1934
OUR BEGINNINGS
In the early days, the bucket brigade was the only available method for the community to fight fires. On June 21, 1934, after years of watching homes and businesses burn to the ground, local residents petitioned to form a fire department. The Poquonnock Bridge Volunteer Fire Department was established In August of 1934. Several months later a used fire engine was purchased and housed in a local garage.1939
A new home and a new vision:
In 1939, the members of the Fire Department voted to buy a new pumper and to start saving for a firehouse. The Fort Hill Fire Station was completed in 1946, largely with volunteer labor. During World War II, the population of the village increased substantially, and as a result in June, 1943, a substantially enlarged Poquonnock Bridge Fire District was created by the voters. An alarm/call box system was installed in the Fort Hill area in 1944. In 1946, the first paid firefighter was hired by the department.1989
Expansion:
At the 1989 annual meeting of the Fire District, the voters approved the funds for the second fire house within the district. The Long Hill Station was dedicated on November 18, 1990, the department relocated an engine (Engine 33) and ladder truck (Tower 35) to the new station, as well as the department's boat and trailer, and the Special Ops trailer. The smaller Fort Hill station housed an engine (Engine 32), as well as the Fire Prevention Office and the Fire Alarm Maintenance truck.
Like a lot of departments, volunteers were once an integral part of District operations, however, since 2005 the department has consisted solely of paid staff.2012
Challenges:
In 2012, the district found itself facing a significant financial crisis, due to, at least in some part, rising costs associated with the collective bargaining agreement and pension fund. With the fire district struggling financially, the district decided to close the Fort Hill Station. That station closed on November 1, 2013, and all department operations were consolidated to the Long Hill Road station. In 2014, the District’s board authorized the layoffs of nine firefighters after taxpayers approved a budget that was $700,000 less than the district had the previous year. Since then, the department has regained financial stability, and several of the eliminated positions have been returned. The Fort Hill Station remains closed; it has since been converted into a restaurant.2024 AND beyond
Today:
Our district continues to evolve with the changes that take place in our community. Units respond to over 2,400 calls for service per year, providing timely and professional response to all-hazards. In addition, the PBFD takes part in community events throughout the year, in an effort to provide fire safety training and awareness to members of the Poquonnock Bridge community.
The Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department currently staffs one firehouse; consisting of one engine company, one truck company and one Captain, which is the dedicated Duty Officer.