Canaan Fire Company

P.O. Box 642

Canaan, CT 06018

www.canaanfirecompany.org

WHAT IF VOLUNTEERS DIDN’T?

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

The past year has been an amazing one.  2011 marked the Canaan Fire Company’s100th year of service and protection to the residents of North Canaan.  During the year, we responded to over two hundred calls from our friends and neighbors including three major events.  These consisted of a large propane leak which caused the evacuation of the downtown area, Hurricane Irene, as well as a major snow storm in October!!  Members of the Canaan Fire Company provided assistance to any resident that needed a warm place to stay in the emergency evacuation shelter that was located at the North Canaan Elementary School during the aftermath of the October storm.

We started our anniversary celebration with our annual Fireman’s Ball. Other anniversary events included a very wet but fun Fireman’s Muster, Open House and Parade.  Last, but not least, our firehouse was decorated for the holiday and our trucks decked out for the Annual Light Parade.  2011 was a year to remember.

In our free time, we still found time to train and learn new techniques to better protect the residents of North Canaan.  We had seven members of the fire company complete state certified training.  The classes demanded a large commitment of time and energy to complete.  We are proud of their dedication and this is promising for the future of the company and the fire service.  But the reality is the cost of such classes in addition to the cost of the services provided during the year is exorbitant.

The Canaan Fire Company relies almost entirely on the generous donations of our friends and neighbors and without your support we cannot provide the high level of protection that we have all grown accustomed to.  This year, along with trying to obtain funds to meet our required operating budget of $80,000.00, we are faced with the replacement cost of 1000 feet, of much needed supply hose. This hose was taken out of service due to its failure during the National Fire Protection Association required hose test.  Each hundred-foot section costs $650.  Additionally, we plan to purchase ten sets of turnout gear, to outfit new members and replace aging sets at the cost of $2,500 per firefighter, for a total cost of $25,000.00.   The current turnout gear is dangerously old and unsafe to wear, making it a safety concern for our members.   

To kick off our 2012 fundraising campaign, the Canaan Fire Company will be hosting a Hawaiian theme dance on Saturday,

February 18, 2012 from 8 PM until Midnight at the North Canaan Elementary School. Attire for this event should be casual Hawaiian.  We have enclosed two tickets for you to join us in a night of good music and dancing. Please make checks payable to the Canaan Fire Company and, naturally, any amount over and above the cost of the tickets would be greatly appreciated. Your generous tax-deductible donation of $25, $50, $100 or more will help us make our goal of raising $120,000.00 a reality. 

When making your contribution, please remember that your call for help is answered by your friends and neighbors who volunteer.  Your donation directly assists The Canaan Fire Company in providing better service and protection to our community.  We, the members of the Canaan Fire Company, thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

The Canaan Fire Company

Ronald Carpenter                                                          Jerry Callinan

President                                                                      Vice-President

Thanks for your continued support of our fundraisers!!

  When You See a Blue Light, Pull to the Right. Volunteer Firefighters are required to display a flashing blue light to warn motorists while responding to emergencies in their personal vehicles. Although Connecticut Motor Vehicle Law does not require motorists to pull to over to the right, be courteous and let them pass.