Northeast Fire-Rescue

05/31/2026

🚨 The Hidden EMS Crisis

When you call 911, every second matters—but there’s a gap most people don’t see.

New data highlights “invisible” wait times happening before an ambulance is even assigned. These delays are often masked by an already stretched mutual aid system.

Why so many mutual aid calls?

👉 Call volume spikes don’t come in a neat line

👉 Crews get tied up quickly

👉 Volunteer agencies are stretched balancing calls with daily life

That’s where Northeast Fire-Rescue comes in.

We’re not here to replace volunteer services—we’re here to support them. Our staffing helps fill the gaps when call volume surges and resources run thin.

✅ Strengthens local systems

✅ Supports volunteer agencies

✅ Helps ensure no call goes unanswered

The solution isn’t more strain—it’s smarter support.

Let’s build a stronger, more reliable EMS system—together.

🚑 Northeast Fire-Rescue: 911 for Staffing Shortages

🔗 Read the full breakdown of the EMS landscape here: https://www.holdsworth.com/connecticuts-ems-crisis-is-hidden-in-plain-sight/?fbclid=IwZnRzaASAb6tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe_3sHW2IPYIaGGpE93I45bItuOy3mQSzmfY4Z-omKKLzeaDGnivx9HezG304_aem_XPCMcxOOaVtXWR_LJV-G1g

Connecticut’s EMS Crisis is Hidden in Plain Sight   “Several minutes had passed and the Ambulance for the suspect was still not on-scene. I requested CAD, via channel 1, several times for an update on when the Ambulance would arrive. My first request was at approximately 1804 hours. CAD advised...

05/29/2026

It is our utmost pleasure to announce the promotion of Erynn Zak to Battalion Coordinator 2! Erynn was amongst 10 other internal and external candidates who had applied for the position.

She has been a longstanding officer within our organization, growing through the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain and has done wonderful things in her previous role as Captain of our Derby Team.

Battalion Coordinators serve as essential members of our leadership team. They serve as regional coordinators amongst our partnerships, helping to ensure staffing levels always remain adequate and the quality of our services are always high. Their mission is to lead by example with their team and be there for our partner Chiefs when they need us most.

She will officially transition to this role on June 1st, and we extend our congratulations to her for this well-earned achievement!

05/27/2026

Congratulations to LT Dakota of PVAC on being presented with the Distinguished Service Award from Chief Whitehurst! 🚑🏆

This recognition reflects Dakota’s dedication, leadership, and continued commitment to serving the community with excellence. Thank you for all that you do!

Last week, Jacob Cassedy was presented with a Challenge Coin from BC2 in recognition of his outstanding work, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional care to the community.

Thank you, Jake, for everything you do and for representing NEFR with professionalism and pride every day!

05/26/2026

Huge shout-out to the incredible people who make NEFR what it is. ❤️

Recently, after a long event day, one of our own team members ran into some unexpected car trouble. Without hesitation, several NEFR members stepped in to help.

A special shout-out to our Sharon Captain, Doug, Tammy, BC1 Ryan, and LT Herm, CPT Doug and Tammy immediately stopped to assist, with Tammy staying on the phone and making sure everything was okay until they got home safely.

Doug also involved our BC of Battalion 1, Ryan, to help troubleshoot the situation, all while taking time out of their own evening.

LT Herm and several others also checked in along the way to make sure everything worked out safely.

Moments like these are a reminder that NEFR is more than just a team — it’s family.

Thank you to CPT Doug, Tammy, BC Ryan, LT Herm, and everyone else who always look out for one another both on and off the truck. 🚑

05/25/2026

Last week NEFR was proud to attend the annual Hartford Health Care EMS Banquet.

We'd like to specifically commend the leadership that both Chiefs bring to Winsted Area Ambulance Association. Running the busiest BLS volunteer service in the region with exceptional quality of care and the highest of standards and expectations for all crew members. Great job Chiefs!

Pictured here is our team; Dr. Tom Latosek, BC 1 Ryan Bredenfoerder, BC 2 Dominiqua Rivera and WAAA officers; Chief Arnie Meis and Assistant Chief Jeff Lisken.

Thank you for the invitation, hospitality and support to the region.

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

This past weekend, one of the members of our leadership team, Connor, graduated with his BS in Paramedicine from the University of New Haven! He’ll be testing for his medic license soon and looks forward to helping out the communities we serve in conjunction with their volunteer staff.

05/22/2026

Even after long shifts and tough calls, our crews continue to show up for the communities we serve. This week, we asked a few team members why they chose EMS.

05/21/2026

Great job Southbury Ambulance Association!

05/20/2026

This week, we recognize and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and resilience of EMS professionals everywhere during National EMS Week.

Behind every 911 call is a team ready to respond at a moment’s notice — providing critical care, comfort, and support when communities need it most. From emergency response and patient advocacy to education and prevention, EMS professionals make an impact far beyond the ambulance.

At Northeast Fire-Rescue, we are proud to support the EMS providers who work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe. Thank you to all EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, firefighters, and healthcare partners for your continued commitment to service.
Happy EMS Week! 🚑