(Press Release from Lime Rock Park)
Lime Rock Park safety team provide mutual aid to the Lakeville and extended Litchfield County community
Nestled in the heart of Lakeville, Lime Rock Park isn’t just a motorsports venue, it’s also a vital part of the Litchfield County community.
Beyond the scores of race fans and race team members that the track attracts to the region all year long, The Park’s safety team plays a pivotal role in local emergency services, partnering with the Lakeville Hose Company and Litchfield County Dispatch to provide mutual aid and ensure the well-being of its neighbors.
Last year, this partnership showcased its life-saving impact.
During a medical emergency, Lime Rock Park’s safety team was the first to arrive at a nearby residence where a neighbor was experiencing a heart attack. Thanks to their rapid response and professional training, the team provided critical care before the arrival of the local EMS, underscoring their value to the community.
Responding to something even closer to the track, the Lime Rock Park safety team responded to a double rollover accident on Route 112, where they were first on the scene to assist the seven individuals involved in the crash. Their quick actions provided crucial support during a chaotic situation and highlighted their dedication to serving their neighbors.
“Moments like responding to a neighbor experiencing a heart attack or being first on the scene of a rollover accident remind us why our training is so important,” said Brandon Flint Lime Rock Park Facility Manager who is also the captain of the Lakeville Hose Company and a member of the Falls Village Fire Company. “When emergencies happen, every second counts, and being able to provide critical care until local EMS arrives is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
“Being part of the safety team at Lime Rock Park is more than a job—it’s a commitment to our community,” Flint continued. “The training we undergo ensures that when emergencies do happen, whether at the track or in the surrounding area, we’re ready to step in and make a difference.”
But, the preparations don’t stop when the final flag flies on the close of the season.
The team undergoes two intensive training sessions annually to keep their skills sharp and stay updated on the latest emergency response techniques, including electric vehicle (EV) firefighting. This specialized training ensures the team is prepared for modern challenges in emergency response.
Additionally, the safety team participates in advanced training programs with organizations such as the Rhode Island Fire Academy, NYFD Academy, NASCAR Safety Training Summit in Daytona and the Incident Management and Crisis Team training at the Indianapolis PRI Show. These experiences allow them to bring best practices back to their work at Lime Rock Park and in the surrounding community.
“At the close of the regular race season, we turn our attention to preparing for the next season and training,” said Lime Rock Park Director of Track Operations Tom Burke. “Some of our training entails hands-on scenario-based training where we place a vehicle on top of a tire wall with a mannequin inside. This type of scenario gets all facets of our team involved from extrication of the patient, care for the patient and finally recovery of the vehicle. All of this comes together in the event of us having to respond off track as mutual aid to our EMS partners in the surrounding area.”
The Lime Rock Park safety team is composed of 90% Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and 10% Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), reflecting their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of emergency care. In addition to their professional credentials, all Lime Rock Park event staff undergo basic safety training, ensuring they’re equipped to handle situations both on and off the track.
“At Lime Rock Park, we take immense pride in being a good neighbor,” said Lime Rock Park Vice President of Operations Jocko Jocopino, who is also in the process of joining the Lakeville Hose Company. “Our safety team’s partnership with the Lakeville Hose Company and surrounding communities is just one of the ways we give back to the community that supports us. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, educating children or collaborating with local services, our mission is to make a positive impact. And if you ever see one of our safety trucks driving down public roads with lights on, know that we are on our way to assist one of our local neighbors in need!”
Lime Rock Park’s commitment to community engagement extends far beyond emergency response.
In 2024, The Park participated in the popular “Touch a Truck” event, where nearly 350 local school-aged children had the chance to explore Lime Rock Park’s fire trucks and interact with the safety team. The event offered kids a hands-on learning experience, fostering excitement about safety and emergency services.
For the residents of Lakeville, and the surrounding area, Lime Rock Park isn’t just a destination for motorsports enthusiasts—it’s a trusted partner and a steadfast supporter of the community and hosts a variety of non-motorsports events throughout the year as well. With a safety team as skilled as it is compassionate, Lime Rock Park exemplifies the true meaning of being a good neighbor.
Lime Rock Park will kick off its 68th season during its long-standing Memorial Day Weekend event the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic May 23-26. To join the Lime Rock Park safety team, seasonal staff or to volunteer for the 2025 season, email [email protected].
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Bethlehem was my home town. In the 60’s it was a real life Hallmark card. More cows then people, a kid could spend his time with his buddies roaming the town on a Saturday snitching apples from a local orchard or enjoying Hostess Cupcakes he got at the general store sitting on the rotting platform that used to hold the farmers milk cans for pickup by the local dairy. Mostly middle class and lower middle class working folks the town fire department manned by local farmers, people that worked in town ready to drop everything when the siren went off. The local fire department also serving a social function with the firefighters perhaps garnering a bit more status in town for their service.
Those towns including Lakeville are gone now. In their place upper middle class and wealthy people putting up palatial homes in what used to be where cows grazed. The general stores torn down to make way for tony shops in well appointing squares all in apple pie order suitable for the sophisticated clientele. People of means tend not to volunteer fighting fires even if the are in town frequently enough. Most of those towns struggling to get people to volunteer as firefighters willing to invest the considerable time it involves in training and meetings just to qualify for the department.
In Lakeville you’re probably going to need something approaching a half million dollars just to get a basic home if one is available. This isn’t some fluff piece to help promote the racing facility although it does it well. Being first on the scene beating local services no surprise as response times get longer with thinner staffing all over the region. In a small town like Lakeville having Lime Rock Park’s trained people on call a critical life saving function that’s unique in the region they’re extremely fortunate to have.