By Kolby R. LaMarche

On Sunday, May 4, the Burlington Firefighters Association Local 3044 and Burlington Vermont Fire Department hosted Firefighter Appreciation Day at three fire stations: Station 1 (136 S. Winooski Ave.), Station 4 (1397 North Ave.), and Station 5 (23 Ferguson Ave.).

Over 500 residents attended the community BBQ from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Station 4 in the New North End attracting over 200 visitors. The free event, held in recognition of International Firefighters’ Day and sponsored by the Burlington City Council, featured hot dogs and burgers grilled by Fire Chief Steven Locke.

Ward 4/7 Steering Committee member Steve Brown provided cakes for each firehouse, while City Council members and Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Schad assisted in serving attendees. The open-house format enabled residents to meet fire and EMS crews, explore fire trucks, and learn about essential firefighting operations in Burlington.

The Burlington Fire Department’s fiscal year 2025 budget rose by $1.4 million from 2024, reaching approximately $10.2 million, to enhance emergency medical services and staffing. The department handles over 6,000 calls annually, with 70% related to EMS, based on 2022 data. Beyond firefighting, the department is vital in crisis response, particularly addressing Burlington’s rising drug overdoses amid the opioid epidemic.

Firefighters, often first on the scene, administer naloxone to reverse overdoses, saving lives alongside EMS. They also manage hazardous materials incidents and bolster community safety during public health emergencies, such as distributing resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Burlington Daily News joins in thanking Burlington’s firefighters for their unwavering service!