Dear Community Members,
As we reflect on the past year, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments, resilience, and growth of our fire department. The dedication of our team and the support of our community have made 2024 a truly remarkable year for us all.
One of our most significant milestones was securing the grants necessary to fund the construction of a new fire station. This achievement ensures that we will have the infrastructure needed to serve our community more effectively for decades to come. Beginning the design process for this new station was both a challenge and a triumph, marking an exciting step forward for our department.
Throughout the year, our team faced numerous complex incidents, including multiple structure fires and significant traffic crashes. Despite the challenges, our firefighters and EMTs consistently rose to the occasion, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to saving lives and protecting property. I am also proud to share that many of our members completed Firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic training programs, strengthening the capabilities of our department even further.
In addition to responding to emergencies, we continued to engage with the community through cherished events such as our clam bake fundraisers, Santa around Hambden, the Easter egg hunt, and the Memorial Day breakfast. These gatherings remind us of the strong bonds that tie us together and the importance of building connections beyond our emergency responses.
Looking ahead to 2025, a major priority will be continuing the design and construction of our new fire station, a project that represents our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our community. With your continued support, we are confident in our ability to turn this vision into reality.
None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our personnel and the trust and generosity of our residents. To our community, thank you for standing by us and enabling our mission to protect and serve. To our team, thank you for your hard work, professionalism, and dedication in every situation.
It is an honor to serve as your Fire Chief, and I look forward to another year of growth, service, and shared success. Together, we will continue to make Hambden a safer and stronger community for everyone.
Sincerely,
Scott Hildenbrand
Fire Chief
Hambden Fire Department
