Welcome to Shelton White Hills Fire Company 5
About White Hills Fire Company 5
White Hills Voluntary Fire Company Number 5 is one of four fire companies that make up the City of Shelton’s ISO Class 4 all-volunteer fire department. The Shelton Fire Department protects over 40,000 residents, plus commercial properties ranging from 19th-century mills to modern high-rises.
History of White Hills Fire Company 5
The White Hills Civic Club was chartered May 20, 1946. A stated aim of the organization was to promote community welfare. One of the first objectives was to form a volunteer fire company and purchase a fire truck. The fire company was formed in 1947 and the first truck was purchased in 1948 costing $7,000. Members signed personal notes to assure the payment of the new vehicle. They also held two-day country fairs to help in the payment for the new fire truck. Those two-day fairs were a tremendous amount of work. Some of the attractions were, animals and produce on exhibit, there was a baked goods table, white elephant table, snack bar, games of chance, raffles, square dancing, and many other attractions. scroll down to view our history.
About Us
YEAR & OFFICERS | YEAR IN REVIEW |
1947 Capt. Harold French 2nd Lt. Nick Wabuda 1st Lt. Joseph Novak Treas. Robert Baldwin Sec. Charles Beardsley | We had a captain and officers, but no trucks or fire house. 50 families lived in the White Hills of Shelton. |
1948 Capt. Harold French Harry Gragen 1st Lt. Joseph Novak 2nd Lt. Nick Wabuda Treas. James Curtis Sec. Charles Beardsley | Incorporation papers were signed, and we ordered our first fire truck. Members signed personal notes to assure payment of the new truck. A building committee was also formed. |
1949 Capt. Harold French 1st Lt. Joseph Novak 2nd Lt Nick Wabuda Treas. James Curtis Sec. Charles Beardsley / Leonard McEwen | The first annual fair was held, and the New fire truck Engine 51 arrived. Leonard McEwen finished Charles Beardsley's term as secretary. The Civic club donated $1,000 towards the construction of a cinder block addition to store the new fire truck. The new fire truck was stored in a barn in White Hills during the summer, and in the Monroe Fire House through the winter until the new addition was completed. |
1950 Capt. John Wabuda 1st Lt. Paul Ferrand 2nd Lt. George Glover Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | A By-laws committee was formed and the fire company By-laws were acted on. |
1951 Capt. George Glover 1st Lt. Joseph Wabuda 2nd Lt. Robert McEwen Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | The fire company fought its first major fire when Novotny's barn burnt. |
1952 Capt. 1st Lt.John Kosowsky 2nd Lt. Robert McEwen Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | The first general dance and carnival were held to help raise funds for the fire company. |
1953 Capt. John Wabuda 1st Lt. Robert McEwen 2nd Lt. Rex King Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | The fire company installed the first fire alarm siren. |
1954 Capt. John Wabuda 1st Lt. Robert McEwen 2nd Lt. Andrew Swist Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | A portable pump was purchased at the price of $450. The pump was mainly used to pump out cellars, but it could also be used for fighting fires. |
1955 Capt. John Wabuda 1st Lt. Robert McEwen 2nd Lt. Andrew Swist Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | An electric well pump was installed at the fire house. This replaced the old hand pump. The Lombardi farm on Soundview Ave was a major barn fire this year. |
1956 Capt. John Kosowsky 1st Lt. Andrew Swist 2nd Lt. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | A new two way radio was installed in the truck. The second fire company carnival/fair was held. |
1957 Capt. John Kosowsky 1st Lt. Arlo Sturdevant 2nd Lt.George Novotny Treas.James Curtis Sec.Leonard McEwen | The fire company purchased our first sanctioned uniform .A truck committee was formed to spec out a new truck. |
1958 Capt. George Novotny 1st Lt. Arlo Sturdevant 2nd Lt. Robert Asplund Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | . The fire company ordered a new fire truck from the American LaFrance Company. A Chevrolet militarysurplus vehicle from the Civil Defense was received.T his truck became Engine 52. |
1959 Capt. George Novotny 1st Lt. Robert Asplund 2nd Lt. George Payne Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | The new fire truck arrived. Engine 53 was bought by the fire company, at a price of $12,000. With 1,000 gallons of water this truck was state of the art for it¹s time. Engine 53 served the White Hills of Shelton until 1991. |
1960 Capt. George Novotny 1st Lt.John Kosowsky 2nd Lt.Walter Wheeler Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | The fire company held our first annual Firemen’s Ball. Several work parties were held to make renovations to the meeting room. |
1961 Capt. John Kosowsky 1st Lt.Walter Wheeler 2nd Lt. John Gluck Treas.James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | The fire company held our second annual Fireman's Ball. |
1962 Capt. Walter Wheeler 1st Lt. John Gluck 2nd Lt. John Grasic Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | A new portable pump and fire fighting foam equipment were received. The junior fire fighter brigade was established for 16 to 18 year olds. |
1963 Capt. John Gluck 1st Lt.. Jack W. Toth 2nd Lt. John Grasic Treas. James Curtis Sec. Leonard McEwen | The fire company grew rapidly at this time. All the trucks, Engine 51, 52, and 53 were equipped with two way radios. |
1964 Capt. Jack W. Toth 1st Lt. Harry Gragen 2nd Lt. Malcolm Bruce Treas. Richard Clark Sec. Leonard McEwen | derailed, at Indian Wells State Park. 19 firefighters were The first drafting hydrant was installed at Novak’s pond. Co. #5 responded to a train wreck in which 25 cars hospitalized, as one of the rail cars was leaking anhydrous ammonia. James Curtis stepped down as treasure after 16 years in the position. |
1965 Capt. Jack W. Toth 1st Lt. Malcolm Bruce 2nd Lt. Arlo Sturdevant Treas. Richard Clark Sec. Leonard McEwen | Captain elect John Kosowsky passed away before taking his chair. It was a sad time for company #5. The newly finished social room was named in his honor. A new addition to the building was approved by the Civic Club. Shelton plunged into darkness as Connecticut, along with eight other states and part of Canada shared in a major power failure. |
1966 Capt. George Novotny 1st Lt. Walter Wheeler 2nd Lt. John Novotny Treas. Joseph Novak Sec. Leonard McEwen | New company uniforms were ordered and worn to the company ball. The fire company joined the Connecticut Firemen’s Association. The Ladies Auxiliary was also established this year. |
1967 Capt. Walter Wheeler 1st Lt. John Novotny 2nd Lt. Richard Bates Treas. Joseph Novak Sec. Leonard McEwen | The new meeting rooms were accepted by the companyand used for the first time. Fire Brigade(Jr. Members) were renamed as the Shelton Emergency Fire Dept. A new truck committee was formed (brush truck 54). A stone monument was erected to honor deceased firemen from company #5. |
1968 Capt. John Novotny 1st Lt. Richard Bates 2nd Lt. Bill Marsilllio Treas. Joseph Novak Sec. Leonard McEwen | The new truck Brush, Truck #54 was received. TheFormer Treasurer James Curtis, passed away. The company received plectrons(radio home alert systems). The company fought a major barn fire at the Hubbell Farm. A land acquisition committee was formed to set a site for a new fire station. |
1969 Capt. Walter Wheeler 1st Lt. Harry Shepard 2nd Lt. Richard Psomas Treas. Joseph Novak Sec. Leonard McEwen | The first annual joint carnival with the Echo Hose Hook and Ladder Company was held. Funds for a new fire house were requested from the Board of Alderman. The fire company once again responded to a train wreck. There were no injuries this time. Torrential rains caused 73 families to be driven from there homes this year. |
1970 Capt. Richard Psomas 1st Lt. James Spry 2nd Lt. Richard Dyer Treas. Sam Psomas Sec. Leonard McEwen | Condemnation proceedings for the lot at 2 School St. began in order to build the new fire station. The annual carnival once again was a success. On the day of the fire company family outing, Company #5 responded to a fatal plane crash. Also this year the 911 system was put into service for the 929 phone exchange. |
1971 Capt. James Spry 1st Lt. Richard Dyer 2nd Lt. Edward Manion Treas. Charles Matula Sec. Leonard McEwen | This year there was a big problem on The Hill with gypsy moths. The fire company sprayed trees for donations. A building committee was formed and new engine 52 was ordered from the Hahn Fire Equip Co. |
1972 Capt. Richard Dyer 1st Lt. Edward Manion 2nd Lt. Jack W. Toth Treas. Charles Matula Sec. Leonard McEwen | A Building site sign was erected at 2 School St for the new fire house. The company marched in the Vt. State Firemen's Convention Parade. Once again, The Hill was challenged by gypsy moths, once again Co #5 won the battle. |
1973 Capt. Edward Manion 1st Lt. Jack W. Toth 2nd Lt. Thomas Canfield Treas. Charles Matula Sec. Leonard McEwen | planned for July 1974. Phil Woodbury was named asEngine #52 was received and placed in service. The ground breaking ceremonies for the new fire house were the first Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners for the City of Shelton from the White Hills Fire Company. Company #5 responded to a school bus full of children, that crashed into a barn and caught fire on Rte. 110. |
1974 Capt. Edward Manion 1st Lt. Jack W. Toth 2nd Lt. Thomas Polson Treas. Charles Matula Sec. Leonard McEwen | A furniture & furnishing committee was formed for the new firehouse. This was the last full year in the original station. Plans for closure of the old firehouse and moving were made, March 1975 was the target date. We also won best overall fire Co., 25 men or less in the State Firemen's Convention. |
1975 Capt. Jack W. Toth 1st Lt. Thomas Polson 2nd Lt. Francis Wheeler Treas. Charles Matula Sec. Leonard McEwen | Governor Ella Grasso attended the opening of the new fire station. This was one week after Shelton fought the largest industrial arson fire in the nation¹s history, when B. F. Goodrich plants 4 & 6 exploded. |
1976 Capt. Thomas Polson 1st Lt. Francis Wheeler 2nd Lt. James Aiken Treas. Ronald Masiero Sec. Leonard McEwen | The by-laws were changed, active members were no longer required to live in the White Hills fire district. Thes ocial room was completed. Firefighters that helped fight the Walnut Ave fire were treated to a steak dinner. A first!!! |
1977 Capt. John Novotny 1st Lt. Steve Martin 2nd Lt. Phil Woodbury Treas. Ronald Masiero Sec. Leonard McEwen | A C.B. radio and antenna were installed so that members could find further information on fires that they were responding to. A wet/dry vacuum and T.V. antenna were donated to the fire company. |
1978 Capt. Francis Wheeler 1st Lt. Steve Martin 2nd Lt. Jack Medley Treas. John Bova Sec. Leonard McEwen | September that year we took delivery of new Engine 51. The volunteers of The Shelton Fire Department donated $2,100 to the Bridgeport Hospital Burn Unit. |
1979 Capt. Steve Martin 1st Lt. Jack Medley 2nd Lt. Jack S. Toth Treas. John Bova Sec. Leonard McEwen | The White Hills Civic Club, responsible for starting the fire company, disbanded. Old Engine 51(our first truck) was retired 30 years after the Civic Club had helped with its purchase. |
1980 Capt. Jack Medley 1st Lt. Jack S. Toth 2nd Lt. Joe Martinka Treas. John Bova Sec. Leonard McEwen | We took delivery of new Tanker 59. Old 59 purchased by the fire Co. was sold to the Bridgewater Fire Dept. |
1981 Capt. Jack S. Toth 1st Lt. Joe Martinka 2nd Lt. Paul Furedy Treas. John Bova Sec. Leonard McEwen | This was a big year for fund raisers. Many members walked door to door asking every resident for support. This was very successful and enabled the company to purchase additional life saving equipment. |
1982 Capt. Joseph Martinka 1st Lt. Paul Furedy 2nd Lt. Robert Rockwell Treas. John Bova Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Tony Martinka | The 1981 officers voted for the first annual Fire Fighter of the year award & I got to present it to my brother Tony. We voted in 18 new members during this year several of them went on to become captains of the fire company and one Jim Lagomarsino went on to become Chief of the Shelton Fire Department. |
1983 Capt. Jack S. Toth 1st Lt. Paul Furedy 2nd Lt. Robert Rockwell Treas. John Bova Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Sam Stern | Major renovations were proposed for the upstairs kitchen. When completed the renovations enhanced our ability to hold fund-raisers and also provided much needed storage space for uniforms and equipment. |
1984 Capt. Francis Wheeler 1st Lt. Robert Rockwell 2nd Lt. Orville Smith Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, James Lagomarsino | The company had won many awards and trophies over the past 37 years. A trophy case was designed and constructed to display these trophies and awards. |
1985 Capt. Robert Rockwell 1st Lt. Orville Smith 2nd Lt. James Troy Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Rodman Kneen Jr. Service Appreciation, Tim Manion | Hurricane ³Gloria² struck the Northeast. Fire Co. #5 was out for days opening roads that had been blocked by downed trees, and securing areas where power lines were down. At the same time the fire Co. responded to a house fire on Leavenworth Rd caused by unattended candles. |
1986 Capt. James Troy 1st Lt. Orville Smith 2nd Lt. Francis Wheeler Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Tim Manion Service Appreciation, Sam Stern | Old Truck 54 was retired. Old 54 was the work horse at many valley brush fires. This year we also took delivery of new Truck 54. |
1987 Capt. Orville Smith 1st Lt. Francis Wheeler 2nd Lt. James Lagoma rsino Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Bob Rosetti Service Appreciation, Fran Wheeler | The White Hills Fire Company #5 was named. The Best Overall Unit & State Champions, in the State Firemen¹s Parade. The highest ever pizza bill ever recorded after a parade - $350. |
1988 Capt. Orville Smith 1st Lt. James Lagomarsino 2nd Lt. Charles Ovesny Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Soren Ibsen Service Appreciation, Alan Ovesny | A City water line was brought into The fire house, and a fire main with hydrants was laid in East Village Rd. This was a result of the persistence of the fire company members, residence and the city. |
1989 Capt. James Lagomarsino 1st Lt. Charles Ovesny 2nd Lt. Soren Ibsen Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Mike Kellett Service Appreciation, Bruce Kosowski | There were many structure fires this year including the Beard Building on Canal St. The most memorable event this year was being named. Best Overall Unit in the State Firemen's Convention Parade. Once again we were state champions. |
1990 Capt. Charles Ovesny 1st Lt. Soren Ibsen 2nd Lt. Samuel Stern Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Paul Hays Service Appreciation, Leroy Rogers | Training was taken to new levels, mock fire mazes in the Stern's trailers, and many other evolutions. John Beardsley's farm house was gutted by a stubborn evening fire that was hampered by downed power lines. This was Old Engine 53's last working house fire. |
1991 Capt. Soren Ibsen 1st Lt. Samuel Stern 2nd Lt. Timothy Manion Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Richard Bashar Service Appreciation, Charles Ovesny | This was a very busy year. Co. #5 took delivery of new Engine 53 in July. During the months prior to delivery our truck committee made several trips to the plant in PA for vehicle inspection. Also during this year the company was busy raising money for our new hydraulic rescue tool. We raised $12,000 thanks to the residents,businesses, and a memorial fund for deceased member Dirck Mulford. |
1992 Capt. Samuel Stern 1st Lt. Timothy Manion 2nd Lt. Rodman Kneen Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Bob Dolberg Service Appreciation, James Lagomarsino | system. This tool and the extensive training have effected The new hydraulic rescue tool arrived. An extensive training program was initiated for the use of the rescue countless rescues in White Hills since it was purchased. |
1993 Capt. Timothy Manion 1st Lt. Rodman Kneen 2nd Lt. Jack Delisio Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Shaun Wheeler Service Appreciation, Mike Kellett | There were several major fires in the City, including a Sunday morning house fire on Jonathan La. In which the home owner was rescued, thanks to two off duty police officers, that lived on the street. These officers were given award for bravery from the White Hills Fire Co., City of Shelton, Stamford Police Association, and Trumbull Police Department. Other major fires included, Hunters Corner, Shelton Tack and the Samarius Building. A truck committee was formed to spec a new heavier cab & chassis for the brush truck. |
1994 Capt. Rodman Kneen 1st Lt. John Recce 2nd Lt. Tony Martinka Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Ed Tevolitz Service Appreciation, Paul Hays | The front entry to the fire station was dressed up with a new trophy case built inside, and a new flag pole erected outside by the members. An orientation manual was created for new members. |
1995 Capt. Rodman Kneen 1st Lt. John Recce 2nd Lt. Tony Martinka Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Tony DeSarli Service Appreciation, Lou Cortigiano | The I-2 policy, requiring mandatory training, was enforced for the first time, making our active roles leaner yet more professional. Thanks to the caring and giving of the members, a Christmas to remember was shared with a special little boy in White Hills. |
1996 Capt. John Recce 1st Lt. Tony Martinka 2nd Lt. Francis Wheeler Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Bruce Kosowski Service Appreciation, Richard VonWerder | The New brush truck arrived, replacing the truck purchased in 1986, which is still in service and was converted over for use by the fire alarms division. We also took delivery of our cold water rescue suits. These are designed to rescue people that have fallen through ice. |
1997 Capt. Tony Martinka 1st Lt. Francis Wheeler 2nd Lt. Tony DeSarli Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year,Tim Kiely Service Appreciation, Leonard McEwen | Here we are celebrating 50 years of neighbors helping neighbors. We are joined in our celebration by the White Hills Ladies Auxiliary as they celebrate 30 years. The White Hills of Shelton have changed greatly over the past50 years but, our intent remains the same as our founders, To protect the lives and property of our neighbors. |
1998 Capt. Francis Wheeler 1st Lt. Tony DeSarli 2nd Lt. Timothy Manion Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Jayson Kneen Service Appreciation, Alan Ovesny & Bob Mcguire | The year was just hours old when we faced out first hard working structure fire on Summit Ridge Rd. The occupants were not at home and the fire room was fully involved before it was noticed. An aggressive attack contained most fire damage to the room of origin. |
1999 Capt. Tony DeSarli 1st Lt. Timothy Manion 2nd Lt. Edward Tevolitz Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Brian Mohyde Service Appreciation, Charles Ovesny II | The company challenged the City's unfair process of selecting chief officers. The courts agreed that the chief selection process was tainted due to an existing professional relationship between the Chairman of the Board and the Chief. The City's response was to change the testing procedure allowing the chief to remain. |
2000 Capt. Timothy Manion 1st Lt. Edward Tevolitz 2nd Lt. Robert Albert Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Charles Ovesny II Service Appreciation, Mike Rogucki | Company 5 hosted one of the largest Valley-wide training events in recent history. Fire companies from Shelton, Monroe, Derby, Trumbull, Newtown and Shelton Fire Explores participated in the live burn of a large abandoned house on the old Hubble property. Although, the fire itself lasted less than an hour and half. The planning for this event spanned several months and involved countless hours of dedication by Company members, Shelton training officers the & Shelton Fire Marshal's Office.(The 100' fir tree next to the house did not burn) |
2001 Capt. Edward Tevolitz 1st Lt. Robert Albert 2nd Lt. Shaun Wheeler Treas. Richard VonWerder Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Jim Cyr Service Appreciation, Nicole Cybart | Company 5 began to draw up specifications for tanker 59 This year through generous donations by the residents of White Hills, we purchased a thermal imaging device used for search & rescue operations. Company 5 also responded mutual-aid to Ansonia to combat the Latex Foam Factory fire. |
2002 Capt. Robert Albert 1st Lt. Timothy Manion 2nd Lt. Lou Cortigiano Treas. Richard VonWerder & Soren Ibsen Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Soren Ibsen Service Appreciation, | Our treasurer Rich VonWerder passed away he is missed by all. Many of the photos on this site were taken by Richie. Soren Ibsen completed Richie's term. The addition to house new tanker 59 was erected and the installation of new energy efficient bay doors was implemented by the Captain. |
2003 Capt. Timothy Manion 1st Lt. Lou Cortigiano 2nd Lt. Edward Tevolitz Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Donald Tagg Service Appreciation, Daniel Gramigna | New Tanker 59 a 3000 gallon Pierce Kenworth was put into service replacing the 1980 Mack 2000 gal. Tanker, and specifications were drawn for a new Rescue Pumper to replace Engine 52. This year marks 30 years of proud service for Engine 52. |
2004 Capt. Lou Cortigiano 1st Lt. Shaun Wheeler 2nd Lt. Charles Ovesny III Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Leonard McEwen Fire Fighter of The Year, Alan Ovesny Service Appreciation, | New Engine 52 a Pierce Rescue Pumper was put into service. The truck replaced our 1973 Hahn. The Hahn served the City of Shelton for over 31 years and was that last of the front line pumpers still in service that had fought the Sponge Rubber Products Fire of 1975. |
2005 Capt. Shaun Wheeler 1st Lt. Fran Wheeler 2nd Lt. Edward Tevolitz Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Leonard McEwen Service Appreciation, Soren Ibsen Service Appreciation, Bruce Kosowski | Old Engine 52 was cleaned up by company 5 members and sent to serve brother firefighters in Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The White Hills community suffered a tragic loss during a fatal house fire on Robert Frost Drive. Through the generosity of the White Hills Residents, the company purchased the cab and chassis which will soon be outfitted with a utility body to be used for emergency and public service calls. |
2006 Capt. Lou Cortigiano 1st Lt. Edward Tevolitz 2nd Lt. Charles Ovesny III Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Joe Matis/Fran Wheeler Fire Fighter of The Year, Paul Hays Service Appreciation, Mike Cordi | After Serving under every captain in the history of the fire company Leonard McEwen stepped down as secretary and was named Secretary Emeritus. Company 5 continued their aggressive fundraising efforts in order to placeutility truck 55 in service this year. |
2007 Capt. Edward Tevolitz 1st Lt. Charles Ovesny III / Shaun Wheeler 2nd Lt. Shaun Wheeler / Fran Wheeler Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Fran Wheeler Fire Fighter of The Year, Mike Alterio Sr. Service Appreciation, | 2007 was a very busy year for City-wide training. This benefit of this training was displayed when White Hills Fire Company along with brothers from neighboring fire companies battled a large barn fire on School St, up the road from the fire house. The large fire was visible for miles, however, a coordinated attack the fire was held to the barn. |
2008 Capt. Edward Tevolitz / Shaun Wheeler 1st Lt. Shaun Wheeler / Fran Wheeler 2nd Lt. Donald Tagg Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Fran Wheeler Asst Chief Edward Tevolitz Fire Fighter of The Year, Mike Alterio Jr. Service Appreciation, Fran Wheeler | The Shelton Fire Department responded to a fire on the second floor of Shelton High School. Resources from surrounding towns were called in to assist during the extensive over hall and mop up. For further details click below. Fire erupts at Shelton High School - The Connecticut Post Online |
2009 Capt. Tony DeSarli 1st Lt. Alan Ovesny 2nd Lt. Mike Alterio Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Paul Hays Asst Chief Edward Tevolitz Fire Fighter of The Year, Matt Egensteiner Service Appreciation, Charles Ovesny II & Lou Cortigiano | White Hills Fire Company 5 won the Valley Firemen's Soft Ball League Championship. In December, the members of Company 5 responded to a 56 car pile up on Route 110 near Indian Wells Rd. Truck 55 responded to close the top of route 110 as the situation was being assessed. This quick response by Truck 55 prevent countless additional vehicles from descending the hill and crashing into the already massive pile up. |
2010 Capt. Tony DeSarli 1st Lt. Alan Ovesny 2nd Lt. C. J. Martin Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Paul Hays Asst Chief Edward Tevolitz Fire Fighter of The Year, Jon Kristof Service Appreciation, Edward Tevolitz | The fire company saw a great increase in membership this year. Major incidents this year include a gas main break on route 110 and several motor vehicle extrication and residential structure fires. |
2011 Capt. Alan Ovesny 1st Lt. C.J. Martin 2nd Lt. Charles Ovesny Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Paul Hays Asst Chief Edward Tevolitz Fire Fighter of The Year, Chris Calkins Service Appreciation, Kevin McCue | The life of a White Hills resident was saved during a working fire at her home. Lt. Charles Ovesny entered the burning building with out the protection of a hand line after hearing a faint call for help. He proceeds through heavy smoke with active fire in the adjacent room to located and rescue the victim. The fire company held the first annual White Hills Community Tree Lighting this year. Secretary Emeritus Leonard McEwen Passed away this year. Leonard was a charter member and served under every in the Fire Company until 2006. |
2012 Capt. Alan Ovesny 1st Lt. Charles Ovesny 2nd Lt. Fran Wheeler Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Don Tagg Asst Chief Daryl Osiecki Fire Fighter of The Year, John Tatun Service Appreciation, Tony Martinka | Hurricane Sandy struck the state causing extensive damage in Connecticut. The members of White Hills Fire Co. 5 along with our brother companies in Shelton responded to calls throughout the night and into the early morning. Many residents of town were without out power for over a week. The City voted to replace a good portion of the fire department's aging fleet including Engine 53 in White Hills which will be replaced by a state of the art combination ladder/pumper truck. Through the generosity of the White Hills Residents, the company purchased a thermal imager for locating victims in smoky environments and locating hidden fires among many other life saving purposes. |
2013 Capt. Charles Ovesny 1st Lt. Fran Wheeler 2nd Lt. Kevin McCue Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Donald Tagg Asst Chief Daryl Osiecki Fire Fighter of The Year, Dan McCue Service Appreciation, Nick Demko | Volunteers hunkered down for a long weekend at station 5 as Winter Storm Nemo hammered New England leaving Shelton in up to 3' of snow. Mayor Mark Lauretti declared a state of emergency for Shelton, as most roads were impassable. The original crew reported to station 5 on Friday afternoon and stayed on duty for 48 hours until additional personnel trapped at home could finally make it through the snow to relieve them. The hydrant markers purchased by Company 5 largely through resident donations proved themselves to be a valuable tool during and after the blizzard. |
2014 Capt. Fran Wheeler 1st Lt. Kevin McCue 2nd Lt. Alan Ovesny Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Paul Hays Asst Chief Daryl Osiecki Fire Fighter of The Year, Nick Demko Service Appreciation, Rich Demko & Daryl Osiecki | Just a week into the new year the department was put to the test as a four story downtown landmark turned into a four alarm blaze. Fire Fighters from all of the all of city's stations along with mutual aid from surrounding towns battle the blaze at the corner of Howe Ave and Bridge Street. Although 29 residents were displace and five hospitalized, there were no lives lost during this early morning fire. Fire fighters rescued occupants through smoke filled corridors and windows as other crews attacked the blaze. Hampered by a broken fire main and frozen hydrants a tanker shuttle was run to maintain an adequate water supply. Ladder 51 was accepted and placed in service at station 5. Company 5 members were also the Valley Firemen’s Softball League Champions |
2015 Capt. Alan Ovesny 1st Lt. Kevin McCue 2nd Lt. Dan McCue Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Tony DeSarli Asst Chief Daryl Osiecki Fire Fighter of The Year, Service Appreciation, | For the first time in many years, White Hills Fire Company & Auxiliary with Fairfield County Police Pipes and Drums competed in the Connecticut State Firemen’s Convention Parade. The company returned home with trophies for Best Ladder in the State and Best Auxiliary. Our brothers from Shelton Company 3 won the trophy for Best Rescue in the state. Ladder 51 saw its fair share of work in the City of Shelton as well as mutual aid to Derby, and Monroe. 51 even responded to New Milford for standby. |
2016 Capt. Kevin McCue 1st Lt. Dan McCue 2nd Lt. Charles Ovesny III Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Tony DeSarli Asst Chief Shaun Wheeler Fire Fighter of The Year, Shaun Wheeler Service Appreciation, Tony Martinka | The fire company refurbished the sign in the school street yard and the fire house received a much-needed pain job thanks to an ambitious Eagle Scout Candidate. This year we lost Past Captain Ed Manion. The fire company held a very well attended open house. We also retrieved an escaped parrot that had flown high into a tree. Santa’s Annual Popcorn Ball run and Toy Drive was a great success. |
2017 Capt. Charles Ovesny III 1st Lt. Dan McCue 2nd Lt. Dan Tatun Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Kevin McCue Asst Chief Shaun Wheeler Fire Fighter of The Year, Service Appreciation, |
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2018 Capt. Dan McCue 1st Lt. Dan Tatun 2nd Lt. Bob Finta Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. Kevin McCue Asst Chief Shaun Wheeler Fire Fighter of The Year, Service Appreciation, | Ladder 51 took part in the Connecticut State Firemen’s Convention Parade. The company returned home with the trophy for Best Ladder in the State |
2019 Capt. Bob Finta 1st Lt. Dan Tatun 2nd Lt. Nick Demko Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. James Norkus Asst Chief Shaun Wheeler Fire Fighter of The Year, James Norkus Service Appreciation, Pat Buckle | Members of White Hills Fire Company were honored along with members of the other three Shelton Fire Companies at the American Legion State Convention, where the Shelton Fire Department was named the 2019 American Legion State of Connecticut Fire Department of the Year. |
2020 Capt. Bob Finta 1st Lt. Dan Tatun 2nd Lt. Fran Wheeler Treas. Soren Ibsen Sec. James Norkus Asst Chief Shaun Wheeler Fire Fighter of The Year, Jon Bednarz Service Appreciation, John Reece |
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