Volunteer Firefighters Helping Hurricane Ravaged Louisiana Town

MONTVILLE, CT — Because in addition to being hero first responders, they all have well-worn hearts-on-sleeves, firefighters in Montville’s four independent volunteer fire companies have been collecting disaster relief supplies for the New Iberia Fire Department in Louisiana.

Slammed by Hurricane Laura, New Iberia needs help and local firefighters have answered the call.

According to Steven Frischling of the Chesterfield Fire Company, the plan is to fill a 53-foot trailer with disaster supplies. And now, these first responders who will bring help to those in need 1,500 miles away need our help.

Each of Montville’s four fire stations are accepting donations through at least next Wednesday and after filling the trailer, the supplies will be shipped to Louisiana thanks to the assistance of Shipman’s Fire Equipment and Blais Transportation, LLC, where it will then be distributed to communities in dire need of disaster relief supplies.

How to help: list of disaster supplies needed

• Bottled Water (Cases or Pallets)

• Recovery Clean Up Supplies (Contractor trash bags, cleaning solution, brooms, heavy-duty scouring gloves, tarps)

• Bug Spray

• Bar Oil for chainsaws.

"Each of Montville’s four independent volunteer fire companies will gladly accept a single package of scouring gloves, or a trailer loaded with supplies," Frischling said. "Whether it is one item or a bulk donation, it is more than we had yesterday to donate to those working on the front lines following the devastation of Hurricane Laura."

Where to bring donations

Montville Fire Company at 177 Route 163 in Uncasville

Mohegan Fire Company at 2029 Norwich-New London Turnpike in Uncasville

Chesterfield Fire Company at 1606 Hartford-New London Turnpike in Oakdale

Oakdale Fire Department at 444 Chapel Hill Road in Oakdale

So far, Frischling said, "We have had generous support from Montville True Value Hardware, Lombardi’s Gravel & Excavation, Mohegan Sun, Lowes, Home Depot, and many residents."

"The generous support from those who have already donated is very much appreciated, however in a time of disaster, even with the support we have already received in this mission of relief aid, when thousands of people are without water, expected to have no power for weeks, and their homes have been viciously battered by a Cat 4 hurricane, there is more to be done, and more required to fill at least one trailer, if not more, to help those in need."

Anyone with questions regarding donating or those interested in making financial donations should contact pio@chesterfieldfirecompany.org