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June to September 2009
Regular weekly Friday website updates commenced on April 1, 2011.
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WELCOME!
On May 11, 2009, twenty-two retired members of the Hamden Fire Department met to begin organizing an association that will enable all retired Hamden firefighters to stay connected socially and fraternally, and to promote the history of the Hamden Fire Department.
At the second meeting, held June 9, 2009, the retirees approved the establishment of this website to keep retirees informed on events. This website will eventually allow retirees to contribute photos, videos, and stories relating to their experiences on the Hamden Fire Department.
It is hoped that retirees will contribute scans of their own personal fire department photos and recollections. There are a lot of good stories out there.
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| 1965 - Engine 2 and Ladder 1 training on Waite Street |
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Hamden Fire Department
1925 - 1942
From June 1925, when the Hamden Fire Department was created under the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, until April 1942, the Hamden Fire Department was managed by the Hamden Board of Fire Commissioners under the direction of Fire Chief Charles Loller, who was also the Town's Building Inspector.
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| Hamden Fire Department - 1939 - CLICK to enlarge |
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| Hamden Fire Department - 1939 - CLICK to enlarge |
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Standing: Roland Ruwet, Arthur Norman, Edward Kromer, Robert Reutenauer, 1st Asst. Chief Raymond C. Spencer, Ralph Rosson, Asst. Chief Thayer Jones, Everett Doherty, Joseph Marchitto, Albert Purce and Julius Norman.
Seated: David F. Howe, Albert Molleur, Joseph Dukat, Frank Nolan, Chief Charles Loller, Ralph Rosson, Clem Kammerer, Joseph Marchitto and Joseph Hromadka.
Charles Loller (1867-1961), seated in the white bell cap, was appointed fire chief when the Hamden Fire Department was created in 1925. Loller, who was also Hamden's Building Inspector, had been Chief of Highwood Co. 1 since 1898.
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Standing: Roland Ruwet, Arthur Norman, Albert Molleur, Edward Kromer, Frank Nolan, Robert Reutenauer, Joseph Dukat, 1st Asst. Chief Raymond C. Spencer, Ralph Rosson, Asst. Chief Thayer Jones, Clem Kammerer, Everett Doherty, Joseph Marchitto, Albert Purce and Julius Norman.
Seated: David F. Howe, Fire Alarm Supt. Elton Wetmore, Asst. Chief August Ball, Commissioner Albert H. Ruwet (Chairman of the Bd. of Fire Commissioners), Chief Charles Loller, Commissioner Thomas Miller, Commissioner Leroy L. Jackson, Benjamin Bamford (Clerk of the Bd. of Fire Commssioners) and Joseph Hromadka.
Posted 6/16/09
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Hamden Fire Department
1942 - 1965
In April 1942, the Hamden Fire Department was reorganized under a paid fire chief, Raymond C. Spencer, and four paid line officers: Captains Joseph Hromadka and Albert Purce, and Lieutenants Everett Doherty and Roland Ruwet.
The Board of Fire Commissioners still made all the big decisions until a charter revision took effect on January 1, 1966, which put the Chief in charge of running the entire Department. The Commssion's main responsibilities thereafter were limited primarily to making appointments and promotions from civil service lists.
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| 1942 - Stations 2, 3 and 6 Personnel (CLICK to enlarge) |
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| 1942 - HQ and Station 5 Personnel (CLICK to enlarge) |
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Front Row: Daniel Hume, Joseph Marchitto, Frank Nolan
Middle Row: Clement Wetmore, Albert Moeller, Capt. Joseph Hromadka, Lieut. Everett Doherty, George Thatcher
Back Row: Stewart Keeler, James Strain, Arthur Norman
| Front Row: Julius Norman, Clem Kammerer, Joseph Dukat, Walter Thomas
Middle Row: David Howe, Sr., Ralph Rosson
Back Row: Capt. Albert Purce, Emil Strain, Robert Reutenauer, Lieut. Roland Ruwet
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(Not pictured:
Mario “Bucky” Serafino, Ed Kromer and V. Paul Leddy. Leddy had joined
the department five weeks before Pearl Harbor and was on leave from the department for service
in the armed forces.)
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| October 10, 1950 - Hamden Paid Firemen's Sick Benefit Assn. Annual Dinner at Headquarters (Photo by Lewis R. Berlepsch) - CLICK to enlarge |
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| Back Row (standing L-R): Ed Bevins, Russ Norman, John McKee, Art Amith, Larry Bellemore, Sid Trower, Bob "Whitey" Williams, Lt. Roland Ruwet, Dave Hermann, Dave Howe, Jack Laffin, Frank Nolan, Al Ramelli, Ken Harrington, Warren Blake, Thomas Cummins, Ralph Rosson, Fred Fletcher, Sal "Cookie" Ferraro, Hugh McLean, Clem Kammerer, Dan O'Connell, Rich Lostritto, and Julius Norman.
Middle Row (standing L-R): Lt. James Strain, Ray Vreeland, Francis Leddy, Capt. Everett Doherty, Burt Hillocks, Bill Hines, Frank Eitler, Mario "Bucky" Serafino (holding station mascot "Blackie"), Capt. Joe Hromadka, Bob O'Donnell, Bill Bossoli, George Reutenauer, Vinnie Roth, John Hoffman, Joe Dukat, Art Norman, Robert Reutenauer, and Marshal Al Purce.
Front Row (seated - L-R): Supt. Clem Wetmore, Howard Hurlburt, Sr., Lt. Dan Hume, Paul Rosadina, Wilbur Baker, Third Selectman Albert H. Connolly, Lt. V. Paul Leddy, Rev. Joseph Peters (Chaplain), Chief Raymond C. Spencer, Fr. Bernard Miller (Chaplain), Commissioner Oscar Lampe, Commissioner Herbert Hume, Commissioner Hudson Weigold, Commission Secretary Benjamin C. Bamford, Lt. Emil Strain, Ray Carofano, Walt Thomas, and Luke Tobin.
At the time this photo was taken the Hamden Fire Department consisted of 55 career members. Not pictured: William Esposito and Edward Schreck.
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| CLICK to see everyone identified |
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| Weather Vane Restaurant - December 7, 1964 (Photo by Joseph Pettis, © 1964 - New Haven Register) |
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| Sports Night - February 1962 - Hull's Rathskeller (photo courtesy of Tom Doherty) |
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Standing (L-R): Warren Blake, Ray Bantz, "Cookie" Ferraro, Mickey Cantarella, Hugh McLean, Gerry Wolf, John McKee, Stan Brown, Joe McDermott, Vinnie Roth, Dick Stacey (on chair behind Vinnie), Luke Tobin.
Seated (L-R): Emil Strain, Larry Bellemore, Francis Leddy, Joe Hromadka, Unknown, Unknown, Dick Carney, Joe Rahl, Dave Herrmann, Clem Kammerer, Carmen Amarante, and Tom Doherty.
Joe McDermott says that not all of the guys in the picture were Hamden firemen, which may account for the unknowns. Any corrections or additional identifications would be appreciated.
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July 11, 2009
It has been less than one month, and the response to this website has been very enthusiastic. The personal photos and other materials submitted by everyone have been phenomenal. Thank you!
What you have seen so far is only a small percentage of the enormous amount of additional material just waiting to be posted. It will take time, but eventually there will be lots more photos, as well as accounts of the big jobs and little stories of fire station life. I will try to add a new photo or story to the website each day or two. And I hope more of you will share your personal photos, newspaper articles, and personal recollections.
Keep those comments and suggestions coming! This site is for all of us.
DGJ
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| Engine 5 on videotape
Friday, March 16, 1973
This is a brief videotape recording, made on a SONY reel-to-reel B&W video tape recorder, of Engine 5 responding out of Station 5. The sound track is lost, but the video clearly shows Station 5 before the annex was built. Tony Melillo can be seen donning his bunker coat and climbing into the driver seat of the 1952 Maxim pumper.
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| Sam Jones was a pioneer |
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When Sam Jones was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department on May 8, 1961 he became the first African-American career firefighter in the Department's history. Sam's son, Ken, recently sent us this New Haven Register photo and accompanying article. "I have fond memories of the Hamden Fire Dept," Ken wrote. "I used to slide down the pole in the mid 70's and firefighters also helping my father with projects around the house. One name I remember is Gene Maturo."
Ken Jones, 43, also works as a firefighter in Eastpoint, Georgia. Sam retired in November 1990. He's doing well and now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Posted July 2009
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| CLICK here to visit the official website of the Hamden Professional Firefighters, Local 2687, I.A.F.F. |
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| CLICK here to check out the new HISTORICAL NOTES page. |
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| 25 Years Ago
July 19, 1984 - 10-8 became Signal 73. The Hamden Fire Department adopted new radio signals.
Following department-wide input, the old 10-codes were replaced by signals that, with some exceptions, were based on those of New Haven Fire Department. In recent years, radio codes have given way to plain English.
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Day After the Hamden Tornado
Tuesday, July 11, 1989
An F4 tornado ripped through southern Hamden, leaving damages in the millions of dollars. The 1989 tornado was an incredible challenge for the department.
While tape rolled, commentary was added occasionally to establish exact locations because many areas were unrecognizable.
Posted 7/3/09
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| 1964 - [Old] 1st Platoon at Station 2 - L-R: Ffs. Warren Blake, Hugh McLean, Mickey Cantarella, Dep. Chief Joe Hromadka, Capt. Francis Leddy, Ff. Stan Brown, Lt. Joe McDermott, Ffs. Dave Herrmann, Ray Bantz, Jerold Bradbury, and Howie Hurlburt, Sr. (Photo courtesy of Joe McDermott) |
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| 1964 - Old Platoon 1 Crew of Engine 3 and Rescue 1 (at Station 2): Lt. Joe McDermott, Ff. Dave Herrmann, Ff. Ray Bantz, Ff. Jerold Bradbury and Ff. Howard Hurlburt, Sr. (Courtesy of Joe McDermott) |
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| 1976 - Supt. of Alarms & Apparatus Richie Lostritto |
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| c. 1962 - Firefighters Paul Reutenauer and Milner Benham with three of Hamden's Finest at Brooksvale Park. |
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Hamden High School Fire
Tuesday, September 24, 1996
Three separate television news accounts of the 1996 fire at the Hamden High School addition that was under construction.
Posted 7/24/09
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| May 21, 1977 - Ffs. Dave Johnson, Ralph Tomaselli and Mark Pratt on patio at Station 3. |
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| c. 1977 - Ffs. Carmen Amarante and Jim Moore with students practicing CPR. Looks like the old volunteers' room at Station 4. |
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| Repacking Hose - 1969 |
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| Testing Hose - 1969 |
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| Winter Operations - 1969-70 |
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| Bob Slater at Station 6 - 1969 |
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| Station 3 - 1969 |
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| Crank 'er up! |
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| 2000 Reunion |
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| 2009 Reunion |
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M.D.A. Telethon
Local 2687 Presentations
September 1983 and 1984
Video clips from the 1983 and 1984 Jerry Lewis M.D.A. Telethons show department members presenting Local 2687's checks for donations that were made by shoppers at local shopping centers. Enjoy!
Posted 8/9/09
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Treadwell Office Park Fire
Tuesday, January 4, 1983
Two news accounts of the January 4, 1983 general alarm fire at the Treadwell Office Park. Interviews with Chief V. Paul Leddy and several occupants. Also, quick glimpses of pump operator Paul Frodel and Art Heriot.
Posted 8/6/09
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| Chief Leddy - 1/4/1983 |
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1939
Standing: Roland Ruwet, Arthur Norman, Edward Kromer, Robert Reutenauer, 1st Asst. Chief Raymond C. Spencer, Ralph Rosson, Asst. Chief Thayer Jones, Everett Doherty, Joseph Marchitto, Albert Purce and Julius Norman.
Seated: David F. Howe, Albert Molleur, Joseph Dukat, Frank Nolan, Chief Charles Loller, Ralph Rosson, Clem Kammerer, Joseph Marchitto and Joseph Hromadka.
Charles Loller (1867-1961), seated in the white bell cap, was appointed fire chief when the Hamden Fire Department was created in 1925. Loller, who was also Hamden's Building Inspector, had been Chief of Highwood Co. 1 since 1898.
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| End of Battalion Chief Tom Doherty's final Platoon 3 shift - 0800, 29 Aug. 1996 |
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Standing L-R: Lt. Frank Critchett, Dep. Chief Tim Sullivan, Capt. Dave Johnson, Capt. Paul Wetmore, Jr., Batt. Chief Doherty, Dave McDermott, Ed Emerson, Kurt Vogt, Jim Moore, Paul Frodel, Mark Pratt, Rich Otlowski, Harold Mangler, Bob Stacy, Roberta Angiletta, Capt. Don LaBanca, John O'Dea, Rob Madigoski, Paul Durkin, Joe Anderson, John Longo, and Lt. Doug Yocher. Kneeling: Harold Prescher, Mike Green, Henry Puciato, and Bob Anthony.
Platoon 2 came in a little early that day so members of Platoon 3 could get over to Station 3 to surprise Tom before he left for home for the last time. (What they didn't know was that Tom took the extra B/C job that day, and left for home 10 hours later.)
Posted 8/19/09
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| March 24, 2002 - Ff. Jason Blythe, Lt. Jim Dunlop, Ff. Seth Patrick, Ff. Greg Bannon (Photo by Bob Mordecai) |
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| 1976 - George Edwards at Station 5. This was after Station 5 became a four-man house, but before the upstairs was redone with a larger bunkroom and a new kitchen. The old bedroom at the right is now the kitchen. (CLICK to enlarge) |
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| October 10, 1987 - Hurst tool demo at the Hamden Mart. L to R: Lt. Dave Strawhince, Ray Dobbs, Mike DiStefano (with Jaws), Gary Couture, and Kerry Castracane, the latter three being new recruits at the time. (CLICK to enlarge) |
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| December 1951 at Station 2 - Seated is Lt. Dan Hume. Standing (L-R): Ffs. Art Smith, Frank Nolan, Tim Cummins, Ken Harrington and Bob "Whitey" Williams (Photo by Chan Brainard) |
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| 1957 photo of Hamden's '41 Diamond-T ladder truck, taken by Donald Yoshua from the bunkroom of Station 4 (Courtesy of Clark Hurlburt) |
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| Memorial Day 1979 - Ff. Joe Shields in Engine 3, prepares to get in line (Courtesy of Bob Slater) |
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Firefighter Sal "Cookie" Ferraro
(1915 - 2009)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Salvatore "Cookie" Ferraro at home on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. Cookie's 94th birthday was only a few days earlier.
Following service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Cookie was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department as a substitute on December 15, 1947, and became a fulltime firefighter the following October. He retired on June 11, 1979.
Cookie is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Judith; two sons, Mark and Richard; and five grandchildren.
Sal Ferraro will always be remembered as a great guy with a cheerful disposition who was a friend to all. He will be missed.
Posted 8/12/09
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North Haven Brick Co., State Street, Hamden
Saturday, January 31, 1959
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| Photo by Donald Yosua |
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"Seconds before fire surged out of a wall to his left, Hamden Fireman Edward Bevins of headquarters company climbed down the ladder to safety as he and fellow firemen fought a two-hour battle at a blazing structure at the North Haven Brick Company in Hamden Saturday afternoon. Warning of the exploding flames came from firemen on the ground who noticed the danger before Bevins."
This was the caption underneath the above photograph when it appeared in the New Haven Sunday Register the day after a January 31, 1959 fire destroyed the home of a 10-member Hamden family on State Street. Chandler Brainard was there as a young member of Hamden Civil Defense Fire Auxiliary, and he offers his vivid and insightful recollections of that day.
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Hamden Firefighters Fight Two Big Fires
Same Day, Same Building!
© 2009 - Chandler Brainard
by Chandler Brainard
Saturday, January 31, 1959 dawned cold and clear and became progressively colder as the day went on. After lunch, I joined the paid crew at the Putnam Avenue quarters of Engine 3 and placed my canvas turnout coat over the hard suction coupling on the 1951 Maxim pumper, with helmet and boots nearby.
Thanks to Battalion Chief Paul Leddy, I had been allowed to ride with this company by virtue of becoming a member of the Civilian Defense Fire Auxiliary. In fact, I had never been to any organized session with the other auxiliary members, and I suspect that the entire group had long since ceased to be active in the Town of Hamden. Nevertheless, I was thrilled by the prospect of riding with Engine 3’s paid crew and seeing some real action.
Perhaps "action" was not the most appropriate word to describe most tours of duty at Station 3 during the fifties. I had already spent numerous tours with this same crew and experienced not much more than a grass fire or two. And today appeared to be another quiet one, interrupted only occasionally by alarms for other, busier companies.
The crew to which I had been exclusively assigned consisted of Lt. Francis Leddy, and Firefighters Warren Blake and Stanley Brown. (The rescue company that was assigned to Station 3 during the 1960s was still located at Station 2.)
Stan was the junior member of the paid crew, and had long since taken it upon himself to mentor me. He went out of his way to keep me busy during the long day shifts. This particular afternoon, Stan took me to the basement, where the volunteers maintained a single lane bowling alley. Alternating between bowling and setting pins, we were having fun.
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| Alarm Bells at Old Station 3 |
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When fire apparatus was dispatched in those days, the dispatcher at Headquarters alerted all stations by tapping out one hit on the Gamewell alarm system, causing the key-wound tape registers in each station to punch one hole in the paper tape, and the ten-inch gongs to strike once. This got your attention. Then the dispatcher rang the house phones in all stations. The house phones were old hand crank magneto telephones on a private line that connected the Alarm Room at Headquarters with all the outlying stations.
"R-r-r-r--ingggggggggggg" It was a very long ring. Every crew quickly gathered around their watch desks wondering what it was going to be - and who was going. When the house phones stopped ringing, everyone listened attentively as each station answered in succession, “Station 2 . . . Station 3 . . . Station 4 . . . Station 5 . . . Station 6 . . . Headquarters.”
With every station on line, the dispatcher announced the companies on the response and the location of the incident, followed by a description of the emergency. Once the dispatch took place, all the stations on the running assignment would acknowledge first, followed by those stations remaining in quarters.
At four o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, January 31, 1959, the tape register at Station 3 punched a hole in the tape as the ten-inch gong hit. When the house phone finished ringing, the individual stations answered, "Station 2 . . . Station 3 . . . Station 4 . . . Station 5 . . . Station 6 . . . Headquarters."
"Engine 6, Engine 3, Rescue 1, and the Ladder, respond to the North Haven Brick Company off State Street for a house fire."
"Six OK . . . Three OK . . . Two OK . . . Five OK . . . OK, Headquarters."
The name "North Haven" was a bit misleading. The North Haven Brick Company was actually located in Hamden, off the east side of State Street just across the railroad tracks, right about where the Farricelli landfill is today.
Among the other exciting things that occurred as units responded from quarters, were the thudding sounds made by footwear hitting the brick walls, as every firefighter flung his loosely-laced shoes in preparation for stepping-into hip boots that were always placed near his riding position on the truck.
Stan Brown and I mounted the tailboard of Engine 3, as Lt. Leddy climbed into the front passenger seat. Warren Blake cranked up the 1951 Maxim and lost no time in heading us up Putnam, through the intersection at Whitney Avenue, then south to the Davis Street bridge and across to State Street.
Warren was a true professional who knew how to handle a fire truck. As Stan and I rode the rear step, we hung on for all we were worth. (Today, of course, it is inconceivable to consider riding the rear step on a fire engine, but it was commonplace during those years, all across the country.)
Engine 6 responded on a straight run from Merritt Street and arrived first. Engine 3 arrived shortly thereafter, followed by Rescue 1 and "the ladder" from Station 2. Battalion Chief Joe Hromadka responded from Headquarters.
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| On Arrival - L-R: Warren Blake setting up the pump on Engine 3; Chan Brainard and Stanley Brown, and unidentified nozzleman. (Photo by Donald Yosua) |
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Upon our arrival, we turned off State Street into the large brickyard and were greeted by twenty-foot high flames climbing the right-front corner of a two and a half story wood frame dwelling clad in asphalt shingle siding.
The two-man crew of Engine 6, a 1939 Diamond-T pumper, had already wrapped the hydrant on State Street and were laying in. They dropped all the 2 1/2 in their bed and still fell short of the fire.
Lt. Leddy on Engine 3 and the driver of Engine 6 both stepped out onto their respective running boards and held a brief shouted exchange: Engine 3 would finish Engine 6's lay, and Engine 6 would go back and pump the supply line from the hydrant.
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| Unidentified nozzleman initiates interior attack, assisted by Stan Brown and Chan Brainard (Photo by Donald Yosua) |
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Stan and I scurried to connect the 2 1/2" hose coupling from our hose bed to the one left on the ground by Engine 6. We reboarded the tailboard and Warren drove Engine 3 on toward the fire, halting just beyond the fire building to set up the pump.
Stan grabbed what was then commonly referred to as the "Tenement Line,” our pre-connected 150 foot length of 1-1/2" hose with a Rockwood nozzle. A young free-lance photographer named Donald Yosua was already on scene, taking a series of five photographs that are reproduced here.
With amazing speed, the paid firefighters, using only a single 1-1/2" attack line, successfully knocked-down the main body of fire.
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But wait, the story doesn't end here!
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| Lt. Francis Leddy runs alongside locomotive as water spurts from severed supply line in lower RH corner of photo (Photo by Donald Yosua) |
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The supply line from the hydrant on State Street had been laid strraight across the tracks of the New Haven Railroad. You guessed it! In the time it would take you to say "Hey! Wait a minute!.” a northbound train, unable to stop in time, completely severed our supply line!
Photographer Yosua captured the action as water under pressure spurted from the hose, as Lt. Leddy ran alongside the locomotive.
The train quickly departed the scene (most likely embarrassed, don't you think?)
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| Second attack progresses with use of ground ladder - Top man on ladder is Firefighter Edward Bevins. Man on lower part of ladder is unidentified. L-R on ground behind ladder: Stanley Brown, Chandler Brainard (with "HFD CD" lettering on bunker coat); At right: Lt. Francis Leddy in uniform cap (Photo by Donald Yosua) |
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The firefighters grabbed a crowbar and hastily burrowed through the roadbed gravel and under the rails, allowing a new section of 2-1/2 to be threaded under the rails and the supply line reconnected.
Now, in a perfect world, our fire would have politely waited until we had re-established our water supply. Unfortunately, this one didn't. When we once again were able to turn our attention back to the building, the fire looked EXACTLY like it had upon our arrival. (What was the line so often used by actor William Bendix? "What a revoltin' developement!")
The crews made a fast and successful interior attack. (In truth, I cannot claim any real assistance with the firefighting effort, that day, and did not star in any heroic action, myself. What I did do was to hump hose and appear as photogenic as possible.)
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| New 75-foot Maxim junior aerial ladder, ikn service only a few weeks, is positioned to assist in second knockdown. Battalion Chief Joseph Hromadka is in white helmet. (Photo by Donald Yosua) |
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A second front was mounted on the newly-invigorated fire, this time as the guys on our "new" 1958 Maxim 75-foot aerial ladder truck began ventilation operations.
The following day, our pictures appeared on the front page of the New Haven Sunday Register. Lt. Leddy, Warren Blake and Stan Brown are all clearly shown in the series of Donald Yosua's photos, along with several other paid firefighters whom I am unable to identify. I can easily be identified by the "HFD - CD" on the back of my turnout coat.
All companies were returned to quarters by 6 p.m. By then, the weather had become decidedly freezing and we all had ice on our turnouts.
It is rare indeed when a fire department can boast that they fought two big fires on the same day - and in the same building!
Posted 8/24/09
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Chandler Brainard, an avid fire apparatus enthusiast who grew up in Hamden, is a regular contributor to this website. Chan has amassed lots of historical Hamden Fire Department photos, newspaper articles, and other memorabilia over many years.
Chan was admitted to the Hamden Fire Retirees' Association as an Honorary Member in January 2011.
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| 1915 - Whitneyville Co. 3 testing its brand new Maxim 500 GPM pumper, the first pumping engine manufactured by Maxim (HFRA Collection) |
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In 1915, the Whitneyville Fire Association purchased this brand new Maxim triple combination pumping engine for $5,500. The apparatus was built on a Thomas Flyer chassis. Even though Mt. Carmel had a Ford roadster to pull its hose cart as early as 1913, the 1915 Maxim was Hamden's first motorized fire apparatus. It was considered a triple "combination" pumper because it had a 500 GPM rotary gear pump, it carried hose, and it also was a chemical truck, as can be seen by the transversely mounted tanks behind the driver's seat.
This 1915 Maxim also had the distinction of being the Maxim Company's first motorized pumping engine, as noted by author Walter McCall in his 1976 book, American Fire Engines Since 1900, (Crestline Publications, Inc., Glen Ellyn, IL: 1976).
Whitneyville also acquired a chemical truck from the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. in 1915. It was built on a 1910 Locomobile chassis. Winchester's "powder farm" represented a large portion of the area along Putnam Avenue in those days, and Winchester donated the Locomobile chemical truck for use on smaller grass and brush fires so that Whitneyville's new Maxim pumper would be reserved "for graver emergencies."
Until recently, it was thought that Whitneyville's 1915 Maxim was turned over to Dunbar Hill Co. 8 when Hamden bought a new Maxim 750 GPM pumper for Whitneyville Co. 3 in 1928. But it was Whitneyville's 1910 Locomobile that went to Dunbar Hill. The fate of Whitneyville's 1915 Maxim is as yet unknown.
Notation revised 10/18/09
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The End of an Era!
(for the time being)
Old Station 4 Closes
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Tuesday, September 22 - At approximately 3:45 this afternoon Station 4 was vacated as the Squad and its three-man crew rolled down the ramp onto Whitney Avenue and headed to a new temporary home at Station 3, as work soon begins on a complete renovation of the apparatus floor and living quarters. This will be the first major structural renovation of Station 4 since 1940, when the bay doors were moved to face Whitney Avenue and the Alarm Room was added.
Until the job is done, the Squad will run out of Station 3. Rescue 1 will run out of Station 5. With Station 4 closed, Engines 2, 5 and 9 will have expanded first alarm territories for the duration of the renovation, which is expected to take from 18 to 24 months.
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The spiral staircase and sliding pole were unique to Station 4. The pole afforded a somewhat more expeditious way of getting to the apparatus floor (vs. the spitral staircase).
Anyone who ever worked there had to learn just how to slide the pole. And doing it in short sleeves could be challenging.
| L-R: Firefighters Craig Smart, Ed Hilbert and Lt. Dave Proulx pose on the apparatus floor next to the only sliding pole ever installed in a Hamden fire station. Less than fifteen minutes later, these three guys mounted the Squad as the last crew to leave "old" Station 4. In 18 to 24 months, a totally "new" Station 4, in the same location, will be ready for occupancy. Although the spiral staircase will be gone, there will be a pole.
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| The Squad leaves 4's (as we knew it) for the last time |
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| 1957 - Hamden's 1925 Seagrave getting ready for Vol. Co. 9 (Article courtesy of Tom Doherty) |
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| 1978 - Ffs. Jeff Stoehr and Wayne Lowry at Station 3 |
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| June 1971 - Lt. Tom Doherty gives school kids the grand tour of Engine 4 |
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| 1968 MDA Drive Photo - Ff. Ray Vreeland, Ff. Milner Benham, D/C George Reutenauer, Ff. Paul Reutenauer, Ff. Gil Spencer, Ff. Bob "Whitney" Williams and Ff. Charlie Esposito |
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| Warren Blake (1923-2009) |
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Firefighter Warren Blake
(1923 - 2009)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden Firefighter Warren Edward Blake in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. Warren had been a resident of Jefferson, Maine since his retirement in April 1979.
Warren served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician's Mate for ten years, and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a firefighter with the Hamden Fire Department from April 16, 1949 until his retirement on April 20, 1979.
Warren was predeceased by his wife, Jane. He is survived by his sons, Robert, Bradford, David, and several grandchildren.
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