Orange Firefighters Respond To Record Number Of Calls In 2022

ORANGE, CT – Orange firefighters responded to a record number of calls last year, according to a statement from the Orange Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas said the department responded to 695 calls in 2022, up from 681 calls in 2021.

The total number of runs, including actual fires, went up, but false alarms were down, according to the statement.

Dumas said the department remains financially stable and accomplished several goals last year. A new pumper was put in service at the department’s Boston Post Road station which reinforces the department’s capabilities while using greener technology than previous trucks.

Goals for 2023 include additional station improvements, continued work toward a new fire station to replace the Orange Center Road facility, and working on specifications for a new tower truck.

The department also continues to improve its radio technology, a move that also creates a backup system for the police department.

At their recent annual meeting March 14, firefighters also honored seven members who have given a total of 145 years of service to the town and celebrated the rescue of one firefighter by another.

The following firefighters were recognized for their service:

• Past Assistant Chief Michael Esposito – 30 years
• Firefighter Steven Douglas – 30 years
• Firefighter Scott Reichbart – 25 years
• Firefighter Dan Johnson – 20 years
• Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas – 20 years
• Lt. Dan Abrams – 10 years
• Assistant Chief Eric Auscavitch – 10 years

Dumas also said the department is preparing for its 100th Anniversary celebration in 2025. Part of that celebration will be hosting the Connecticut State Firefighters Convention.

Reichbart was also recognized for a rescue he was involved in several years ago. Dumas said the rescue wasn’t reported until recently.

Reichbart and Firefighter John Rossi were overhauling a room after a structure fire, which involves pulling down ceilings and checking behind walls to make sure there’s no fire still burning anywhere.

The floor under Rossi collapsed and he started falling into the basement. He caught himself on the edge of the hole.

Despite knowing that the floor near the hole was compromised, Reichbart crawled to the edge of the hole and pulled Rossi out, preventing him from falling into the still-hot rubble in the basement.

For his actions, Reichbart received an award of merit.