Motorcycle Accident Sends One to Hospital

Sunday, May 13 -- At 8:26am yesterday morning, Saturday, May 12, the Fairfield Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle accident with injuries involving a motorcycle in the parking lot of the Edge Fitness Center located at 500 Kings Highway Cutoff. Fire units arrived on scene and found a motorcycle under the front of a SUV with fluids spilled on the ground. The motorcycle operator was treated on scene by emergency responders for non-life threatening, traumatic injuries and was transported to the hospital by AMR ambulance. The driver of the SUV was unhurt and refused treatment on scene.
 
Assistant Chief Scott Bisson stated, “The operator of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and it appears to have prevented more serious injuries.” The accident remains under investigation by the Fairfield Police Department.
 

May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week

According to Assistant Chief William Kessler, Fire Marshal for the Town of Fairfield, May 6-12 is Arson Awareness Week. This year’s theme is Prevent Youth Firesetting.

During the month of May, the United States Fire Administration will focus public attention on the importance of a collaborative effort with fire and emergency service departments, law enforcement, mental health, social services, schools, and juvenile justice to help reduce the occurrence of juveniles engaged with fire.

DID YOU KNOW?
Fires started by children playing accounted for an average of 56,300 fires with associated losses of 110 civilian deaths, 880 civilian injuries, and $286 million in direct property damage per year between 2005 and 2009.
Younger children are more likely to set fires in homes, while older children and teenagers are more likely to set fires outside.
Lighters were the heat source in half (50 percent) of child-playing fires in homes.

PREVENTION TIPS
Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children. Keep matches and lighters out of reach in high, locked cabinets.
Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire.
Set a good example; use matches, lighters, and fire carefully, as children will imitate positive behavior.
For information on Arson Awareness Week and youth firesetter prevention, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/aaw/

Fairfield Police Search Wed. May 2 Yields Drugs and Handgun; Arrest Made

Fairfield Police Department's Office of Public Affairs released the following report on an incident that occurred yesterday, Wednesday, May 2, regarding a search and seizure warrant that resulted in the arrest of an individual for possession of a firearm with a mutilated, non-traceable identification number.

On 05/02/12 members of the Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force (SUVCCCTF) affected a Narcotics Search Warrant at 32 Kenwood Avenue in Fairfield. The suspect of the investigation, Elizabeth Gonzalez, 37, has been seen selling cocaine in the City of Bridgeport and Town of Fairfield over the past few weeks. Gonzalez was seen leaving her home driving her blue Toyota Camry and was subsequently stopped by Fairfield Police where a search warrant was executed on her vehicle. Task Force officers located three baggies of a white powdery substance testing positive for cocaine. Gonzalez was placed under arrest and transported to State Police Troop G for processing.

The Fairfield Police Emergency Services Unit assisted the Task Force with entry of Gonzalez' home. During the search, a male (NAME WITHELD) was found and detained. A search of the basement of the home revealed a loaded Walther PPK 380 found in a bag. The serial number to the gun was mutilated and believed to be stolen. Narcotics, outside of its original container, identified as Percocet and Oxycodone, was also found.

Gonzalez was arrested for Possession of Narcotics & Controlled substances outside of its original container and Possession within 1500’ of a school.

Fairfield Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Heroic Rescue of Dog

FAIRFIELD, CT, APRIL 30, 2012: On a Sunday afternoon late last month, an alert neighbor reported to the Fairfield Fire Department that smoke was coming from a home on Schiller Road. When crews arrived at the scene, the smoke had intensified. While some of the firefighters battled the blaze, others conducted a search of the burning building and located the family's dog, which was rescued and appeared unharmed. The young couple who owns the house wasn't home at the time of the fire. According to Assistant Chief George Gomola, the Fire Department arrived “in the nick of time, because the fire was spreading and the dog might not have made it.” For responding quickly to the call and bravely saving the animal's life, the Fairfield Fire Department has received a Compassionate Fire Department Award from the national organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

“This isn't the first time that PETA has honored the Fairfield Fire Department”, said Senior Philanthropic Specialist Christine Lieble who came to Fairfield Fire Headquarters to present the award. In January 2011, the department received a Compassionate Fire Department Award after firefighters ventured into freezing water to rescue a dog who had fallen through the ice in Mill River. "The members of the Fairfield Fire Department have again demonstrated great compassion and heroism in their efforts to protect both Fairfield's human and nonhuman residents," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA hopes the fire department's dedication to always helping animals in need will continue to serve as an inspiration to the Fairfield community."

Fairfield Fire Chief Richard S. Felner along with First Selectman Michael Tetreau received a framed certificate, a platter of cookies, and a package of special oxygen masks designed specifically for dogs, cats, and other animals which has been placed in the Fire Department Shift Commander’s car. “We appreciate this recognition from PETA,” said Chief Felner in accepting the award. “Our fire fighters understand that pets are family members and do all they can to save them from harm, just as they would for any member of our community.”