The History of the Orwell Volunteer Fire Department
Formation and Early Years (1946-1951)
The Orwell Volunteer Fire Department was formally established in January 1947, but its origins trace back to 1946 when the town purchased its first fire truck from the Bennington Fire Department. The truck arrived in November of that year due to delays in Bennington’s new truck delivery. The purchase included essential firefighting equipment such as:
- One hook and ladder
- 1,500 feet of new three-inch hose
- Various smaller hoses with fittings and nozzles
Once the truck arrived, local volunteers eagerly trained with the new equipment, marking the end of the days of “standing around watching it burn.” A successful demonstration of the equipment’s power—toppling a dead tree—cemented the community’s confidence in the fire department’s capabilities.
The department’s first leadership team included Chief John Beeman, Assistant Chief Walter Beeman, Secretary Robert Hall, Treasurer Francis Beeman, and Captain Gerald Frazier. A finance committee and additional volunteer firefighters were also appointed to support the department.
The department’s first official call came on April 15, 1947, when they responded to a fire at Orwell Depot, a former Whiting Milk Company building. With assistance from Shoreham’s fire department, the firefighters saved a nearby structure under construction, though the original building was lost with an estimated $14,000 in damages.
In the years following, the department responded to numerous fires, including structural fires, chimney fires, and grass fires. They demonstrated their effectiveness in protecting property, such as in an April 1949 farmhouse fire where their quick response saved the home and adjacent buildings.
Challenges and Growth (1951-1962)
During this period, the department faced increasing challenges, with several major fires in the community, including:
- The loss of the Chipman Point Inn in 1949, despite firefighters’ best efforts.
- The total destruction of the Phelps farm (later known as Gevry’s) in 1950 due to a lack of water supply.
- Several significant barn fires, including Charles Patterson’s barn in 1952, which resulted in the loss of cattle and farm equipment.
By 1951, the fire truck was moved from temporary storage at John Beeman’s garage to a newly acquired firehouse—purchased from C.A. Belanger. This facility provided a dedicated home for the equipment and a meeting space for the volunteers.
In 1962, after 16 years of service, the original truck was retired and replaced with a 500-gallon pumper and an 810-gallon tank truck, significantly enhancing firefighting capacity.
Expansion and Modernization (1967-1984)
The department’s infrastructure improved with the move to a new fire station in January 1967, located on Route 73 East. This station offered better facilities for equipment and operations. In 1976, the Orwell Rescue Squad expanded the building by adding two bays to house their emergency response equipment.
Technological advancements in communication came in 1979, replacing the old red phone system with a more efficient ten-phone system, and providing each firefighter with a pager for improved dispatching.
The efforts to modernize and improve the department paid off when Orwell’s town insurance rating was raised to 9/E in 1979, and again to 8/9 in 1984, reflecting the department’s enhanced firefighting capabilities and response times.
Milestones and Achievements
- 1978: Elizabeth Trott became the first woman to join the department, marking an important step in inclusivity and diversity within the ranks.
- 1980s-Present: Continued advancements in equipment and training have allowed the department to maintain high service standards and adapt to new challenges in firefighting.
Community Impact and Legacy
Throughout its history, the Orwell Volunteer Fire Department has been deeply intertwined with the community, conducting fundraising efforts, public education campaigns, and fire prevention initiatives. The department’s volunteers have consistently demonstrated their dedication to protecting Orwell’s residents and property, making significant contributions to the town’s safety and resilience.