‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – Goshen Fire Department Version

by Goshen Firefighters Steve Estelle and Bob Labrie

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when in their own beds,
Goshen volunteer firefighters were resting their heads.
The ambulances and engines were parked in the station,
and everyone was hoping for a quiet night before vacation.

The air bottles were full and the tools were clean.
Even E2 and E7 were washed to a sheen.
The Highland Ambulance crew was upstairs relaxing,
after returning from a call that was very much taxing.

When out of our radios there arose such a chatter.
It was Northampton Control telling us what was the matter.
Up out of our beds we quickly arose,
listened to the message and threw on our clothes.

We went to our cars and started to go,
driving swiftly and safely not to slip in the snow.
Now awake and moving, our senses were keen,
while over the radio we hear “Goshen X1 and X3 are responding to the scene.”

The first fighter at the station opened the bays,
the lights on the apparatus making quite a midnight display.
As members arrived they donned their turnout gear,
then hopped in the vehicles and sat with their peers:

“Now X2! Now X7!
Now, X13 and X11!
On, Engine 2! On, Rescue 1!
On, Engine 7 and Brush 1!
On that fateful night everyone reported to the call.
We had all gotten the message and were making the haul!

Chesterfield and Williamsburg were well on their way,
to help us if needed with their mutual aid.
It is comforting to know you are never alone,
because there are firefighters waiting in the staging zone.

The Chief completed her inspection of 360 degrees,
while smoke from the fire was being blown in the breeze.
The residents had escaped and were at the neighbors next door,
when firefighters entered the building crawling low on the floor.

We approached the burning structure and put up our ladders.
Two egresses are important in life and death matters.
Laying out hose with our tools in hand,
we fired up the K12 and vented the roof as planned.

Following the orders from incident command,
our hose lines were charged. Into the house we ran.
The fire was contained to the bedroom upstairs,
burning dressers, the bed, some clothing and chairs.

Smoke filled the house but thanks to our haste,
we put it out quickly then vented the waste.
The cause of the blaze was determined to be,
a forgotten small candle whose flame had broken free.

We monitored the home for more than an hour,
and once determined it safe, we restored the power.
Chesterfield and Williamsburg were released with our appreciation.
After refilling their tanks, they returned to their station.

The fire marshal estimated the damage to be,
about forty thousand dollars to fix the debris.
We picked up our tools and the rest of our stuff,
then rolled a mile of hose line – boy that was tough.

Returned to the firehouse we went as a team,
back in service and ready we headed home to dream.
Sleep warm in your beds and sleep without a care,
and know if you need us, we will always be there.

For in Goshen you live with nary a fright.

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a safe night!”

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