Our Building
The present Hook & Ladder firehouse, which was built in the early 1930's, was turned over to the Board of Fire Commissioners in 1947 when the first headquarters truck was delivered. It formally served as the town garage, housing the only town highway truck, and even served as the town jail. Sometime after 1947 a small addition was built on the east side of the building for Newtown Volunteer Ambulance. A larger addition on the west side of the building was built by the members from our own funds and dedicated in 1969.
During recent times we have seen a dramatic need for more space. Our efforts include a trailer for storage behind the fire station and a minor addition to enlarge the old ambulance garage to house one of the pumpers. The town's building is only so big and space is at a premium - every officer and committee share the only office space available. We all use the same bathroom (co-ed). Space for needed supplies is kept close at hand by an army of storage lockers lining the apparatus bay walls.
The building is in serious disrepair with foundation problems, leaking roofs, an antiquated heating system and electrical wiring problems. When it rains outside, we feel it inside - if we wash the trucks after an incident during inclement weather it will rain in the kitchen area downstairs.
Considering all the building's problems and deferred repairs, we still need to operate 24/7, to provide a professional level of service to our district and to the Town of Newtown. We envisioned building a new building but these hopes are greatly hampered by our lack of funds.
Please take the time to virtually "Tour the Firehouse" or even stop by the station behind the town hall at 45 Main St. |
