Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Trabona

Sharon-Trabona-webName:  Sharon Trabona
Title:  First Responder/Rescue
Department Name:  Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department
Location:  Georgetown, ME

Why are you an NVFC member?
I am an NVFC member because of the nation wide support, continuing education, and information we receive by being members. If our Department were not members we would not have been aware of the gear giveaway which is a plus for so many towns.

Why are you a volunteer firefighter?
Until NVFC asked I never thought about why I am a volunteer. But since you have asked, it brought home to me that I care about people, enjoy helping others, and have volunteered my whole adult life. Being the wife of a 30-year Navy Veteran, we were on the go much of the time and looking back on it there were many volunteer “jobs.” The library at the children’s school, the Red Cross at the hospital at many Navy bases, Navy/Marine Corp Relief Society, and now for several years, Maine Maritime Museum, Georgetown Historical Society, International Coastal Clean Up, and some that I have lost track of. So it just seemed right to help our town and our community by joining the Volunteer Fire Dept.

How long have you been in the fire service?
8 yrs.

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
Memorable moments for me are working with fellow members as a team and the good feeling we all get from that. Knowing that a life has been saved or a home spared are special moments, also those 3-4am calls are usually remembered!

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
The Department has an annual open house for the town to visit the station and talk with members. We have a monthly newsletter that contains information, seasonal reminders, and safety tips for members and the public.

The Department comes out with equipment for the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades. I and other members give pre-K though 6 grade pumpkins at Halloween and all the greenery, bows etc. so they can make wreaths for Christmas. We visit the school during National Fire Prevention week and talk with the pre-school class. We support the Polar Plunge and other special town events by having our ambulance standing by should there be a need for help. We also help direct traffic during several special town events such as Blessing of the Fleet, Community Day, and Working League Fair. We have divers in the water for lobster crate races at Blessing of The Fleet.

We have a number of medical supplies such as wheelchairs, crutches, etc. that we loan out to townspeople, a cost savings for them. We distribute free smoke detectors to anyone in town who is in need of one.

When asked, we have removed hazardous buildings and used it as a training burn for the Department. To help raise funds for the Department, we have a pasta night, a ham and bean supper, and in July we hold our annual auction which brings many in the town together.

* Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.