Every day, Westport firefighter Rob Lenois goes to work knowing he may have a chance to save someone’s life.
Now the rest of us can save a life too.
On April 24 (5:30 to 10 p.m., Autostrada), the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts its 2nd annual Whiskey Tasting.
The evening includes whiskey, specialty drinks, wine and beer; light bites from On the Marc; DJ Rob; a huge silent auction; antique fire trucks, and a photo booth.
The event falls on the third day of Passover. A rabbi will bless the ceremony, and kosher food will be available.
It’s a very important fundraiser. The goal is $80,000.
That’s the amount needed to replace 55 AEDs (automatic external defibrillators). There is one in every fire vehicle, police car and ambulance in town.
But they’re all nearly 20 years old, at the end of their useful lives.
Firefighter Rob Lenois, with a well-worn AED. He stands in front of Coleytown Engine Company 6’s 1950s-era map of the neighborhood. (Photo/Dan Woog)
AEDs ensure than human beings — you, me, our families, friends and neighbors — don’t check out before the end of our own useful lives.
Lenois says that when someone suffers a cardiac event, the survival rate using hands-only CPR is just 3%.
With an AED, that rises to 11%. And it’s a very impressive 66% if the victim gets to a hospital, after a pulse is obtained.
Westport first responders use their AEDs a dozen or so times a year. Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan had a memorable experience, saving a young woman’s life at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
The community has rallied behind the firefighters’ April 24 event. Greens Farms Spirit Shop is the whiskey sponsor. The Kiev family, Tina Dragone, Hammer & Nails, Fleet Auto and many others are providing sponsorships and/or auction items.
Of course, Autostrada is an eye-popping party space. “If you haven’t seen it, this is a great chance to go,” Lenois says.
Autostrada’s lounge overlooks a floor filled with classic cars.
Last year’s event sold out, and raised over $40,000 for 4 important causes: “bed shaker” alarms for every hearing-impaired child in Westport; the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp; children’s cancer care, and cancer screenings for firefighters.
This year’s fundraising target is double that.
It’s a small price to pay, for 55 AEDs that could save someone’s life.
Or yours.
Click here for tickets to the 2nd annual Westport Firefighters Whiskey Tasting, and more information.
AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) save lives.
Why isn’t the town just buying what is needed for the fire fighters and the police?
Because Jack, like the go fund me for music on church lane , these organizers and the administration think by reachin thousands they can get it for free… again those platforms are for repatriating bodies, and paying for hospital bills or funerals.
I agree ! Why the hell would I contribute to buy an AED, when the town should use OUR TAX $$ to pay for it ! They want that money to use on designs for parking lots or assisting long shore. Or rebuilding a school they let go down the toilet.
Nobody in Westport needs to contribute one nickel. The town has plenty money ! They need to fork out and buy them.
I actually bought an AED myself last year.
It’s in my house.
I have older parents and I felt it might be a life saver someday.
I bought them one for Christmas about 5 years ago.
But this FSW doesn’t want to spend a dime on maintenance !
In fact in 4 years I’ve bought 4 AED.
Just SMH !
Autostrada looks like a fancy parking garage with a few couches.
No idea why anyone would throw a gig there other than getting it for free.
But if it’s free.. I guess in Westport the town of the FSW putting fundraising on the residents then it fits the bill.
Go away. You’ve become a bore. Not only to your home town but surrounding communities.
We feel bad for your staff.
Go away ? Why Stella ?
Because I think the town of Westport should use OUR tax dollars for these important life saving devices.
And you think Westport residents should pay for them ?
No !
You go away my friend !
Please read the very first comment in which I politely asked why isn’t the town buying whatever is needed? Why aren’t tax dollars buying what is needed for both the police and fire departments?