STOWE, Vt. (WCAX) – The Stowe Fire Department is trading ideas and comparing notes with European firefighting professionals as part of an international partnership thousands of miles in the making.
Jeff Fischer made the trip from Donnerskirchen, Austria, to Stowe.
“We have European-style gear, different fire tips, different fire hoses, but at the end of the day we’re all here to serve the community,” Fischer said.
His globe-trotting trip is part of an international partnership developed under the National Guard State Partnership Program. The goal is to foster international relationships and professional exchanges between emergency responders. One of the biggest differences is that the crew at Donnerskirchen is all volunteer. With no staffing shortages, Fischer says it’s because they get kids involved in the fire service young.
“We actually bring kids in, and they learn fire safety, and they get uniforms, and they march with our fire departments in the parades. And they have a sense of community; they have a sense of wanting to join, and that when they come of age, they just naturally convert over,” Fischer said.
Stowe Asst. Fire Chief Scott Reeves agrees and recognizes the challenge in getting young people in the ranks. “Not only just in Stowe but statewide, volunteerism is down. So, if we can get the youth interested early and often, here’s an opportunity for recruitment,” he said.
The partnership isn’t entirely random. A certain famous local family is part of the reason this partnership came to be. “The reason for Stowe is obviously the ties we have with the von Trapp Family Lodge and Austria. So, that’s what really started the discussion,” Reeves said.
Fittingly enough, Fischer stayed at the lodge and said that it felt like home.
“Anytime Austrians come to our property and say they feel comfortable and like they’re at home, that’s the best we can think of,” said the lodge’s Kristina von Trapp Frame.
Both sides hope to continue and develop the partnership in the years to come.
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