Mayor Dan Drew has announced that the city will be opening several cooling centers because of the high heat and humidity that is expected during the next few days.  Residents who are in need of a respite from the heat are encouraged to seek air conditioned comfort in the Municipal Building Council Chamber, 245 deKoven Drive, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., or in the lobby of the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main Street, which will be open 24-hours a day.  The Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, will also be available for cooling during normal business hours.  Elderly persons are advised to utilize the Senior Center, 61 Durant Terrace, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Transportation to the cooling center at City Hall can be arranged by calling Middletown Area Transit (MAT) at 860-346-0212, ext. 2 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. each day.

Middletown Fire, South Fire District and Westfield Fire will be opening fire hydrants starting on Friday, August 11, 2016 at the following locations and times:

• Highlands Crescent bus stop from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
• Maplewood Terrace from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• MacDonough School from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Santangelo Circle from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Daddario Road from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

City health officials state that although anyone at any time can suffer a heat related illness, some people are at greater risk than others including: infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, those with a mental illness, and those that are physically ill with heart disease and/or high blood pressure. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause heat related illnesses such as hyperthermia and heat exhaustion. The most serious form of hyperthermia is heat stroke which is characterized by a body temperature of 105 degrees. Symptoms may include disorientation, delirium, and coma. Onset is rapid and progression to becoming life-threatening may only take a few minutes. Anyone in this condition should seek immediate medical attention. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of hyperthermia and may occur after several days of exposure to heat combined with inadequate fluid intake. Symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. The best defense against heat related illness is prevention. Drink more fluids and do not wait until you are thirsty. It is also advised that people wear light weight, loose fitting clothing. Stay indoors if possible in an air conditioned place. Never leave anyone, especially children and/or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.

The City Health Department offered the following advice to cope with the hot weather:

• Avoid strenuous activity when outdoors
• Wear light weight, loose fitting, and light-colored clothing
• Drink plenty of water often even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Limit alcohol intake because it can dehydrate the body
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, especially when working, take frequent breaks and stay well hydrated
• If you don’t have air conditioning, use a fan to help stay cool. If you don’t have air conditioning or a fan, stay on the lowest floor level if possible
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a closed vehicle
• Don’t leave pets outside for an extended period, and be sure they have plenty of water
• Check in regularly on family, friends and neighbors

It is with deep regret that the Westfield Fire Department announces the passing of life member Robert “Bum” Bumstead.  Bob passed away in the late evening of Tuesday July 19th at the age of 84.  Born in 1931, Bob served in the U.S. Army in Germany following World War II.  He joined the Westfield Fire Department in 1953, and although not active for a number of years, he continued to stop at the firehouse almost daily until his health declined late last year.  One of the most significant contributions Bob offered to the Westfield Fire Department, although easily overlooked, are the large District map and smaller condo complex maps he drafted and maintained.  The maps are one of the most frequently used items in the Department and will serve as a continuing legacy for Bob.  As a member, Bob was the go-to person for mechanical work and truck repairs while we were still in the Miner Street station.  He served on numerous truck committees including the original rescue truck.  His many small contributions over the years, while they may seem small on their own, were of significant impact in the aggregate to the overall success and growth of the Department.

There will be no calling hours, but brief grave-side ceremony will be held at the Miner Street cemetery on Saturday July 30^th starting at 10:00 AM.  All members and friends are invited to attend.  As per Bum’s wishes, uniforms are not necessary.

Emergency medical research conducted over the past several years has resulted in changes to how cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is delivered. Delivery of non-stop, rapid (100-120 per minute) chest compressions are recognized as the most important procedure for helping to restart the heart of a patient in cardiac arrest. To assure that these compressions are delivered consistently – even when the patient is being moved up and down stairs or in and out of the ambulance – use of a mechanical compression device is recognized as the best method for delivering consistent, high quality and uninterrupted cardiac compressions.

Using funds donated from our recent fund drive, Westfield Fire Department has invested $14,900 to acquire the Physio Control Lucas 2 mechanical compression device. Our members have completed training on how to best integrate this device with manual compressions and our automatic electronic defibrillator to offer patients the highest possible chance for survival. This training was conducted in compliance with protocols established by Middlesex Hospital.  The device was put into service in early July 2016.

On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 the Westfield Fire District voters approved the budget for the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year with a vote of 30 to 1.  (see attached copy)

WFD Approved Budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017

The Westfield Fire Department will hold its 121st consecutive Memorial Day Parade and Service on Sunday May 29, 2016 starting at 2:00 PM.  The parade forms at the Westfield Fire Department at 653 East Street in Middletown.  A stop will be made at the Old East Street Cemetery and again at the firehouse and the World War II Monument at the corner of East Street and Miner Street.  From there, the parade will proceed to the Miner Street Cemetery for a service.  After the service, the parade will march back to the firehouse for refreshments.  Anyone or group that wishes to take part in the parade and services should be at the firehouse no later than 1:30 PM.  In the case of rain, the services will be held at the firehouse.

The budget meeting of the Westfield Fire District will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 @ 8:00 p.m. at the Westfield Fire Department, 653 East Street, Middletown, CT  - see attached Legal Notice

Legal Notice – 2016 Budget Meeting

It is with great regret that the Westfield Fire Department announces the passing of 45-year life member and past Chief Robert Peterson.  Bob joined the Department in 1971 and served as Chief from 1997 through 2000.  Calling hours will be at Doolittle’s Funeral Home on Old Church Street in Middletown from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Monday April 4, 2016.  A funeral service will be held at the Third Congregational Church on Miner Street in Middletown starting at 11:00 AM on Tuesday April 5, 2016.

Last Night in the freezing rain around 11 pm Westfield Fire along with City of Middletown Fire Responded in to the Town of Cromwell to assist with another building fire on Skyview Dr. Westfield Engine 2 responded with a crew of 4, on arrival the crew from Engine 2 was assigned to check the unit next to the one effected by fire and ventilate if needed. Ventilation was needed with a moderate smoke condition in the basement Engine 2 with assistance from a few Cromwell members set up positive pressure ventilation to vent the basement. Westfield Fire operated on scene for little over an hour. A quick knockdown by first due crews to keep the fire in check.