Protecting the Public

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Created on Wednesday, 04 May 2016 16:23

Written by Mike Raimondi

PEACHAM-Saving property by day, and saving lives by night is a normal day at the office for Peacham Fire Chief Jeff Berwick. Berwick owns an insurance agency, protecting people's property in damaging situations. "Sometimes I wear two hats when I go out on a call," he said.

He works in one of his two his offices located in Barre and Danville during the day, which can make for long, tiring hours as a volunteer fireman. "Sometimes you don't get much sleep and you're tired, but it's rewarding and I love it." Berwick wasn't always sure what he wanted to do, and joined the department in 1984. Two years later became the chief.

"I like helping people, thats number one. It's tough work, it's a young man's job, but there is always things to do even for the older guys."

The Peacham department has 14 volunteer fire fighters. The expectation is no matter the call, no matter the time, if your available, you go out. "I don't dread a call at 2 or 3 in the morning, I say yes, I get to help somebody," Berwick said. "In an emergency I end up calming down instead of getting worked up." 5 of the volunteers go out on medical calls, which is different from other fire departments in the area. "We are all even no matter who you are, captain or not. We're small yet we have an older population, and us doing medical sets us apart from other towns."

After over 30 years of service, Berwick explained what keeps him coming back for more.

"I enjoy the camaraderie between fire fighters and helping out the community, and when people are in an emergency situation and they can't handle it, we come in and take care of thing and you feel good at the end of it. When I get done, it'll b because of physical reasons, and I'll miss it."

The Peacham Fire Department is served through tax dollars, but have a separate operating budget used to spend on medical items. On average, the department goes on about 80 calls a year, as they are split down the middle on fire and medical calls. They also will assist with surrounding towns if needed, and also receive the same help if Peacham is in need. Although not many fire fighters may be in the station during the day, they meet every Monday night, and have trainings twice a month to stay sharp.