Community Corner
First Responder Inspired By ‘Satisfaction Of Helping Others’
Rick Landry discusses Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services, his appreciation for the community and tips for prospective first responders.
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with Rick Landry, Firefighter and EMS Officer at Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services, to learn more about the department, life as a first responder and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services?
Officer Landry: The Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services is an all-hazards Fire/Rescue/EMS department. We are a combination department, career and volunteer, serving a primary response area of approximately 45 sq. miles. We operate from two staffed [firehouses] and one unstaffed firehouse with a minimum of five career personnel on shift 24/7/365. We have three fire engines, one ladder truck, two boats, three basic life-support ambulances and several service vehicles. We are responsible for all fire and emergency medical responses, technical rescue, and water-related emergencies. Our call volume is approximately 2,500 a year.
What does a typical day look like for a first responder in Manchester?
Officer Landry: Our 24-hour shift begins at 6:30 am. We will be briefed by the outgoing crews and start our daily checks of apparatus and equipment, including restocking, battery swaps, refueling and other necessary tasks. We inspect our personal gear and stage it in a ready position to ensure a faster response time. We will then transition to household chores, including cleaning each room, emptying the trash and vacuuming or mopping the floors, as this is our home for the next day or more.
Each day, we will hold a training session, covering various topics, including equipment use or visits to target hazards (e.g., malls, schools or apartment complexes). All of this is done while we await the sound of the buzzer for an emergency call.
What inspired you to get involved as a first responder?
Officer Landry: One random day in early April 1991, I decided to stop by a local volunteer firehouse and ask about joining. There was something about the satisfaction of helping others in the community when they needed it the most. By the end of that fall, I had completed my first fire school certification, and in 1993, I became an EMT. From then on, I knew I wanted to make this my career. I spent nearly 28 years volunteering, and in 2011, I made this my career. To this day, the satisfaction of helping others is still the most inspiring part.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Mansfield community?
Officer Landry: The Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services is the result of a 2005 merger of two fire departments. The department is expanding to meet the growing needs of the community. Our community is also home to the University of CT, which brings with it a diverse population. There is always a lot of activity in this community. Within the department, we live, train and laugh together, a sense of family away from our own.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the department?
Officer Landry: The fire service is a large extended family, sometimes with no boundaries. In 2020, we were asked to cover as an engine company in the town of West Hartford while they laid to rest one of their own. This was undoubtedly a somber day, but it highlighted the camaraderie that makes the fire service unique. The ability to show respect for someone we had never met through a system of mutual aid was an honor.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a first responder?
Officer Landry: Visit a local fire department and speak with the staff. Know up front that this will require extensive training and certifications. EMS is a significant part of the emergency services' needs. Train to become an EMT and prioritize your physical fitness.
If you wish to pursue a career in this field, you will need to demonstrate your physical ability through the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), a practical examination that assesses a person's physical ability to perform tasks related to firefighting. Most career departments will not accept an application without this. There is also an option to join the volunteer service, where you can gain experience, training and certifications while supporting your community.
More About Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services
Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services offers volunteer opportunities, supporting career personnel in responding to emergency calls. To become a volunteer member of the department, follow these steps:
- Complete a membership application; the membership committee reviews applications in the spring and fall seasons. Select applicants will be contacted via phone to set up an interview with the department chief.
- If the interview is successful, you will be recommended as a probationary member (minimum of six months). The probationary membership period includes orientation and training classes, which must be completed before you are eligible to respond to calls.
- Following a successful probationary period, you may be considered for full membership. Full members may serve as firefighters, EMTs, fire police and/or support personnel.
For more information, visit the Town of Mansfield website and explore opportunities to serve your community!
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Get more information about T-Priority and the first responder discounts here.
