Westport Police, EMS Mourn Death of Longtime EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake
Press Release
The Westport Police Department and Emergency Medical Services are mourning the death of EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake. Crew Chief Blake passed away on Tuesday, September 20.
Crew Chief Blake was hired in May of 1990 and had a long and rewarding career serving the Westport community. He was a representative for the Southwest EMS Council for over ten years and was most recently the organization’s president. Also, Crew Chief Blake was a certified child safety seat instructor and helped organize numerous car safety seat clinics throughout Fairfield County.
In addition to dutifully serving the town of Westport, Crew Chief Blake was a volunteer with Weston’s fire department and emergency medical services for over thirty years. During his tenure he served as the department’s vice president and obtained the rank of lieutenant. Even in his off time, he wanted to serve.
Those who knew Crew Chief Blake quickly realized that his passion was to help anyway he could. Whether it be organizing a child safety seat clinic, treating a sick patient, or helping at the scene of a fire in Weston, Crew Chief Blake was there. His dedication and passion will most certainly be missed.
Deputy Chief Sam Arciola who oversees Westport EMS said that “Mark was an incredibly dedicated public servant as well as a widely respected EMT and he never hesitated to put the needs of others above his own.” First Selectwoman Jen Tooker stated, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Crew Chief Blake. On behalf of the Town, I want to extend my condolences to his friends and family as well as express how appreciative the town is for all his years helping our community.”
For details regarding services please follow this link: https://www.hardingfuneral.com/obituaries/Mark-A.-Blake?obId=25922840#/celebrationWall
Man Rescued from Waters off of Saugatuck Shores at Sunrise
Westport Police Department ReleaseAt approximately 5:55 a.m. this morning, Westport Police officers responded to Saugatuck Shores on a report of an elderly male who was missing. Several officers immediately began to search the area and a short time later the missing man was spotted partially submerged in the water.
Given the temperature of the water, it was imperative that the officers immediately begin efforts to rescue the individual. A canoe owned by a private citizen was located close by and deployed. One officer held the man’s head above the water while several others lifted him into the canoe. Once the man was safely in the canoe he was brought to the shoreline where personnel from the Westport Fire Department assisted with removing him from the vessel and then brought him to waiting EMS personnel. EMS evaluated the man on scene, and he was transported to the hospital for further treatment. While the man’s condition is unknown at this time, any injuries he may have sustained did not appear to be life threatening.
Chief Koskinas stated he was very proud of the of the officers who were involved in this rescue. “There is no doubt that these officers’ quick thinking and superior teamwork led to a positive outcome.” The Chief also extended his thanks to both the Fire Department and EMS for the valuable assistance that they provided.
Westport EMS Volunteer Awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by President Biden
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical ServiceAt Westport Police / EMS Headquarters, on October 13, 2021, Mr. Larry Kleinman was presented with The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his volunteer service at Westport Emergency Medical Service.
Volunteer EMS Crew Chief, Westporter Larry Keinman
The award, presented by the Office of the President of the United States and AmeriCorps (formerly known as the Corporation for National and Community Service), recognizes a lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through community service.
“Larry has demonstrated his skills, abilities and compassion in thousands of 911 medical emergency calls. The community and our organization are extremely fortunate to have an exceptional and dedicated individual like Larry Kleinman available and ready to respond to emergencies and provide community education. His logged in volunteer hours vastly exceed the minimum 4,000 hours required for the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award” said Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service President Mike Burns.
In addition to Mr. Kleinman, thirty-two EMS volunteers are to be awarded the 2020 President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
Westport EMS Needs Volunteers: EMS Certification Class Starts September 21st
Contributed photo Westport Volunteer EMSWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical ServiceContributed photoWestport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service (WVEMS) has opened registration for their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course beginning on September 21st. Space is limited and goes quickly. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including a vaccination mandate for all students.
The non-profit EMS organization’s volunteers continued to staff the town’s three ambulances throughout the pandemic - solidifying their dedication to the community - while nearly two years of missed classes has led to a decline in membership.
This highly-renowned course is taught by Westport Paramedic and EMS Instructor Rick Baumblatt, and will utilize cutting edge equipment and technologies in harmony with his over four decades of EMS experience.
High schoolers aged 14 and above are permitted to join the Westport EMS Youth Corps - a prestigious group of high school-aged members of the service that fosters leadership skills and prepares for possible future careers in medicine. Many Youth Corps members continue onto careers in the medical fields. Per State regulations, 14 and 15 year olds are permitted for EMR certification only, and can become EMT certified when they turn 16.
Contributed photo. Upon successful completion of the course and its testing, students will be eligible for state certification, allowing them to volunteer on Westport’s ambulances - saving lives in their community.
“Throughout the pandemic lockdowns, many neighbors actually reached out wondering when they could join us on the ambulances - as they had more time in their schedule and a passion to give back. This is your opportunity to join us in helping our community” says Crew Chief and Board Member Jaime Bairaktaris.
No prior experience or knowledge is necessary to take the course. Members come from many walks of life in our community; all enjoy the satisfaction of being able to save lives in their free time.
A full tuition reimbursement program is available to those who successfully complete the EMT course and go on to volunteer with WVEMS.
Those interested in obtaining additional details or applying should email the Westport EMS Training Division: training@westportems.org. Anyone interested in taking a CPR class or learning more about Westport Volunteer EMS should visit our website: westportems.org.
Midnight Car Accident Closes Easton Road, Sends One Car into Forest and Police Looking for Driver
The BMW SUV sits alongside Easton Road after it lost control, rolling into the forest. WestportLocal.com photoJust before 12:30 this morning, first responders were dispatched to the area of Easton Road and Brooklawn Drive for the report of the motor vehicle accident with automatic rollover detection - about 500 feet south of Westport Fire Department’s Coleytown House.
A Westport EMS crew was dispatched for the report of a possible injured driver in the midnight car accident. WestportLocal.com photo First responders and neighbors quickly found the vehicle, a BMW SUV, stuck down a steep embankment alongside the Route 136 sidewalk - but could not locate the driver. After a short search in the nearby neighborhood, Westport Police officers were able to locate the driver and have them evaluated by Westport EMS. The driver was not transported by the EMS team, and remained on scene.
Reports from the scene describe the vehicle as possibly travelling north on Easton Road before it lost control - destroying a concrete bridge structure over Silver Brook before the vehicle came to a rest in the nearby forest.
A neighbor described the loud sound piercing the quiet night, causing them to head to the street to see what had happened. No word on what caused the accident has been released.
Police, Fire, and EMS Busy after 80 Calls to Service Received Before 6:00 PM Today
Sirens could be heard throughout the community today, starting with a motor vehicle accident on I-95 just after sunrise. Local first responders were kept busy afterwards - straight through sunset with multiple car accidents, medical emergencies, and police matters being called into the Westport emergency communications center, located at Westport Fire Department Headquarters and Westport Police Department Headquarters.
Westport Police responded to 40 calls-to-service.
Westport Fire Department responded to 30 calls-to-service.
Westport Emergency Medical Service responded to 10 calls-to-service.
Early Morning House Fire Displaces Three from Bayberry Lane; Required Wilton, Fairfield Firefighters to Respond
Westport Fire Department Photo
Press Release
The Westport Fire Department Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call shortly after 6:30am this morning by a resident reporting a structure fire. The fire department responded with 4 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 rescue truck, and 2 shift commanders. First arriving units found a 2 story, 2 family home with fire on the first floor, second floor, and attic. Two attack lines (fire hoses) were stretched and operated to extinguish the fire. Fire companies searched the house for victims and found none as the house had been evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department.
The residents of the second floor were alerted to the fire by a working carbon monoxide detector and they notified the residents of the first floor to evacuate. No injuries were reported. Three residents have been displaced by the fire.
The fire was investigated by the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office. The Westport Police and EMS responded to assist on scene. The Wilton and Fairfield Fire Departments assisted on scene and with station coverage during the fire.
The Westport Fire Department reminds residents to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all floors of their homes.
EMS Personnel Ready to Respond at Downtown Headquarters
Westport EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake along with volunteer EMT Nicole Donovan, volunteer EMS Crew Chief Morgan Rizy, volunteer EMT Alice Sardarian, and volunteer EMS Crew Chief Larry Kleinman are just some of the EMTs and paramedics staffing Westport EMS’ Headquarters throughout the snow storm.
The crews at Westport EMS are prepared with winter weather gear, and with a fleet of ambulances and SUVs equipped with tire chains or 4x4 capabilities. The Jesup Road headquarters is staffed 24/7, with extra personnel being called-in for the storm.
Sunday Night Car Accident Injures Several on I-95
A car accident was reported just after 9:30 PM Sunday night on I-95 in the area of the Exit 17 Northbound ramp, requiring both Norwalk and Westport First Responders, as well as Connecticut State Police, to respond. The accident appeared to involve multiple vehicles, with multiple injuries reported at the scene. No word on the extent of any injuries or on what may have caused the accident. Northbound traffic was slowed as lanes were closed while the accident scene was active. Photo from I-95 prior to the exit 17 off-ramp, northbound.
Ending 2020 with Hope: EMS Personnel Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine administered to Westport First Responders yesterday at the Westport-Weston Health District.
According to a Westport Emergency Medical Service Press Release:
“EMTs and Paramedics serving on Westport’s ambulances have begun to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the national roll-out to front line medical personnel. The vaccines are a sign of hope for the local EMS volunteers and staff after ten months of treating the community’s COVID-19 patients.
Westport Emergency Medical Service Deputy Director/Paramedic Marc Hartog.
Yesterday, several Westport EMS members, along with other 1st responders from the Police and Fire Departments, received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Westport-Weston Health District - making history for the essential service as it begins to protect its front line volunteers and staff members against the coronavirus as it heads into the new year.
Volunteer EMT Lynette Pineda, Volunteer EMT / Westport Volunteer EMS President Mike Burns, and Paramedic / Westport EMS Deputy Director Marc Hartog were the first ones to receive the vaccine at the health district, whose nurses were able to administer the shots after a small shipment of the vaccine was received.
1st responders have been authorized by the CDC to go to any certified vaccine clinic in the State, allowing personnel who live outside of Westport to find a clinic closer to their own home. However, having the ability to administer vaccinations in-town will make it easier and more efficient for the emergency medical service providers to receive their shots, keeping them protected as COVID-19 case numbers rise in the region.
Volunteer EMT/Westport Volunteer EMS President Mike Burns.
“We encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as it is available to you. In the meantime, we'll continue to wear masks, wash our hands frequently, and practice social distancing, and ask all of you to do the same.” said Deputy Director Hartog.
Only one member of Westport Emergency Medical Service has been diagnosed with COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, a monumental feat for the nearly 75 members which can be attributed to strict infection control and PPE protocols that keep them, and patients, safe.
A majority of the service’s volunteers and staff members have said they’ll get the vaccine as soon as it's available to them, with many receiving their first dose just this week.
Volunteer EMT/Westporter Lynette Pineda.
Westport Emergency Medical Service, a division of the Westport Police Department, provides pre-hospital emergency medical care to the Westport community with its team of nearly 75 volunteers and seven staff members aboard its fleet of state-of-the-art ambulances. More information on the service can be found at westportems.org.”