As a Rocky Hill resident for just shy of forty years, Richard Batchelder was quite familiar with the Rocky Hill Fire Department, but never had the time to consider volunteering. Shortly after retiring from Munich Re, a global provider of reinsurance at age 62, he was approached by Chief Todd Harris about potentially joining the department as a treasurer. Batchelder took him up on that offer, and shortly thereafter, his role evolved.
“I started as the treasurer, and then I learned from the chief they had difficulty getting fire trucks out, especially during the day. I asked him if there was anything I could do to help, and he said that I could become a driver and pump operator,” Batchelder says. “I agreed to do that and completed the four-month-long firefighting school at the age of 64.”
Batchelder is among the station’s top responders as driver and operator. As an administrative volunteer, he handles the minutiae necessary to keep the firehouse afloat, such as reprogramming door locks, network and computer maintenance and much more.
“We need a lot of administrative help. Those interested in learning more can come to a meeting and learn about the fire company without having to commit. I joined after retiring, and it has given me the ability to stay active and learn new skills,” says Batchelder.
Those interested in volunteering with the Rocky Hill Fire Department can fill out an inquiry form at JoinRockyHillFire.org to get started.