Winooski Fire Department

Here we would like to present a chronological depiction of how our volunteer fire department was incorporated. For our native residents how well we remember the blast from the horn on the old Main Street firehouse when they were calling the volunteers in to service?

Many of these images were provided by the Winooski Historical Society in the Champlain Mill. Stop by to see the originals!

1902: Pool table purchased used for $30.00.
1903: A $.50 application fee was ordered for all new applications. (refunded if rejected) and about 1 out of 5 were rejected.
1904: 14k Badges were purchased for the Steam Co. and Hose Co.
1906: A committee from the Steam and Hose Company was formed to set up a fire alarm system.
1907 "The Old Volunteers of Burlington" donated a hose cart to Winooski
1928: $1.00 was paid for the purchase of 4 whistles to be used for communicating during fires.
-First mention by the membership to hold formal training's so people will know what to do
-City council passes a rule exempting fire department members from paying city poll tax.
1930: Rubber helmets (hats) purchased for $2.75 each.
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1932: Vermont State Motor Vehicle Department sent letter to Chief advising that anyone driving a fire truck will carry their license on them.
1933: Chief's wife duty is to call all members who have telephones to fires. City advances all members $2.50 towards getting a Vermont State drivers license.
June 22, 2006 ciation.
-First uniforms purchased from Hanson's ( 20 Red shirts, Black pants, White bow tie, White belts, Chief will wear white shirt) $424.00
1934: Chief helmet purchased for $6.00.
-(6) pair of Asbestos gloves purchased for $3.15.
-(20) rubber helmets purchased from Maine Safety Appliances for $130.96
1937: March Chief Gunther asks that 1st and 2nd Assistant Chiefs be appointed by the City Council.
1942: Board of Fire Wardens and Trustees formed.
-Membership passes a ruling that anyone drafted or joining the armed forces would remain a member until after the war and that applications would be taken for men 18 years old.
-City allocation to Fire Department increased from $300 to $600 a year for salaries.
1943: Exhaust whistle purchased for $5.00 used to call men to a fire.
1947: New coats and boots purchased and have numbers on them. No one will wear anyone else's gear. If they are found with someone else's gear on at a fire the owner has the right to take his belongings regarding where ever he is. Per Chief Gunther.

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1950: Winooski Fire Department joins the Chittenden Fire Fighters Emergency Organization dues for membership were $18.00.
1953: 1 Scott air pak purchased $250.00
-Department purchases (2) fog guns @ $54.42.
1954: First air raid test held in Winooski.
1961: City purchases new 1961 Maxim fire truck from David Deane in January.
-Department purchases hose dryer.
1987: First female firefighter accepted into the Department - Julie Miller.
2001: First full time Chief - David R. Bergeron
Misc. During 1898-1904: membership fees were $.10 per month. Fines for missing meetings or fires without excuses (voted on by the membership) could be as much as $.30. At the end of the year this money was totaled up distributed back to the membership according to number of fires attended.
-Various ranks in the Steam Engine Company were Foreman (Captain), 1st Asst Foreman, 2nd Asst. Foreman, Engineer, 1st Asst. Engineer, 2nd Asst. Engineer, pipeman, hoseman, fireman, assistant fireman, hydrantician, nozzleman, suctionmen, fire police and clerk.
-The second to the last motion at all meetings during the early 1900:'s was that the clerk be appropriated money to purchase 1/2 barrel of ale, 1/2 barrel of lager, a box of cigars and toilet paper for the next months meeting.

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