Town of Sandisfield Fire Department, 207 Sandisfield Road, Sandisfield, MA (2026)

06/15/2026

Today, the Sandisfield Fire Department had the privilege of celebrating two of the most meaningful milestones in public safety: welcoming new firefighters into our ranks and recognizing those whose actions directly saved a life.

Family members, friends, community leaders, and residents gathered at the Sandisfield Arts Center for our Graduation and Awards Ceremony. We extend our sincere thanks to the Arts Center for graciously hosting this special event and supporting our community.

The department proudly recognized our newest Connecticut Firefighter I graduates through the Litchfield County Regional Fire School:

• Travis Dingus
• Grace Huskey
• Cameron Nearey
• Vincent Porcaro
• John Boulais

Completion of Firefighter I represents hundreds of hours of training, education, and commitment to public service. Today’s badge pinning ceremony marked an important milestone in their fire service careers, and we thank them for their dedication to protecting the Town of Sandisfield and surrounding communities.

The department also had the profound honor of presenting the Sandisfield Fire Department Lifesaving Award to members and public safety partners whose actions during a sudden cardiac arrest on Easter Sunday directly contributed to the successful resuscitation and survival of a member of our community.

2026 Lifesaving Award Recipients:

• EMS Lieutenant Vincent Porcaro
• Firefighter/EMT Cameron Nearey
• Fire Lieutenant Josh Ramirez
• Firefighter/EMT Cianna Ferraro
• Sandisfield Police Officer Mary Bredenfoerder
• Hartford HealthCare Paramedic Amy Gemetro

On Easter Sunday, while many were with family and loved ones, these dedicated providers answered the call without hesitation. Through teamwork, rapid intervention, advanced medical care, and professionalism, they performed at the highest level when every second mattered.

Because of their actions, someone is alive today.

There is no greater accomplishment in public safety than preserving human life. Their efforts gave a member of our community another chance at life and a family more time with their loved one.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Hartford HealthCare for their partnership and commitment to patient care, and to State Representative Leigh Davis for attending today’s ceremony and supporting public safety in our community.

We also thank our department leadership, officers, instructors, and most importantly, the families who support our members every day. Your sacrifices make this service possible.

Congratulations to all of our graduates and award recipients. Your dedication, professionalism, and service embody the very best of the fire and EMS profession.

One Town. One Team. One Mission.

06/13/2026

Today, Fire Chief Michael Grillo had the honor of attending the graduation ceremony at Suffield High School to celebrate a very special milestone for one of our own, Firefighter Nick Graziano.

Graduation is a day filled with pride, excitement, and reflection—a moment that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is a celebration not only of the graduate, but also of the families, teachers, mentors, and communities who helped them along the way.

Nick’s journey is especially impressive. While still attending high school, he took on the challenge of completing the Firefighter I program, demonstrating a level of dedication and commitment far beyond his years. Balancing school, training, and service to the community is no easy task, yet Nick rose to the occasion and earned his certification before even receiving his high school diploma.

Nick has already proven himself to be a hardworking and dedicated young firefighter, always willing to learn, serve, and step up when his community calls. His future in the fire service is incredibly bright, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish in the years ahead.

Congratulations to Nick and his family on this tremendous achievement. Today is a proud day for all who have supported him on this journey.

From everyone at the Sandisfield Fire Department, we wish Nick the very best as he begins this next chapter. The future is bright, and we are proud to call you one of our own.

One Town, One Team, One Mission.

06/13/2026

Good luck to Firefighter/EMT Cianna Ferraro as she competes today in the Ironman 70.3 Boulder in Boulder, Colorado.

Today, Cianna is representing not only the Sandisfield Fire Department, but the entire Town of Sandisfield as she takes on one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. An Ironman 70.3 consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run—an incredible accomplishment for any athlete.

The same dedication, determination, and commitment to excellence that Cianna demonstrates while serving our community are on full display today as she competes on the national stage.

Please join us in wishing Cianna the very best of luck as she races today. We are incredibly proud to have her as a member of our department and community.

Want to follow along? Download the Ironman Tracker app to track her progress throughout the race:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ironman-tracker/id1183983404

Go get it, Cianna! Sandisfield is cheering for you every step, pedal, and stroke of the way.

One Town, One Team, One Mission.

** UPDATES **

- Race started at 7:15 am CST

-Cianna has completed the swim in 45:42 min - 7:58 am

-Cianna has switched over got her bike and is now completing the bike race with a transition time of 4:21 min.

06/08/2026

Mutual Aid Response to Riverton / Pleasant Valley Second Alarm Fire

At approximately 5:00 a.m. this morning, Sandisfield Fire Department’s Squad 26 was dispatched on a transfer assignment to the Riverton Fire Headquarters to provide station coverage while local crews operated at a second-alarm commercial structure fire in the Pleasant Valley Fire District.

Shortly after arriving in Riverton, Command requested Squad 26 respond directly to the fire scene to assist with suppression operations. Upon arrival, Sandisfield personnel were assigned to the roof, where they worked to locate and extinguish hot spots and conduct overhaul operations. Squad 26 operated at the incident for approximately four hours before returning to service.

Thanks to the rapid response and coordinated efforts of members from the Barkhamsted Fire District and numerous surrounding mutual aid departments, crews were able to make an aggressive stop on the fire and prevent the loss of the structure.

According to initial reports, the incident was dispatched as an automatic fire alarm activation. This serves as an important reminder of the critical role fire alarm systems play in protecting lives and property. Early detection and notification provide firefighters with valuable time to respond before a fire can grow and spread, often making the difference between a minor incident and a devastating loss.

The Sandisfield Fire Department would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Monterey Fire Company and Otis Ambulance for providing coverage to the Town of Sandisfield while our personnel were committed to this extended mutual aid assignment. Their support ensured uninterrupted emergency services remained available to our residents and visitors throughout the duration of the incident.

Regional cooperation and mutual aid remain the backbone of emergency services in rural communities. Today’s response was another example of neighboring departments working together to protect lives, property, and the communities we serve.

06/08/2026

** UPDATED 07:57**

Squad 26 has been moved to the scene, Sandisfield is being covered by Otis ambulance and Monterey Fire.

Mutual Aid Coverage Assignment

Sandisfield Squad 26 is currently operating on a transfer assignment to the Town of Riverton, Connecticut, while crews there work at a second-alarm commercial structure fire.

06/01/2026

Sandisfield Fire Department Community Announcement

The Sandisfield Fire Department is proud to invite residents, family members, friends, and community supporters to join us for a special Graduation and Awards Ceremony recognizing the accomplishments and dedication of our members and public safety partners.

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Sandisfield Arts Center
5 Hammertown Road
Sandisfield, MA 01255

The ceremony will include a Firefighter I Graduation and Badge Pinning Ceremony honoring:

• Travis Dingus
• Grace Huskey
• Cameron Nearey
• Vincent Porcaro
• John Boulais

These members have successfully completed the Connecticut Firefighter I Program through the Litchfield County Regional Fire School, representing hundreds of hours of classroom instruction, practical training, and personal commitment. The badge pinning ceremony marks an important milestone in their fire service careers and recognizes their dedication to protecting the citizens of Sandisfield and the surrounding region.

In addition to celebrating our graduates, the department will present Lifesaving Awards to members and public safety partners whose actions contributed to the successful resuscitation and survival of a patient suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

Recipients of the Lifesaving Award include:

• EMS Lieutenant Vincent Porcaro
• Firefighter/EMT Cameron Nearey
• Fire Lieutenant Josh Ramirez
• Firefighter/EMT Cianna Ferraro
• Sandisfield Police Officer Mary Bredenfoerder
• Hartford HealthCare Paramedic Amy Gemetro

These individuals demonstrated exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and dedication during a critical emergency where every second mattered. Through their coordinated efforts, advanced medical care, and commitment to excellence, a life was saved. Their actions exemplify the highest traditions of public service and highlight the importance of strong partnerships between fire, EMS, law enforcement, and regional healthcare providers.

This event is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to attend as we celebrate the achievements of our newest firefighters and recognize those whose actions made a profound difference in the life of a member of our community.

Please join us as we honor service, dedication, and excellence in public safety.

05/25/2026

Today, the , the members of the Sandisfield Fire Department pause to remember and honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, dedication, and selflessness secured the freedoms we enjoy today and continue to inspire generations of public servants. As we gather with family and friends this weekend, we ask everyone to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and remember those who never made it home.

The Sandisfield Fire Department proudly stands in remembrance alongside our veterans, active military members, and the families who carry the weight of that sacrifice every day.

From all of us at the Sandisfield Fire Department, thank you to our fallen heroes. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“One Town, One Team, One Mission.”

05/06/2026

The Sandisfield Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and brothers and sisters of the Massachusetts State Police following the tragic loss of a Trooper in the line of duty today.

This is a solemn reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day while serving and protecting their communities. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this loss, and we stand in support of the entire State Police community during this difficult time.

Please keep this Trooper’s family and colleagues in your thoughts.

Town of Sandisfield Fire Department

06/15/2026

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