Montpelier Fire Local 2287

07/18/2024 - Montpelier Fire Department is currently hiring. Please see posting for details. City of Montpelier, VT - City Government

A beautiful day to the start of July and what a better way then with some training on drafting and flowing water. D-shift, Lt. Chad Morse, SFF Jake Timian, FF JJ Leu

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Did you know more fires occur with gas grills than with charcoal? Don’t let a fire ruin your backyard BBQ this summer!

Here’s how to keep the fire in the grill and under control:
🔥~ Make sure to give your grill the attention it deserves. Don’t leave your grill unattended.
🔥~ Always operate your grill on a flat, ground-level surface and at a safe distance (at least 6 feet) away from your home, awnings, trees, and other flammable materials.
🔥~ Camp fires need to be at least 50’ from any buildings.
🔥~ Be sure your grill is at least 6 feet away from the siding of the house and out from under roof overhangs and porches.

The members of the department and Montpelier Fire Local 2287 are excited for new leadership and fresh ideas! We are ready to be led by a Chief with a strong labor background and history in the IAFF. Welcome to Montpelier Chief Libby!

Montpelier Welcomes Derek Libby as New Fire Chief
MONTPELIER, VT—Montpelier City Manager William Fraser announced today that he has appointed Derek Libby to the position of Fire Chief. Chief Libby is presently the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Burlington where he served a nine-month stint as Acting Chief. Libby will assume his formal role as MFD Chief on August 12th. The incoming Fire Chief will be responsible for continuing the community's high standards of emergency response and prevention while providing an important perspective on the City's leadership team. He is replacing retiring Chief Robert Gowans who will end his 45-year career with Montpelier on June 24th.

Libby has worked for the Burlington Fire Department since 1999 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013, Captain in 2015, Battalion Chief in 2020 and Deputy Chief in 2021. While in Burlington, Libby has been a member of the Vermont Urban Search and Rescue Team and a FEMA Search and Rescue team.

Libby chairs the Governor's Council on Search and Rescue and serves on several professional boards and committees. Previous in Vermont, he served as a Police Officer in Richmond and Morristown between 1993 and 1999. Libby earned a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences/Sports Medicine from Johnson State College and a Master's degree in Emergency Management at the University of New Haven. Libby is certified as a Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor, and is an EMT.

"We had two very strong finalists to choose from," City Manager Fraser said. "Both could have been successful in the position. We are confident that Mr. Libby's experience and dedication to the profession of firefighting and emergency services will immensely benefit the Montpelier Fire Department and the City as a whole. We welcome his new perspectives to improve our already excellent Fire/EMS Department."

Libby grew up in Stowe and joined the Stowe Fire Department as a junior volunteer while in high school and received a Congressional Award of Merit from the United States Congress in 1990.
Libby was selected from a field of 14 applicants. City Manager Fraser was assisted by the City's leadership team and current fire department employees in choosing him to fill this distinguished role. His leadership style, education, extensive experience in Vermont, and direct approach were deciding factors in his appointment.

Chief Libby will be relocating to the Montpelier area and is actively seeking housing. His salary will be $115,000 annually which is comparable to the budgeted amount for Chief Gowans.

In memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, today we remember you.

Please join us in congratulating our own Kaden Giroux on the completion of his 1 year probation period. Senior Firefighter Jake Timian (on the left) presents Kaden with his Montpelier Firefighter helmet shield which will replace the orange probation shield he currently has. Awesome Job Kaden!

City of Montpelier, VT - City Government

With the warm nice weather upon us. This is a reminder for residents of Montpelier about outdoor burning. Information on how to obtain a burn permit for the residents of Montpelier.

State law requires a burn permit. The city of Montpelier requires obtaining a burn permit year round. Montpelier Fire Department makes it easy to obtain one.

You can call the fire station at 802-229-4913 or stop in at 61 Main St.

If we are issuing permits based on conditions we will coordinate to make a site visit.

Permitted burns are allowed only during daylight hours and not on windy or overly dry days.

Yard waste is defined as anything natural, such as tree branches, leaves, brush, grass clippings and garden waste. You cannot burn rubbish, cardboard, paper or other household items or treated or painted lumber of any kind.

There is no cost for a burn permit.

Montpelier Police Department City of Montpelier, VT - City Government Department of Public Works- City of Montpelier

Members of S. Burlington Fire Department, Burlington Fire Department, Barre Town EMS, Montpelier Fire Department, and Hartford Fire Department were at the state house this morning representing the PFFV discussing Early Detection Cancer Screenings for members in Vermont.
Burlington Firefighters Association Local 3044
Montpelier Fire Local 2287
South Burlington Fire - IAFF Local 3671
Hartford Career Firefighters Association - IAFF Local 2905

JOB OPENING: FIRE CHIEF
(City of Montpelier, Vermont -population 8,000)

Montpelier, the capital city of Vermont, is seeking a Fire Chief. The current Chief is retiring on 7/1/24 after 13 years as Chief, 5 years as Deputy Chief, and 44 total years with the department. This is a Department Head position that answers directly to the City Manager. Combination Fire/EMS/Paramedic department with 17.5 FTE and a $2.575 million budget.

The Fire Chief is responsible for all fire suppression and prevention activities within the City and as part of regional mutual aid. Responsible for EMS and Paramedic service in Montpelier and three neighboring towns (by contract). The Department has a record of excellent service and response to the public. Emphasis is placed on fire prevention, education, and training. The Chief may be part of the direct response team on emergency calls from time to time.

The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience with all aspects of fire suppression including incident command, EMS, and Paramedic service delivery -including billing and collections, active fire prevention efforts, supervision in a unionized environment, and other aspects of the departmental operation including public engagement, budgeting, purchasing, strategic planning, equipment management, and personnel management.

The successful candidate will have strong communication and public presentation skills, demonstrated ability to track multiple priorities and activities, the ability to work with tight budgets for the best public value, and effective leadership skills. The applicant must have an associate degree (or higher), preferably in Fire Safety or Public Administration. Completion of the Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy is preferred but not required.

Experience as Chief Officer or Deputy Chief Officer, or supervisory position for a comparable department is required. Formal education requirements may be waived based on sufficient work experience. Must have or be eligible to obtain valid certifications in firefighting and EMS. Familiarity with building codes/inspections and health requirements is a plus since the Chief may play a support role with those functions. Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Vermont Driver's License. The Chief is expected to reside in or near Montpelier.

The City of Montpelier offers a comprehensive benefits package. Compensation is negotiable based on qualifications and experience, the current budgeted annual salary is $113,900. Letters of interest, resume, and list of references should be sent to Tanya Chambers, HR Director, 39 Main Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602, or by email at [email protected] on or before May 3, 2024. The City encourages applications from minority and female candidates.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vermont State Police, Trooper Vitali, and his family. Wishing you a fast recovery!

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We often find ourselves tasked with handling more than one emergency call at a time. M-F and one Saturday a month we are staffed with a crew of 4 firefighters. Last night, a typically busy Friday, we were able to cover both of these simultaneous EMS calls and provide care without a response delay or mutual aid. Minutes after getting back in service, we were at it again, responding to a motor vehicle accident with injuries along with the Montpelier Police Department. The shift ended with simultaneous calls yet again, this time a CO investigation and EMS call. We pride ourselves on being there when you need us!

Thoughts are with the Gladding family and the Barre City Fire Department . Brother David Gladding was a mentor, leader, advocate, and, friend to everyone he crossed paths with. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2023
William J. Fraser, City Manager

6:30pm December Flood Update in Montpelier

MONTPELIER, VT—(6:30pm). As of 5:45pm, the Winooski River in Montpelier is now above flood stage at 16.00 feet. The National Weather Service is now predicting the river to crest at 16.7 feet, a slight downgrade from earlier predictions of 16.8.

What Does a River Level of 16 Feet of Water Look Like?
When Winooski Rive reaches 16 feet, Route 2 will flood at the Bailey Avenue Bridge, and the entrance to the Montpelier High School. Parking lots behind state office buildings next to the river will flood between Taylor Street and Bailey Avenue, and the approach to the Taylor Street bridge will be inundated. Low-lying fields and farmland will be inundated.

The City will continue to share regular updates as the storm continues. Please make sure you and your loved ones are registered to receive VT-Alerts so you will be informed of important emergency information. Sign up for VT-Alert here: https://vem.vermont.gov/vtalert

Please also sign up for email updates using Notify Me in the Popular Links menu on our homepage here: https://www.montpelier-vt.org/list.aspx.

You can monitor the water level on the National Weather Service website here: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=MONV1&wfo=btv

Historic River Heights in Montpelier:
- May 2011 = 17.59 feet
- August 29, 2011 (Tropical Storm Irene) = 19.05 feet
- July 10th, 2023 = 21.35 feet
- 1927 Flood = 27.10 feet



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Montpelier Fire Department Montpelier Police Department Department of Public Works- City of Montpelier Montpelier Alive

National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS)

What You Should Do Now:
- Prepare for moderate flooding in Montpelier today into tomorrow
- Sign up for VT-Alerts here: https://vem.vermont.gov/vtalert
- Move your vehicle to higher ground away from water sources and areas prone to flooding
- Sign up for email updates from the City of Montpelier here: https://www.montpelier-vt.org/list.aspx
- Check road closures and hazards on New England 511 here: https://newengland511.org/
- If you need shelter, the Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill in Barre.
- Elevate items in your basement and low first floors. If you need help elevating your items, please sign up using the Montpelier Volunteer Hub at https://montpelierhub.com/
- Learn more about the current flood forecast: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=MONV1&wfo=btv

Vermont Alert | Vermont Emergency Management Powered By Get the Everbridge App: Android I Apple Register for VT-ALERT Log in to VT-ALERT VT-Alert Public Sign-up Process Reference Guide View All Alerts **Please Note: you can set quiet hours for most alerts that are not urgent. When you set up your alerts click on the ones you want and be sure t...

❤️Feel good story alert 💓
On November 20th just before 1am, Montpelier resident Michelle Lesnak called 911 for the first time in her life. She woke experiencing chest pain and discomfort. Fortunately for her, she lives in a community with a full-time fire based ambulance, and a crew of 3 arrived at her doorway in under 3 minutes.

Soon after, Michelle suffered sudden cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. Thanks to the quick response and professionalism of LT/AEMT Kenneth Christman, SFF/Medic Jake Timian, and pictured here with Michelle, FF/Medic Marc Truedson, Michelle was successfully resuscitated and transported to the emergency room. Today she walked into the station less than a month later to express her appreciation.
With a crew of only 3 on duty that night, an additional thanks goes to the Montpelier Police Department who provided the needed extra hands to safely move the patient to the ambulance.

It's very rare that after a successful outcome, those involved are able to reconnect. For Michelle, she stated it was emotional and felt good to be able to thank the people that saved her life. For FF Truedson, he said he's only had this opportunity a few times in his career and this one felt really good.

12/12/2023 🔥 Fire in a commercial building 🔥

At 0016 hours The Montpelier Fire Department responded to a reported fire alarm activation at 145 Main Street. This is the location of The Inn at Montpelier as well as Penzo Pizza. This was the second fire of the shift.

The on duty crew of 4 responded and were updated en route that there was a fire in the kitchen. A first alarm assignment was initiated bringing mutual aid help from Barre City Fire, East Montpelier Fire, Waterbury Fire, Northfield Fire departments, along with an ambulance from Barre Town.

We arrived on the scene within 3 minutes of the tone to an occupied Inn in the process of evacuating, and smoke coming from the "D" side of the structure.

Despite the overwhelming number of responsibilities when faced with a property of this type, the crew quickly located and extinguished the fire, preventing any structural damage.

The rest of the property was searched and ventilated prior to allowing guests to return. There were no reported injuries and the fire is not considered suspicious.

Although still understaffed based on NFPA guidelines, we were fortunate to have a crew of 4 on duty, allowing us to extinguish the fire, perform a search, check for extension, and ventilate the building in just over 1-hour.

The Inn is still operational and after a good kitchen cleaning, Penzo Pizza will be able to reopen soon.

12/11/2023- FIRE IN A BASEMENT 🔥

At 1356 hours, The Montpelier Fire Department was dispatched to 22 Hubbard Park Drive for a reported fire in the basement, with one person still inside.

The on-duty crew of 4 responded with an engine and tower, and arrived on scene within 4 minutes. The Deputy Fire Chief also responded with a utility truck. A first alarm assignment was requested to bring additional help from the Barre City, East Montpelier, Northfield, and Waterbury Fire Departments.

On scene at a single-family residence, smoke was visible from a first-floor doorway, as well as from the eaves and a gable vent. It was quickly confirmed that all occupants of the home were accounted for and outside of the residence.

A handline was deployed and the fire was confirmed to be out. The home was investigated for possible extension, with no fire damage beyond the room of origin found.

There was charring found on the nearby exposed studs and a beam above the furnace, and smoke throughout the house that had spread through the ductwork to the upper floors and into the knee walls. The home was ventilated without damage.

Barre City Fire Department provided station coverage, while all other mutual aid was cancelled.

A service company working inside the home reported they noticed smoke coming from the floor registers and discovered fire coming from the furnace.

It should be commended that the quick action by the contractors to alert everyone in the home of the fire along with the safe and effective use of a fire extinguisher prevented further damage and allowed a family to be back in their home tonight.

One of the contractors was evaluated on scene for smoke inhalation and released.

The cause of the fire was due to a malfunctioning service switch and is not considered suspicious.

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, resident or non. It's going to be a very difficult budget season for many communities. Life safety and core services are already staffed at a minimum and lack the proper funding for equipment and training. If you value your families life safety, please voice that!

FY25 Montpelier Budget Priorities Survey Here's your chance to impact Montpelier's budget priorities for FY25. Let us know which city services are most valued and which ones could potentially be scaled back.

At 1813 hours on November 1st 2023, Capitol Dispatch initiated a 1st alarm assignment (mutual aid from 5 area departments) for a reported structure fire with an employee trapped inside, at 707 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier. This is the location of R.K. Miles, formerly Allen Lumber.

The initial crew of 4 full-time Montpelier Fire Local 2287 Members responded and upgraded to a 2nd alarm (mutual aid from the initial 5, plus 5 more area departments ) prior to arriving, due to the amount of smoke and flames seen from Barre Street, and arrived on scene in exactly 3 minutes.

An initial fire attack was initiated from within the lumber yard, and the employee who was reported as being trapped was located outside, safe. They were transported to the emergency room for smoke inhalation and released.

Unfortunately, within minutes there was a sudden and strong shift and increase in wind and the firefighters were forced to pull back and abandon the fire engine. Sadly, the truck is a total loss.

The blaze was battled until around midnight when the bulk of the fire was knocked down and deemed under control. Crews were on scene throughout the night overhauling and extinguishing hot spots. There were no reported injuries to fire personnel.

Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, with assistance from the Montpelier Police Department, respond to help determine the origin and cause of the fire. Although there is no indication the fire is suspicious, the investigation is ongoing at this time.

Anyone who has photos, video or information about this fire is asked to contact Vermont State Police Detective Sgt. Christopher Blais at the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or [email protected], or Montpelier Police Detective Sgt. Jeff Pearson at 802-223-3445 or [email protected].

People with information also may contact the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 800-32-ARSON. The Arson Tip Award Program is a separate entity from the Vermont State Police, and through funding from insurance companies offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

Further questions about the fire may be directed to Chief Gowans of the Montpelier Fire Department.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of the mutual aid departments that helped us fight our second structure fire in the past 4 days. As well as the Montpelier Police Department, Green Mountain Power, Kirk Fenoff & sons excavation, Barre City Fire Department , Barre Town Fire Department Barre Town EMS , East Montpelier Fire Department , Berlin Fire, Middlesex Fire, Worcester Fire, Waterbury Vermont Fire Department, Plainfield Fire & Rescue: , Northfield Fire, Department of Public Works- City of Montpelier,

Also an enormous thank you to the numerous residents and businesses that have donated food or expressed love and appreciation to a group just doing our jobs. It does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. Our City of Montpelier has undergone a lot recently, and this is another tragedy to test our resolve and show why we are honored to serve such a wonderful community!

Picture credit: unknown

UPDATE 08:10: Both northbound lanes have reopened. Southbound from exit 8 has one lane open.

Montpelier Fire Local 2287 is currently operating on the interstate between exits 7 and 8 at a multiple car motor vehicle accident. I89 between exit 7 and 8 are both affected. Northbound from exit 7 is open with one lane of travel. southbound lane from exit 8 is closed and will remain closed at least another hour. Please avoid Memorial Drive in Montpelier, as there is heavy traffic at a standstill. Please use caution when traveling all roads this morning, as we have encountered multiple black ice spots and there are numerous accidents throughout the area. City of Montpelier, VT - City Government Montpelier Police Department

On 10/28/23 at 2310 hours, Capitol Dispatch notified the Montpelier Fire Local 2287 of a reported structure fire in the area of 70 Main Street. The on-duty crew was on scene in under a minute and encountered heavy fire coming from the front of The Mad Taco restaurant. The officer in charge requested a 2nd alarm assignment and an initial fire attack was initiated. Significant fire and water damage has impacted The Mad Taco, as well as the rear of Charlie O's. 5 tenants from the neighboring building were temporarily displaced. There were no reported injuries. The fire was declared under control around 0100 hours, and crews cleared the scene at 0400 hours. There was a fire watch staged on the scene throughout the morning hours. Investigators from the State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety will be on scene this morning to conduct an investigation for cause. Mutual aid was received from Barre City Fire Department , East Montpelier Fire Department, Berlin Fire, Northfield Fire, Waterbury Vermont Fire Department , Worcester Fire, Barre Town Fire Department, Plainfield Fire, Williamstown VT Fire Department and Barre Town EMS. Montpelier Police Department , City of Montpelier, VT - City Government. Photo credit to resident Stan Brinkerhoff.

As always professional services provided by Desorcie Emergency Products. We appreciate your work and providing our annual pump testing.

Please reference VT 511 for updates and road closures!

For road closure information around the state:

https://vtrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/1895a922e8b148afb3d13094cfd68d93

The Montpelier Police Department family is deeply saddened by the line of duty death of a young Rutland City Police Department Officer this afternoon.

We wish the other officers injured in this incident a speedy recovery and are keeping all of their families in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Lt. Morse and FF Timian getting some valuable hoseline and pump training in with our new probationary firefighter.

Engine 1 Ambulance 1 out with a roll over on Barre Street, Montpelier VT

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

UPDATE 9 AM: Barre Street is open to traffic.

Barre Street is currently shut down between Main Street and Monsignor Crosby Avenue due to a single vehicle rollover crash. There are no reported injuries.

Please avoid the area.