New Fire Station Dedicated in Simsbury

Photo/Frederick Arnold

About 200 firefighters and residents gathered together last week to dedicate the new Firetown fire station serving the northwest section of Simsbury. The station is at the corner of Firetown and Hoskins Roads and replaces one built in 1963.

"This is a part of our long-term plan to upgrade or replace all of our stations. As the years have passed, it has become increasingly difficult to accommodate modern fire apparatus in the building," said Kevin A. North, Fire District President. The construction also allowed the District to incorporate recent regulatory requirements such as outside venting of fire apparatus exhaust.

William Duschaneck, Captain from 1971-81, gave an impromptu speech recalling the early days of the station when Engine 5 was the first truck at the station and "the fastest in the fleet."

The ceremony included a blessing of the fire station by Father John McHugh of St. Mary’s Church. Members of the station continued the tradition of pushing the apparatus into the new station, signifying ready to respond. The tradition began when the fire apparatus was horse-drawn, and had to be pushed into the station after each call. Two fire trucks are currently housed at Firetown: Engine 13 and Engine 3.

This construction project is the fourth of six in Simsbury, following Bushy Hill, Tariffville and Weatogue stations. The Firetown station was patterned after the Weatogue fire station, which was dedicated in 1997. Construction on the million dollar station began last fall. No bonds are involved in funding the station; the Fire District set aside money over several years to cover the cost of the station.