Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Dorfman

Name: Steve Dorfman
Title: EMS Program Manager
Department: East Haddam Fire Department
Location: East Haddam, CT

Why are you an NVFC member?
It’s a great organization, lots of pertinent information and training, and a great networking site.

What is your occupation?
Retired military officer.

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
I love serving my community. I spent 21 years active duty in the Air Force and one of our core values was service before self and that still holds true today. I began in the Civil Air Patrol in the late 1970s, went on to volunteer at my hometown’s fire/EMS department, and then active duty. I returned to Connecticut in 2010 and immediately joined the department working on emergency service calls. I have been an active first responder EMT for the fire department since 2019. I have no plans to retire from that any time soon.

What year did you join the fire or emergency services?
2010

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
I have multiple memorable moments as both a firefighter and as an EMT. What it always boiled down to was taking care of the residents of your community. I have seen the worst and best in people, and humanity, for that matter. I look forward every day to going down to the station, doing my chores and tasks, and hanging with my fellow firefighters.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
The department has grown from strictly volunteer to a combination department with 10 paid firefighters and EMTs that man the ambulance and apparatus Monday through Friday, 6am-6pm, with a crew of four (two fulltime and two per diems). The volunteers supplement them during those times. The department is still predominantly volunteer with volunteers working their jobs during the day, the paid staff has ensured full coverage for the community in their time of need. Additionally, I applied for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and we were awarded $904,000 for a new quint truck to replace our unserviceable ladder and older engine. The multi-function quint was a big win for the town and department, saving the town almost $1,000,000.

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.makemeafirefighter.org.