Interested in Joining

General Information:

The fire department is essentially comprised of two organizations; the Bristol Fire Department and the N. H. Munsill Hose and Hook and Ladder Company.

Bristol Fire Department:

∙ The Bristol is part of the Town of Bristol municipal government. ∙ Funding for most department expenses, such as insurance, fuel, heat, supplies, and equipment is provided through an annual appropriation approved by the voters of Bristol. ∙ The Chief of the department is responsible for the oversight of the town budget, and as such, reports to the Town Administrator and Select Board. ∙ The members do not vote as a department on any appropriation or expenditures from the town budget. ∙ The members of the fire department fall under and are subject to the Town of Bristol Personnel policies. ∙ The officers of the department are elected annually by the members. ∙ The officers of the department are: Chief; 1st Assistant Chief; 2nd Assistant Chief; Truck Captain; Line Captain; Line Lieutenant, Truck Lieutenant, and Clerk. ∙ The “Prudential Committee” is charged with disciplinary matters and is comprised of the three chief officers, the truck captain, and clerk.

N. H. Munsill Hose and Hook and Ladder Corporation:

∙ The members of the Bristol Fire Department established some years ago a “fund-raising” arm, known as the N. H. Munsill Hose and Hook and Ladder Corporation. ∙ This is a non-profit corporation as designated by the State of Vermont Secretary of State’s office, and is recognized as such by the Internal Revenue Service (all donations are tax-deductible) ∙ Each member of the fire department is a voting member of this corporation, after payment of the annual dues of $5. ∙ New recruits are expected to be involved in all fund-raising activities, and may be assigned to work on one of the three major events. ∙ The three major fundraisers are: $20k Raffle, held in January of each year. BBQ held in conjunction with an August band concert. Coin drop, held in October of each year. ∙ All donations received by the department and proceeds from the department’s three major fund raisers are placed within the accounts of the corporation for use as the members see fit. ∙ The Corporation follows an annual budget, reported monthly by the treasurer of the corporation. ∙ Three auditors are elected from the membership and conduct an annual review of the corporation accounts. Membership:

∙ Currently we have approximately 33 members within the department. ∙ Members 65 and older are considered “Senior Active” members with some exceptions. ∙ New recruits are considered members of the department upon vote by 2/3 majority at any regular monthly meeting. ∙ New recruits are considered “probationary” for one year. ∙ Attendance is required and expected at each monthly meeting, unless excused by a chief officer, and is held on the first Wednesday of the month. ∙ Issuance of siren and red light permit is permitted after completion of the one-year probationary period. ∙ The department pays for membership in both the Addison County Firefighters Association (ACFA) and the Vermont State Firefighters Association (VSFA).

Commitments and Costs:

Feed Committee: ∙ Each member is assigned to one of five feed committees. ∙ Committees are rotated monthly. ∙ Each committee is scheduled to prepare the monthly dinner at the minimum of twice per year. Each committee is comprised of approximately 6 to 7 members, who share the cost of preparing a meal for the monthly meeting. ∙ Average cost per member when serving on the feed committee is $15 - $20. ∙ New recruits are placed at the bottom of the list of their respective committee, and work their way to the top of the list, at which time, they will serve as “Chair” for that monthly meeting’s dinner. ∙ The Feed Committee assigned for that month is also responsible, as a group and as individuals to keep the station clean during the following month. ∙ Cleaning duties and expectations are posted on the refrigerator.

Dress Uniforms: ∙ Department uniform consists of white shirt, badge and nameplate, blue hat, navy blue pants, black shoes and black socks. Department will pay for 50% of shirt, hat, pants, badge and nameplate. Monthly Flower Collection: Members are asked to contribute $1.00.

General Expectations:

∙ No smoking in any of the fire stations. ∙ No drinking in or around the fire stations. Exceptions are made by the Prudential Committee for certain functions of the department. ∙ New recruits are not permitted to drive any fire apparatus. ∙ New recruits must complete driver training prior to driving any apparatus. ∙ Bristol Utility One may be driven by new recruits if requested by an officer.

∙ Confidentiality: ∙ Every member is expected to keep in confidence, what is seen or heard on scene of any incident, especially motor vehicle accidents, or any incident involving a fatality. ∙ Discussions and actions during monthly meetings are for department members only. ∙ The department is similar to a big family, and there will be on occasion, disagreements and misunderstandings. Any disagreements are forgotten upon the receipt of an alarm.

Training:

∙ Essentials Class: New recruits are required to attend the Essentials of Firefighting course which starts in September of each year and runs through May. The course runs Thursday evenings from 1830 – 2200 hours at the Middlebury Fire Stations which some Saturday classes., and is approximately 150 hours long.

∙ Department Training: ∙ Training is held twice a month; the first Saturday after the monthly business meeting at 0600 hours, and the third Thursday of the month at 1900. ∙ Attendance, although not mandatory, is expected. Consideration is given to new recruits who are already enrolled in the Essentials class. ∙ Completion of NIMS 700 (3 hours), followed by NIMS 100 and 200, is to be completed within the first year. ∙ New recruits and those with up to 5 years of service are required to complete 35 hours of training each year (December – November). 6 – 10 years of service requires 30 hours of training, 11+ years requires 25 hours, and Senior Active requires 18 hours.

∙ Fire Calls: ∙ You will be issued full protective gear (PPE) and will be expected to wear full gear at calls. ∙ You will be issued a pager. ∙ What you see and hear at a fire call remains within the department. ∙ You can ride in the apparatus, or you can respond in your personal vehicle if unable respond on the apparatus, but you must abide by all traffic rules. ∙ At first, you may feel overwhelmed and may not know what to do. Relax…everyone felt the same way. Ask lots of questions! Everyone is willing to help.