By KATE J. CONDE

Since we live on an Island, it only makes sense that the institution established to protect our community includes the capacity of water rescue. The Edgartown Fire Department has been operating a dive team since the late seventies with the safety and well-being of our personnel and public in mind. The response guidelines and operational procedures follow the Public Safety Diver standard. In 2003, the department received a grant to purchase four dry suits and a 6-foot by 12-foot trailer for the purpose of organizing and storing dive gear. Later that year, a 21-foot Carolina skiff was received by a combination of the same grant and private donation to the firemen’s association. This boat has been an integral part of several search-and-recovery efforts within our community. This special team responds to all beaches and bodies of water throughout the town and holds mutual aid agreements with all Island towns.

The dive team currently consists of 15 members that hold (PADI) diver certifications and continually train throughout the year to respond to surface rescues, underwater recovery operations and ice rescues. These members receive no additional compensation for their efforts or commitment and the majority use all their own personal equipment.

With several active members, it seems as though our dive team has outgrown the old trailer and figured out a creative, fiscally prudent solution. The opportunity arose when it came to light that the Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) was requesting bids for a 2004 Ford minibus. The town of Edgartown was able to make a request for the vehicle at no cost, allowing the fire department to take possession of the minibus and convert it into an operational apparatus for the dive team. This chance to upgrade the small trailer could not be missed, so all dive team members have been working hard to do all the labor themselves, from scraping off the old VTA lettering to outfitting the inside with benches and shelving to hold gear. The bus not only looks great but will prove to be a very functional asset; the additional room in the bus will allow divers a chance to get outfitted en route to a water emergency, saving precious time.

The dive team will be holding a fund-raiser to help offset the costs for the bus upgrade. Please show your support for by joining us for bingo night on Saturday, April 4, at the Legion Hall in Katama. A donation of $20 will be collected at the door. Can’t make it to bingo, but still want to help? Please send donations earmarked for the dive team c/o Edgartown Fire Department, P.O. Box 1064, Edgartown, MA 02539.

The dive team would like to thank Rick Mello for his help with the lettering and Greg Blaine for all his welding work.

The members of the ambulance squad prepared a traditional boiled dinner this month in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Corned beef, cabbage dotted with caraway seeds, carrots and potatoes filled everyone’s plates, as nearly a record number of members joined us for this hearty meal, topped off with home-baked pies and cookies.

Just who exactly says that winters on the Vineyard are quiet? For the EFD, it’s been everything but quiet. The boys have been busy with two structure fires — both of which were knocked down in a matter of minutes. Thanks to the quick thinking of the responding firefighters, both homes were saved, including family belongings. Furthermore, Jake Sylvia rescued the family dog from the smoke-filled home on Teaberry Lane. For many emergency medical technicians, including myself, this was our first opportunity to use a pet rescue mask to deliver oxygen. These specially-designed masks are shaped to fit the nose of the animal and have a rubber diaphragm to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. These masks were donated to our department by the Martha’s Vineyard Harley Riders Club and are carried by each engine company.

Chief Shemeth would like to thank both West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs Fire Departments for standing by at our station during both fire events. It brings great comfort to know that the town is still protected if something else were to happen. Deputy chief Schaeffer reminds everyone that the department is offering several training opportunities this spring, from a ropes extrication course to an Islandwide mass casualty incident drill. We certainly will be keeping all our dedicated members busy!

The association would like to welcome new members: Heather Jaglowski, who joins Captain Gundersen on Engine Four; Paulo DeOliveira, who joins his sister in law, Kara Shemeth, on Engine Two; and finally, Tim Sheran and Antonio Duarte join Captain Freeman on the ladder truck.

Happy birthday to Captain Dick Kelly who blew out 76 candles earlier this month! Many more Cap!

The association is looking forward to the warmer weather and upcoming spring events. Please join us when you can and we will see you at bingo night!

As an unknown author once said, “Hug a firefighter and feel warm all over.”