Over 200 First Responders received free training from two collision repair facilities in Newington and North Haven, Conn. Turnpike Motors Auto Body and North Haven Auto Body members of the Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists (CCRS), hosted consecutive training classes to first responders from towns all across the state.
Due to today’s economy and training budgets being cut, firefighters and EMT’s are forced to rely on what’s available to them — with little funding to pursue ongoing training.
“As a member of CCRS, we continually look for ways to give back to the communities that we live and work in. We decided to give back to those who give so much every day,” said Doug Fernandez, president of Turnpike Motors Auto Body in Newington. “The response was overwhelming: We had over 120 attendees — all first responders — who deliver life-saving techniques to victims in accidents.”
Bob McSherry, owner of North Haven Auto Body, who also serves as the vice chairman of CCRS, says he’s proud of the association’s commitment to community service. McSherry opened his shop to over 100 firefighters from Bethany, North Haven, Middletown, Wallingford, Hamden and many other towns in the state.
Turnpike Motors Autobody hosted firefighters and EMTs from Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield and Windsor, as well as other departments from around the state to take part in this four-hour event. The site of the training caused many drive-by motorists to wonder what was happening due to the many overturned cars and rescue vehicles on the premises. Turnpike Motors service representative Dan Hovey said, “Anyone driving by
may have thought there was a monumental accident scene at our shop.”
This is one of the area’s largest hands-on training event ever held to benefit First Responders in Connecticut.
“Bringing crucial training to First Responders will always be a continual need, due to the simple fact that technology with today’s vehicles constantly change,” said Lisa Siembab, CCRS executive director. “We are so grateful and proud of our members, industry partners and especially Bob and Doug, who stepped up to host the classes.”
The two classes were conducted by Toby Chess, I-CAR instructor and industry consultant. The classes were supported by several industry members and service providers. Kent Automotive, Traveler’s Insurance, Progressive Insurance, Lamore’s Service Station in Wethersfield, Conn., Signs Now of Newington, and JVIII Construction all assisted in presenting the classes. Also, TNT and Holmatro provided the tooling while Enterprise Rent-A-Car for sponsored all of the beverages. A barbeque, salads and desserts were provided by Pete’s Barbeque and Catering.
More information:
Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists
