History

The word POQUONNOCK is from the Algonkian Indian language meaning cleared land, that is land from which trees and bushes were removed to prepare for cultivation.  This designates the plains and fields of present-day Groton. 

In the early days of the settlement, the bucket brigade was the only available method 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.   In August, 1934, the Poquonnock Bridge Volunteer Fire Department was established.  Several months later a used fire engine was purchased and housed in a local garage.  Groton Public Utilities installed fire hydrants in several locations in the village to provide water for fire fighting.

In 1939, the members of the Fire Department voted to buy a new pumper and to start saving for a firehouse.  Because of WWII, the population of the village had substantially increased, and in June, 1943, a substantially enlarged Poquonnock Bridge Fire District was created by the voters.  A new call box system was installed in the Fort Hill area in 1944, and the construction of the firehouse was completed in 1946, largely with volunteer labor.  The first paid firefighter was also hired in this year.

 The Fire District continued to grow.  Career firefighters now staff both fire stations and, along with fire fighting, the district now provides Emergency Medical Services, Public Education, Fire Investigations, and Building Inspections.

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.

Photographs

Below are additional pictures from the earlier years of the District.  Please click on the picture to see a larger view.  If you have additional information about the people or equipment shown in these pictures, please email the webmaster.  Every effort will be made to ensure complete and accurate information.