Sturbridge fire
Sturbridge, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Massachusetts, has a rich tapestry of history interwoven with tales of resilience, community spirit, and progress. Among the many historical landmarks in this town, the fire station stands out as a symbol of the town’s commitment to safety and community welfare. This article delves into the history of Sturbridge’s fire station, tracing its evolution and the vital role it has played in the town’s growth.
Early Beginnings
The origins of Sturbridge’s firefighting efforts date back to the late 18th century. Initially, firefighting was a community effort, with residents using bucket brigades to combat fires. These were groups of individuals passing buckets of water hand-to-hand from the nearest water source to the fire.
As the town grew, so did the need for a more organized firefighting approach. The early 19th century saw the establishment of Sturbridge’s first formal fire brigade. It was a volunteer force equipped with rudimentary tools like hand-pulled fire carts and simple ladders.
Establishment of the First Fire Station
The late 19th century was a transformative period for Sturbridge’s firefighting endeavors. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space to house equipment and coordinate efforts, the town established its first fire station. This wooden structure, although modest in its design, became the hub of all firefighting activities in Sturbridge.
Modernization and Expansion
The 20th century brought significant advancements in firefighting techniques and equipment. Sturbridge’s fire station underwent multiple renovations to accommodate the town’s growing needs. The introduction of motorized fire trucks in the early 1900s marked a new era, rendering the old hand-pulled carts obsolete.
By mid-century, the fire station had expanded its facilities, including a training ground for firefighters and spaces dedicated to emergency medical services. The volunteer force evolved into a mix of full-time and part-time firefighters, trained in modern firefighting methods.
Present-Day Fire Station
Today, Sturbridge’s fire station is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest firefighting and rescue equipment. The station not only responds to fires but also provides crucial emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, and community education on fire safety.
The modern fire station also pays homage to its past, with memorabilia and photographs adorning its walls, reminding every visitor of the station’s storied history and the sacrifices made by countless firefighters over the years.
History
The fire headquarters was located at the intersection of US Route 20 and Route 148 in the Fiskdale section of Sturbridge. It was originally a Nash-Rambler automobile dealership before becoming the headquarters of the Sturbridge Fire Department in the 1930s. Two pumps and two “engines” with bodies equipped with forestry hose and small pumps operated from this station.
The Sturbridge Fire Department owned a pair of engines with bodies that carried essential firefighting tools such as hoses, ladders, hand tools, lanterns, and a small pump. These engines had no license plates. The engines were removed from the FD, but one chassis was installed for the water service and is now used as a pipe truck.
Engine 0 (zero) was a 1942 Ford Fire engine. It was the first true commercial pump purchased by the City of Sturbridge. It had a 300-gpm pump mounted in the front with an additional 300-gpm tank on board. This engine served the city until 1981 and was then transferred to the city’s Highway Department, which restored the chassis and is still in use today.
Engine 1 is a 1950 Ford fire truck purchased by the city. This vehicle had a 500-gallon water tank and had a rated pump capacity of 500 gallons per minute. It had a complete set of hoses, hand tools, lighting, and a 40-foot ladder mounted overhead. This engine was also decommissioned in 1981.
Engine 2 was a 1956 Ford “Big Job” fire engine 800 from 1956. This engine was also equipped with a 500-gallon-per-minute front pump. The reason for this was that Sturbridge firefighters often had to draw water from static sources, such as the numerous lakes and ponds around the city. The front-mounted pump made it easier to access these water sources. The size of the on-board water tank was increased to 1,000 gallons as firefighters learned the benefits of having more “water on wheels.”
This is the first ambulance purchased by the City of Sturbridge. It was a Pontiac (of unknown make) purchased from the neighboring Southbridge Ambulance Service for $800. The Sturbridge Fire Department ambulance was put into service in December 1959. Fire Chief Stephen S. Shumilas stands next to the newly acquired ambulance. Chief Shumilas was the second full-time chief of the Sturbridge Fire Department.
In 1979, the fire department embarked on a project. They obtained a surplus four-wheel-drive SUV and converted it into a forest fire truck equipped to handle the rougher terrain in and around Sturbridge. The 1954 Dodge Power Wagon was disassembled, prepped and painted; members then began working on outfitting the vehicle to fight bushfires.
Conclusion
The fire station of Sturbridge stands as a testament to the town’s dedication to safeguarding its residents and preserving its rich history. Over the centuries, as the station evolved from a basic wooden structure to a modern facility, it has remained a beacon of hope, resilience, and community spirit in Sturbridge.