Community Spotlight
FIREFIGHTERS
BRING PICKLEBALL TO THE COURT STREET FIRE STATION
By Hana Papaco
Pickleball has quickly become a popular downtime activity at the Court Street Fire Station in Cromwell , Connecticut , thanks to Jaimie Clout , a firefighter and city recreation leader . Clout always has exercise and wellness on her mind . After all , she ’ s the city of Bristol ’ s aquatics supervisor in addition to being in the fire service for more than 20 years .
When tasked with finding new activities for the firehouse ’ s health and wellness plan , pickleball came to mind . She took the idea to Lieutenant Brett Hallden who was already familiar with the sport even though the City of Cromwell currently does not have courts . Clout knew pickleball could be played year-round in the station , with simple setup and take-down when calls come through . In addition , she knew the sport ’ s learning curve wouldn ’ t intimidate her fellow firefighters . Once approved , Clout brought a portable net to the station and set up a playing space . It didn ’ t take long for play to heat up . “ We are all extremely competitive ,” said Hallden . “ It doesn ’ t matter if it ’ s cards , cooking or pickleball .” Pickleball has given members of the firehouse a fierce activity to look forward to but has also helped their ability to work as a team . Every call their station receives is viewed as a must-win , and the firefighters bring that approach to the pickleball courts .
Playing pickleball alongside a teammate also translates to their work . Hallden touched on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ’ s “ two in , two out ” rule , where no fewer than two firefighters can
Lt . Brett Hallden says the firefighters at the Court Street Fire Station are competitive in everything they do , including pickleball . enter an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health ( IDLH )
From left : Firefighters Victoria Otlowski , Jaimie Clout , John Nowik , Lt . Barry Wolmetz and Lt . Brett Hallden enjoy some friendly pickleball competition between calls thanks to a portable net and an open truck bay at the Court Street Fire Station .
atmosphere while two others must be outside the IDLH space in case of an emergency within . “ We all need a teammate ,” he explained . “ Pickleball helps continue to build our relationships as well as our nonverbal communication .”
Pickleball has strengthened the camaraderie of the Court Street Fire Station . Hallden had been the longstanding champion but was finally dethroned by Clout . “ This is the only time I can beat the lieutenant and not get in trouble ,” she joked .
Hallden also recalls playing a doubles match where his opponents ’ quick wit and banter ( possibly about the lieutenant ’ s wardrobe choice of hot-pink shorts ) made him laugh so hard that he teared up and couldn ’ t even hit the ball .
Although the station ’ s play has created fire within themselves , Clout looks to spread the sport throughout the community : “ We want to create an interdepartmental competition , and get the community involved where community members can come out and play against the top firefighters .”
Clout and Hallden have expressed how pickleball has helped keep the culture strong and positive , and there ’ s no indication the passion for the sport will dissipate at the Court Street Fire Station anytime soon .
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAIMIE CLOUT