The Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department (SBVFD) is an all-volunteer emergency services organization located in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Established in 1904, SBVFD provides the residents of Greenwich and surrounding municipalities with fire suppression and technical rescue services. The Department responds to approximately 900-1,000 emergency calls annually.
Located on the Southwestern Connecticut coastline, SBVFD serves a community of over 61,000 full-time residents covering 48 square miles. SBVFD’s primary response district consists of Old Greenwich, Riverside
Membership
The Department’s membership is made up of dedicated men and women that volunteer their time to serve the community. Our volunteers are local residents or business people that have a strong desire to help those in need. When not at the firehouse or on an emergency run, our members work as bankers, tradesmen, accountants, consultants, computer technicians, welders, electricians, real estate agents and more. SBVFD is a family-centered organization that promotes a work-volunteer-family balance.
SBVFD is also one of the only Department’s in the Town to sponsor a Fire Explorer program. Designed for youths 14-18, Explorer Post 500 introduces young men and women to the fire service. Under the supervision of senior firefighters, they participate in many of the same drills and activities as active firefighters. When an Explorer reaches the age of 18, they are encouraged to join the Department as an active member.
Training
After completing the application process, an extensive background check and a pre-employment physical, new members are required to undergo mandatory training in order to become certified interior firefighters. The initial training to become a firefighter takes approximately 140 hours and consists of both classroom and hands-on training.
After completing Firefighter I, many of our members have gone on to earn additional certifications. SBVFD and the Greenwich Fire Department has set minimum training requirements that each member must maintain throughout the course of a year in order to remain active. This level of training and dedication from the SBVFD volunteers provides the community with professional, highly trained emergency response personnel.
As the technical rescue team for the Town, SBVFD members also maintain certifications in advanced rescue procedures including vehicle extrication, confined space rescue, trench rescue, water rescue and SCUBA rescue/recovery. The training and experience gained at SBVFD
Apparatus and Equipment
SBVFD personnel maintain a full cache of Town and Department owned equipment and vehicles, including two front-line fire engines, a 100′ aerial ladder, a heavy rescue truck and numerous support vehicles and equipment. The Technical Rescue Team also has 3 support vehicles, a logistics trailer and a boat. In order to drive fire apparatus, members must participate in a driver training program and, in many cases, hold a “Q” endorsement from the State of Connecticut.
Funding
SBVFD is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and relies heavily on the financial support from the local community. Donations are used to support training and equipment purchases. While SBVFD conducts an annual fund drive, donations are welcome throughout the year. For additional information on how to make a financial contribution, please visit our Support SBVFD section.