Electrical Room Fire at VCMS

A Heartfelt Story of Giving
By Ken Kalos

Vernon Ambulance is in the process of filing an application for the use of Epi-pens. This will allow the EMT's to administer this life saving drug to patients who suffer allergic reactions from such things as bee stings or food. This drug is given by a self-injecting syringe, usually given in the thigh. Most patients who have severe enough attacks may have their own pens.  But there may come a time when someone has a severe allergic reaction for the first time, or the individual does not have their Epi-pen with them. Allergic reactions this severe can kill a person within minutes.

On Monday, September 14^th TVFD was dispatched to a fire alarm at VCMS. The daytime ambulance crew was first to arrive on scene to find the school had been evacuated. Initial reports from the police and school officials was a smoke problem from the main electrical room. The ambulance proceeded to that area to find a heavy smoke condition with no visible fire. All electricity to the school was ordered shut down by command (C141) to contain the problem. The school was ventilated and then searched further for any other electrical problems.
School and fire officials discussed a plan of action for the students, who were now without electricity. It was decided to send them home because electricity could not be repaired until the following day. All students and staff performed well under a real fire condition, proving that fire drills do work. TVFD remained on scene until all students had been safely sent home by bus or picked up by parents.

This year, the Toys for Tots drive has an interesting twist. We received a call from a local business in Vernon, Tasty Chick.  The owners, Spin and Lori had their daughter Alysia's 9 year old birthday party on November 9, 1998. They said when they asked Alysia what she would like for her birthday, she stated, "I have enough toys. I would just like to have a party and donate all my gifts to Toys for Tots." These are some big words, for such a little person.

Some of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Alysia. She is a very hard working little girl. She turned 9 years old on November 9^th, lives in South Windsor, attends Pleasant Valley Elementary School and works full time. Yup, that's right, full time.
Alysia has to her credits about 10-15 radio spots, 20+ television commercials, 1 cartoon series and spent 2 years as a regular on "Guiding Light". She is also a member of the Children's Advisory Board of the "Audrey Hepburn Children's Foundation".

Stop in to Tasty Chick, where you may even find Alysia waiting on tables, and thank her for being so kind, thoughtful and generous.
As a reminder, everyone's help is needed for Toys for Tots deliveries Monday, December 21st. All companies are to be at Station 441 by 6:30 p.m. Pizza and soda will be available for everyone around 8:30.

New Radio Tower at Station 241

The Vernon Police Department is currently in the process of building a new radio tower for their satellite repeater station and for possible future use by the Town of Vernon Fire Department. The new 40-foot tower will be located on the grounds of Station 241. The new tower will offer clear police radio reception in the lower Vernon area and Route 83 strip ("The Flats"). According to Chief Kelley, the fire department may also locate a satellite station for the fire department repeater on this tower in the near future. The tower is being paid for with federal drug forfeiture funds.