North Haven Fire Department has begun preparations for hosting the 129th annual Connecticut State Firefighters’ Association Convention and Parade in September 2012. Overseeing the large event coincides with the department’s 100th anniversary.

“It will be a celebration for us, and will be our time to give back to state firemen,” said Fire Chief Vincent Landisio. “It will also be a chance to showcase North Haven as the great community we are.”

Landisio expects the Sept. 14-16 celebration to include representatives from approximately 250 fire departments from across Connecticut, and a four-hour parade. Last year in New London, 60 total professional and volunteer departments cooperated to produce the 127th annual conference. In North Haven, only four departments will work together — the professional branch and all three volunteer fire companies.

“This is a daunting task to be taken on by the four companies,” Landisio said. “It’s something that we know our personnel can do.”

Special attention was paid in securing 2012, according to Ronald Mattie, North Haven convention chairman and 38-year volunteer firefighter with West Ridge Company Three. “We had to reserve this year way in advance,” he said. “We picked it 10 years ago. We knew it would be our 100th anniversary.”

“The chief and I started really planning this two years ago,” Mattai added. “We picked 10 coordinators to be in charge of everything from the march to food, to making sure hotel space is available. There’s so much involved. It’s going to be a big convention.”

Mattai anticipated over 400 vehicles and apparatuses in North Haven’s parade, which will begin at the middle school and finish at the Washington Avenue fairgrounds. “We’re centrally-located in Connecticut, so we’re hoping for a big turnout,” he said. “We hope to get some guest marchers in the parade to generate interest.”

A small carnival will take place at the fairgrounds.

“The key to our success will be raising a significant amount of money,” Landisio said, adding that his department seeks $80,000 for convention costs.

Fundraising will include a local advertisement book, in which businesses of all types can buy pages. Companies can also purchase special conference sponsorship packages, ranging from $1,500 to $25,000. “We’re looking for everything from corporate sponsors to help from mom and pop places,” Mattai said.

Additionally, Landisio said that North Haven Fire Department is also accepting personal donations of any amount.

“We’re getting ready to roll out all of this now,” Landisio said. “The hope is that people will appreciate what we’ve done for them, not only in recently bringing paramedic service to town, but also in the last 100 years of providing EMT and fire services.”

North Haven Fire Department has never hosted the event. “For the last four years, I have been talking with other people who have run conventions,” Mattai said. “I’ve been going to conventions myself for 37 years, and have learned a large amount.”

The annual Connecticut State Firefighters’ Association Convention and Parade has not visited New Haven County since 2001, when it took place in West Haven.