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Bridgeport honors Assistant Fire Chief Douglas VanWormer; department receives UTV and notes 100 July calls
Summary
Assistant Fire Chief Douglas VanWormer was honored on his retirement after 33 years and an estimated 10,000 responses. Chief David Smigiel reported July had 100 calls (2025 YTD 727), the department took delivery of a Polaris 1500 UTV replacing a 2006 vehicle, and a firefighter began EMT training.
Fire Chief David Smigiel presented the Bridgeport Fire Department report on Aug. 5 and honored Assistant Fire Chief Douglas VanWormer on his retirement after 33 years of service.
Chief Smigiel said VanWormer "responded to well over 10,000 incidents" during his career, held multiple departmental positions, served as a hazardous materials technician and EMT, and trained other responders. The board presented VanWormer with an award.
Chief Smigiel reported July calls for service totaled 100 with a 2025 year-to-date total of 727. The department recently took delivery of a Polaris 1500 UTV to replace a 2006 UTV; the vehicle is intended for off-road access, patient transport from remote locations, search-and-rescue, and operations in snow or storm damage. Firefighter Joshua Deitsch has started an EMT course expected to conclude in early October.
The department’s incident-type attachment lists 100 total incidents across medical, fire, vehicle and other categories for July 2025.
