Event Raises Money in Support of Department’s Cadet Program

ENFIELD, CT — Chief Edward N. Richards announces that Enfield Fire District 1’s 19th annual Cadet Pasta Supper fundraiser will be cancelled out of an abundance of caution in an effort to reduce the risk of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) among the members of the department and their loved ones.

At this time no department members have positive or presumptive coronavirus cases.

The fundraising event is the biggest of the year for the Enfield Fire Department Cadet Program and the pasta supper is organized and hosted by the cadets and their cadet advisers. Efforts to return the ticket money already collected will be made in the coming weeks as health and safety allows.

“It’s disappointing that we have to cancel this wonderful event that we’ve held for the last 18 years,” Chief Richards said. “However, the health and safety of our firefighters, cadets and their loved ones is our top priority. We are going to do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while still diligently working and being prepared to serve our residents and the community when duty calls.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the cadet program can write checks payable to: Enfield Fire Department Cadet Program and can be mailed to Enfield Fire District 1, 200 Phoenix Ave., Enfield, CT 06082. Cash donations will also be accepted at the station.

Enfield Fire District 1 remains in close contact with all town agencies and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Enfield Fire will be following all DPH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to ensure the department is fully prepared to provide emergency services to the Town of Enfield should COVID-19 become widespread.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear 2-14 days after exposure. The DPH reports that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in severe cases.

The DPH recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:

  • Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
  • Keep your hands away from your face.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

For more information, visit the CT Department of Public Health’s websites https://portal.ct.gov/dph and https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

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