8 Oct 2021
The IAFF is welcoming Colchester Local 5350, its newest Vermont affiliate. In July 2020, two fire departments – Malletts Bay Fire Department and Colchester Center Volunteer Fire Company – are collectively now called the Colchester Fire Department.
The Colchester Selectboard approved the merger in hopes of better addressing the fire and emergency service staffing shortage.
Networking opportunities
“We decided to organize so that we will have a voice as decisions are made about the future of our department,” says Local 5350 President Tyler Cootware. “And we are looking forward to networking with other affiliates and using many of the IAFF’s valuable resources.”
Joining Cootware on the Local 5350 Executive Board is Secretary-Treasurer Dale Newton.