Beacon Hose Announces Passing of Longtime Firefighter Tom O’Connell

Beacon Hose sadly announces the passing of longtime firefighter Tom O’Connell, who died Sept. 27 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tom joined Beacon Hose as a firefighter in July 1995 after previously serving in the Oxford Center Fire Company. As a career truck driver, his driving expertise was second to none in the local fire service. Tom was also a skilled pumper who fought countless fires on Engine 2, which Beacon Hose acquired at around the same time that he joined. He pridefully drove Engine 2 through many parades, including the 2015 Connecticut State Firefighters Association Convention parade here in Beacon Falls.

For several decades, Tom was a staple at Beacon Hose events — especially behind the grill serving up sausage and peppers at our carnival. He was a good friend to many firefighters not just at Beacon Hose, but throughout the Valley, often representing our company at events.

Continue reading Beacon Hose Announces Passing of Longtime Firefighter Tom O’Connell

Beacon Hose, Beacon Falls Police Partner with LINKED Autism Safety Project

Beacon Hose and the Beacon Falls Police Department have proudly partnered with LINKED – Autism Safety Project to help keep members of our community safe!

LINKED is a community partnership with local municipalities that was created to provide a linkage between first responders and members of the autism community to better support one another.

This program is designed to help first responders make pre-arrival plans and be better prepared for situations in which a person with autism needs help or could be present when someone else needs help.

Continue reading Beacon Hose, Beacon Falls Police Partner with LINKED Autism Safety Project

Beacon Hose Hosts Free Hands-Only CPR Clinic Feb. 24

In January 2023, tens of millions of Americans watched Monday Night Football when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suddenly collapsed on the field due to cardiac arrest. Thanks to immediate intervention with CPR and an AED, Hamlin was resuscitated and remarkably returned to play during the 2023 season.

That incident renewed the public consciousness of the importance of knowing CPR — even at a basic level that any bystander can perform until trained first responders arrive on scene. Beacon Hose encourages everyone to join us for just 15 minutes on Saturday, Feb. 24, to learn hands-only CPR.

Hands-only CPR provides the most important function of CPR — continuing circulation of blood to major organs until the heart can regain its normal function. The few minutes in which bystanders provide hands-only CPR prior to first responders’ arrival with more advanced equipment can make a difference in the victim’s survival.

This training does not provide CPR certification but will be a quick and helpful clinic to instill the basics of CPR for anyone. There is no age restriction and the training is free. There is no need to register; simply come to Beacon Hose at any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Feb. 24.

Continue reading Beacon Hose Hosts Free Hands-Only CPR Clinic Feb. 24

BHC Holidays: Tree Sale, Lightings and Parade, Charity Drives, Popcorn Ball Sunday, and Operation Believe

UPDATE: Thanks for your support this holiday season! Happy holidays!

Beacon Hose’s favorite season is chock full of events in 2023. Here’s what’s on tap!

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE

Our longtime tradition of the Christmas tree sale will return to our parking lot on weekends after Thanksgiving. We’ll open up Black Friday, and then we’ll be here Saturdays and Sundays thereafter until we’re sold out. We are open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. during the sale.

Trees cost $70. As always, we offer custom tree trimming and free delivery to Beacon Falls residents. We also have cemetery boxes for $18 each. Cash, checks, and cards are accepted.

The local Cub Scouts will also sell wreaths (12 inches for $20, 20 inches for $35).

Continue reading BHC Holidays: Tree Sale, Lightings and Parade, Charity Drives, Popcorn Ball Sunday, and Operation Believe

Support Operation Believe; Plus, Sign Up for Santa Drive-Thru Dec. 10

UPDATE: Thank you for your support! Merry Christmas!

Operation Believe flags, signs, and new door mats are available for purchase: Click here to order online now! They’ll also be available at our Christmas tree sale.

We love making sure our Beacon Falls youngsters get a chance to meet Santa Claus before Christmas — and hopefully receive a gift from the big man, too!

Santa will visit Beacon Hose on Sunday, Dec. 10 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Families will be invited to drive around the firehouse, check in from the car, and drive into the firehouse where Santa will be awaiting with the gift(s)! You’ll be able to get out and meet (and get a complementary photo with) the big man!

Continue reading Support Operation Believe; Plus, Sign Up for Santa Drive-Thru Dec. 10

Thanksgiving Meat-O to Return Nov. 18

UPDATE: Thanks for your support!

Beacon Hose is set to host the latest edition of one of our most popular events: the Thanksgiving Meat-O!

Our Thanksgiving Meat-O night will be Saturday, Nov. 18, from 6-9 p.m. at the firehouse. A $5 admission fee buys you a seat, and we’ll have light refreshments. The features of the night are games of chance to win something special for your Thanksgiving table. We’ll have turkeys, hams, roasts, seafood, raffle baskets, mystery turkeys, and more up for grabs!

We aren’t doing reserved seating, but we do require a head count if you plan on coming. Only those 21 and older are allowed, and the event is BYOB (alcohol is allowed). To give us your head count, please complete the form below, message us on social media, call the firehouse (203-729-1470), or email webmaster@beaconhose.com by Nov. 15.

Continue reading Thanksgiving Meat-O to Return Nov. 18

BHC’s Fire Prevention Week Includes Operation EDITH on Oct. 12

Beacon Hose wants to remind all of our residents that Fire Prevention Week is this Oct. 8-14! This year’s theme is “Cooking Safety Starts with You! Pay Attention to Fire Prevention” — we recommend looking at this great tip sheet about cooking safety!

Not only will Beacon Hose visit Laurel Ledge Elementary School and United Day during Fire Prevention Week, but we invite everyone to join Operation EDITH on Thursday, Oct. 12!

Operation EDITH stands for “Exit Drills in the Home” and is intended to help families practice their home fire escape plans. All you need to do to participate is wait until Beacon Hose’s fire whistle sounds at 6 p.m., practice your home fire escape plan as a family, and wait outside at your meeting place. Beacon Hose’s firetrucks will be driving through many neighborhoods to see how many families have a secure plan and practiced it with us.

Continue reading BHC’s Fire Prevention Week Includes Operation EDITH on Oct. 12