East Haddam Fire Department’s newest EMTs, nor’easter response

By EHFD EMS Captain Melanie Kolek

The East Haddam Fire Department has had a busy autumn thus far, responding to severe weather, expanding its emergency medical capabilities, connecting with residents at Septemberfest, and promoting child passenger safety.

Over the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27, EHFD crews responded to more than 18 calls for service and worked throughout the community as a powerful Nor’easter brought strong winds, heavy rain, and challenging conditions to the area. More than 20 volunteer firefighters and medical personnel responded, remaining ready to respond when residents needed assistance.

EHFD is proud to recognize personnel Resa McQuarrie and Engineer Spencer Laddy-Locks, who have successfully completed their training to become Emergency Medical Technicians. Their training was instructed by EHFD medical division personnel, EMS-I Robert Gaudio, whose experience and dedication helped prepare both members to provide emergency medical care to the residents of East Haddam.

Laddy-Locks was sworn into EHFD in January 2025, and in that short amount of time, has obtained many department awards as well as fire certifications including Firefighter I and II, HazMat Operations, and Q Endorsement. McQuarrie was sworn into EHFD in January and she joins the growing ranks of EHFD’s Medical Division. We congratulate Resa and Spencer on this accomplishment and thank them for their commitment to serving our community.

EHFD was pleased to participate in Septemberfest, where department members had the opportunity to meet with residents, answer questions, and share information about fire and life safety.

EHFD recently held a successful child passenger safety car seat clinic, led by Lt. Michelle Walker, a certified child passenger safety technician. The clinic provided parents and caregivers with an opportunity to have their children's car seats inspected by a trained professional and to receive guidance on proper installation and safe use. Lt. Walker's commitment to child passenger safety is another example of EHFD's focus on prevention and helping families reduce risks before an emergency ever happens.

EHFD remains committed to being there for our East Haddam citizens, when you need us and before you do.