles Street).

 

 

Fall Bash- Ticket sales continue to be strong, as we get closer to the event.  We have sold-out

for three straight years, and this year shows signs of continuing that trend. Get your tickets before

they are gone!!!

 

 

Equipment News- Engine #66 is in service. The 2006 Sutphen Shield Series pumper saw its

first fire on July 4th on a mutual-aid call in Newell. A mobile home on Bentley Avenue suffered

damage in the blaze which occurred around 11:30 P.M.  Chester sent eight firefighters in an engine

and heavy rescue to the fire. The mobile home was occupied, but thankfully no one was home at

the time of the blaze. Cause of the fire is still undetermined and being investigated by Newell Fire

Department. Chester used an inch and a half handline off 66 and entered through the rear door of

the trailer to knock down the fire per Newell’s direction. It was a great teamwork between the two

departments.

 

 

Fireworks-The fireworks on the fourth got rained out, and was rescheduled for July 7th. Despite

the delay, the show was really enjoyable by residents from the entire tri-state.

 

 

 

Membership news- At our monthly business meeting on Wednesday July 5th, we were surprised

and pleased to have retired Chester firefighter Chuck Casto attend.  Chuck was in town for the Fourth

of July festivities from Florida. Mr. Casto served as Captain of the department in 1974 and as Assistant

Chief from 1975 till his retirement in 1981.