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Middletown chief highlights rope rescue, training upgrades and cancer-decontamination steps
Summary
Chief Albert told the Public Safety Commission the department's training paid off in a recent rope rescue and outlined expanded training, new certifications and a department cancer-reduction program that bags and decontaminates turnout gear after fires.
Chief Albert told the Middletown Public Safety Commission on July 15 that vigorous training and new protocols helped rescue a man from an 80- to 100-foot ravine behind Rose Circle, near the Mattabassett River.
"Calls like that is why we train all year round for something like this," Chief Albert said, describing how police reached the patient first and fire crews performed a rope rescue during recent storm conditions. He said the person had been over the edge for about three days and was alive when crews got him from the ravine.
Albert used the episode to outline broader training and health initiatives. He said the department conducted regional drills and hosted outside trainers, adding three certified drone pilots and multiple divers and line tenders to the unit. The department also arranged an LNG (liquefied natural gas) class and an ongoing cancer-screening program that offers esophageal and Barrett's screenings.
On cancer risks in firefighting, Albert described a department-wide reduction program: gear is bagged on scene, crews use specific decontamination wipes at exposed areas such as the neck and ears, rigs are shampooed weekly, turnout gear is run through extractors and members keep a second set of gear. "We do not allow gear inside staff vehicles," he said, and added that the program has been shared with other departments in the state.
During public comment, Lawrence Simmons of Rising Hill Drive praised the steps and asked about backing procedures after citing a fatal backing incident in Storrs. Albert said the department enforces strict backing policies: crews block traffic, personnel dismount the vehicle to stop pedestrians and drivers are required to follow set procedures before moving large apparatus.
The chief framed the training and health measures as part of a strategy to reduce preventable deaths and occupational cancer risks while maintaining operational readiness. The commission closed the public hearing and adjourned after the session.
The commission did not take formal votes on operational changes during the meeting; the department said it will continue to report on training and related health programs at future meetings.
