North Stonington Vol. Fire Co.
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Fire protection in the community then known as the Village of Milltown was originally provided by the Village Fire Engine Co. that began operation in 1845 with a 12 man hand pumper stored in a small building. Following their disbanding in 1870 due to a dwindling population as the mills and other industries had moved to larger towns with more access to transportation, there was a 75 year gap where there was no organized fire protection in the community (the neighboring Pawcatuck FD provided emergency response for a period of time, however, this proved to be inefficient due to the distance involved). Organized in 1945, the North Stonington Volunteer Fire Company present day provides Fire and Rescue protection with 35 active volunteers answering an annual average of 350 alarms.
Center For Emergency Services
Occupied in 2018, this building merged the operations of both the North Stonington VFC (which operated from their original 1948 firehouse located across the street) and North Stonington Ambulance Association into one centralized modern station.
Original Firehouse (Retired)
While land for the first firehouse was in the process of being transferred from federal to state possession and ultimately to the fire company, the company's first apparatus (a 1941 Army surplus Ford fire engine) was stored in a charter member's barn located in the village. In 1948 the original two bay station was built followed by several additions over the next three decades - these included a meeting hall in 1955 (dedicated as Barker Hall in honor
of Chief Charles Barker who served from 1953-1957), two additional bays in 1963 (dedicated to the Ladies Auxiliary for their support of the company) and finally two rear bays in 1974 (dedicated in honor of Chief Charles Smith III). A substation in Clarks Falls was opened in 1954 but closed within that year based on a lack of membership. The company occupied their headquarters until 2018 when they moved across the street to the newly built Center for Emergency Services which combined the operations of the fire company and ambulance association into a centralized emergency services station. Present day, the old firehouse is leased to the Town of North Stonington Parks & Recreation Dept. for $1 a year.
Engine 1 (H-11) - 2009 Emergency One 1500 gpm/1000 gal./ 30gal. B foam
This rig is equipped with a Hurst® hydraulic cutter, combi-tool and two rams as well as 1,000' of 5" LDH supply line.
Engine 2 (H-12) - 1995 Emergency One 1500 gpm/750/45 gal. B foam
Having replaced an American LaFrance Century II series engine, this rig was refurbished in 2014 by Greenwood Emergency Vehicles. North Stonington's current White color scheme was established in 1960 with the arrival of an International/Young 750/1000 pumper which was the company's first new rig.
Engine 4 (H-14) - 2000 International 4800/Ferrara 1500 gpm/500 gal.
Having replaced a 1985 Chevrolet/Saulsbury mini pumper, this rig operates as a water source unit. Accordingly, it is outfitted with hard suction sleeves, drafting equipment, 1,000' of 5" LDH supply line and forestry equipment.
Engine 3 (H-13) - 2021 Peterbilt/Emergency One 1500 gpm/3000 gal./30 gal. B foam
Having replaced a 1993 Peterbilt/Allegheny 1500/2500/55B tandem axle tanker, it is equipped with a 3,500 gallon drop tank as well as 1,000' of 5" LDH supply line.
Rescue 1 (H-17) - 2003 Spartan Diamond/1987 Marion Predator
Originally built on an International S series cab/chassis, the walk-in box was remounted in 2004. Seating seven (five with SCBA), it is outfitted with Hurst® hydraulic extrication tools (cutter, spreader and rams), water/ice rescue gear as well as equipment for high angle and confined space rescue.
