Groton Fire Department has a new chief

This column has been highlighting several changes in ownership and leadership on a number of fronts lately, and the Groton Fire Department (GFD) has now entered the mix.

Since joining the GFD in 2010, Ben Nelson came up the ranks to become deputy chief in 2015 and chief in 2018. Although he says he is “not leaving completely,” he has chosen to retire the chief’s hat and hand it off to the GFD’s new chief, Eric DeForrest.

Nelson was born in Jamestown, New York, but has lived in Groton since he was 10. He served as a Machinery Repairman 2nd Class with Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification in the U.S. Navy from 2004 to 2008, stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln, homeported in Everett, Washington.

“When I joined the GFD, I was mostly looking for a social group that was paramilitary,” Nelson said. “I was struggling being out of the Navy and needed to feel like I was back in that structure.”

Nelson described himself as a “hard charger” for the GFD and intends to “still be around, in the shadows.”

“Being fire chief is a challenging job,” Nelson said. “You commit yourself to the department and little else. Several months before the pandemic, I met my girlfriend and her two little boys. As time went by, I found myself wanting to commit more time to them and less to the department. Now, instead of fire department meetings and functions, I’m coaching youth football and youth wrestling and loving it.”

Regarding his thoughts on DeForrest taking over, Nelson said, “Eric and I have been friends for a long time. I have no doubt he’ll do a good job. His style is different than mine, but why should we be the same?”

DeForrest grew up in Groton with his parents, Bruce and Phyllis DeForrest, on their beef cattle farm, along with his sisters, Shana (DeForrest) Chaffee and Kelley (DeForrest) Neville.

While attending Groton High School (GHS), Eric played baseball and ran cross-country, but he also spent his time working on his parents’ farm and other local farms.

Eric graduated in 2000 and had also earned his welding certification from TST BOCES, through which he had an internship at Therm Inc. in Ithaca, and was immediately employed as a welder there for the next three years.

In March 2003, Eric began working at BorgWarner in Ithaca, where he progressed from the production floor to metallurgical technician that December and then receiving dock supervisor in 2006.

When the 2008 recession hit, Eric was among many who were laid off. He was fortunate to be able to return to Therm at that time. He was back at BorgWarner by 2011, where he remains today. He became its campus shipping supervisor in 2017, collaborating with other BorgWarner plants in the U.S. and Mexico to coordinate international shipments.

In January 2016, Eric found himself in a conversation with his brother-in-law, Richard (Rick) Neville, and some other close friends (including Ben Nelson), who were talking about their involvement as volunteer firefighters for the GFD. Eric was intrigued, so he began observing what they did at the GFD and started onboarding shortly thereafter.

“I had been coaching softball, basketball and soccer through the youth program since 2009,” Eric said. “I loved it, but I was so excited to do something for the community beyond coaching.”

Eric’s daughter, Alyssa, who is currently a GHS junior, was “the reason I started coaching because she played them all,” Eric said.

Eric also has a son, Jonathan, who is a 2017 GHS alum currently attending Solbridge University in South Korea.

“As I transitioned out of coaching, the fire department was a good place for me to replace that time,” Eric said.

In April 2016, Eric became an active firefighter and, that summer, he earned his interior firefighter certification. In March 2017, he became a 1st lieutenant of the Pioneer Hose Co.

Many may not know that there are three companies within the GFD. The others are the Hooks and the Congers. Eric explained that having separate companies keeps the competitive edge for recruiting and fundraising efforts high.

“Having these competitions among us is tradition,” Eric said. “We want to keep that legacy moving forward.”

In 2018, Eric was elected as 2nd assistant chief. In 2019, he became an EMT and was appointed as the EMS chief as well.

“I got my EMT certification because I wanted to be more of an asset to the GFD and the community,” Eric said. “Then, when I knew Ben was retiring, I decided I wanted to run for chief. Ben has paved a really great path, serving in some of the most difficult times because of COVID. I was fortunate to work with him.”

Eric also said he shares Nelson’s passion for the direction the GFD is going with Groton having its own ambulance service and that they “faced many challenges other fire departments without one may not have faced.”

“I want to keep that passion alive with my experience and continue the legacy of the GFD,” Eric said. “This is one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. No matter how severe or minor the call, you are taking someone’s worst day and helping them, and they are always so grateful.”

Eric added how heartened he and all the members of the GFD were by the turnout of the community at Groton Olde Home Days this past summer and at the annual tree lighting in December.

“It was so good to see everyone having more normalcy in their lives that they were deprived of during the pandemic,” Eric said.

Eric’s future vision is to sponsor more community-based events. Keep your eye here on “Groton on the Inside” to keep yourself in the loop in the weeks and months ahead!

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922.  

In brief: 
 
Free dinner, free food 

The Groton Public Library is bringing back its free monthly community meal, although it will be a to-go meal only, at least for now. Turkey soup for the whole family will be available Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. until the soup is gone.

Free healthy food to go is available every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The staff at GPL spreads out a great selection of food in the new great room for you to choose from. If you are unable to come during those hours, call (607) 898-5055 and they are happy to set aside a bag of food for you to pick up later.

Teens at the library 

Afterschool for Teens happens every day, Monday through Friday, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Groton Public Library. Any youth in grades six through 12 can come and play. Late bus is available Tuesday through Thursday. Parental permission required. Pick up a form at GPL or at Groton school or email director@grotonpubliclibrary.org.

Zumba classes 

There is still time to get in on the action with Groton Recreation’s Zumba classes every Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Groton Elementary School cafeteria. Classes run through Feb. 22.

All classes are free and made possible by a partnership with the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. Masks are required while in the school building.