Department History (CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS)
The following is a brief history of the Croghan Volunteer Fire Department. Information was obtained from the book, “Proud to Serve”, co–authored by Kenneth R Proulx and Frederick J. Schneider. This book was written in 2001 to coincide with the 125th Anniversary of the formation of the department . This book contains great details and photos chronicling the Croghan Fire Department through the years. We encourage you to check out this book, available at the Croghan Free Library, or purchase a copy of the book which is available at the Croghan Fire Hall.
The Croghan Volunteer Fire Department was formally organized in 1876 in response to the need arising from the rapidly
growing hamlet of Croghan. Early firefighting efforts involved bucket brigades drawing upon water cisterns strategically placed within the hamlet.
In 1889, the department would purchase its first “fire engine” in the form of a hand drawn chemical engine cart called a
Boyer Fire Apparatus. This engine” operated by having a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda in the tank proper and a small glass jar of sulfuric acid within the tank. To activate, one would use a handle outside the tank to smash the glass and release the acid into the soda/water mixture and create a vigorous oxidizing reaction. This reaction resulted in the formation carbon dioxide gas which would build pressure within the water tank. Once the pressure reached a certain level, the tank valve would be opened allowing the pressurized CO2/water mixture to be released through a hose and nozzle. This chemical engine is still on display in the lobby of the Croghan Fire Hall.
The department would gain its first alarm system in 1894 when St. Stephen’s Church would install its first church bells.
Prior to that, the alarm consisted of messengers running through the town screaming the alarm.
In 1897, the department purchased its first fire hall for $1000 from T.B. Basselin. This building had previously served as St Stephen’s church prior to the church outgrowing it. The original hall was sold by Mr Basselin under the conditions that it be utilized for public entertainment, political and government meetings.
1902 brought the first of 2 major fires to the village. On April 23rd, a fire consumed 20 buildings including St Stephen’s church. Damage estimates at the time were placed between 250,000-300,000. Some consolation was found in that several buildings were saved and no lives were lost.
In 1910 , a waterworks line was installed from the Reservoir road to the village beginning the current hydrant system in
the village. Again, a section of this original wooden water line is on display in the lobby of the firehall.
On April 30th,1912, while community members were still remembering the major fire that had happened
10 years prior and discussing the recent tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic, a second major fire broke out. This
time despite the heroic efforts of many, two children perished and much of the business district was destroyed.
This time, however, the newly constructed St Stephen’s church would be spared. Events of this day are presented in the book“Proud to Serve”(see above). click here for photos
The department purchased its second fire hall in 1929. This building, a former blacksmith’s shop, was purchased for
$1500. and would serve as fire hall for nearly 75 years until being replaced by the new building. The current building was constructed in 2003 using local manpower at a total cost of $449,000. This amount was deemed a bargain in that much of manpower was volunteer help.
In 1934, the department would purchase its first motorized fire truck.
1949 would begin the departments EMS system with the purchase of its first ambulance. The department responded to a total of 28 EMS calls in its first year.
The department became incorporated in 1956 thereby allowing it to enter into fire protection contracts with the towns.
The Fire Police Squad and Ladies Auxiliary were formally organized in 1957.
In August in 2001, the department celebrated its 125th anniversary complete with parade, concerts, displays, historic presentations culiminating with fireworks and a dance.
April 2012 will see the commemoration of the Major Fire of 1912. While this event seeks to remember that tragic day in the history of the village, it also seeks to celebrate the terrific spirit of the community to pull together to help neighbors in time of need and rebuild the village very quickly to an even grander scale.
April 2016- After approximately 67 years of providing ambulance service to our community, the fire department sold its ambulance to Lewis County Search and Rescue. With increased demands on training and subsequent decline in EMS personnel, it made sense to turn over EMS operations to Search and Rescue. Currently, Search and Rescue houses the ambulance in our fire hall and often staffs our hall with certified EMS thereby continuing the excellent coverage to our community.
Today the department continues the strong traditions of serving the community in time of need. There are approximately 65
active members and a fleet of 5 vehicles.
The following is a brief history of the Croghan Volunteer Fire Department. Information was obtained from the book, “Proud to Serve”, co–authored by Kenneth R Proulx and Frederick J. Schneider. This book was written in 2001 to coincide with the 125th Anniversary of the formation of the department . This book contains great details and photos chronicling the Croghan Fire Department through the years. We encourage you to check out this book, available at the Croghan Free Library, or purchase a copy of the book which is available at the Croghan Fire Hall.
The Croghan Volunteer Fire Department was formally organized in 1876 in response to the need arising from the rapidly
growing hamlet of Croghan. Early firefighting efforts involved bucket brigades drawing upon water cisterns strategically placed within the hamlet.
In 1889, the department would purchase its first “fire engine” in the form of a hand drawn chemical engine cart called a
Boyer Fire Apparatus. This engine” operated by having a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda in the tank proper and a small glass jar of sulfuric acid within the tank. To activate, one would use a handle outside the tank to smash the glass and release the acid into the soda/water mixture and create a vigorous oxidizing reaction. This reaction resulted in the formation carbon dioxide gas which would build pressure within the water tank. Once the pressure reached a certain level, the tank valve would be opened allowing the pressurized CO2/water mixture to be released through a hose and nozzle. This chemical engine is still on display in the lobby of the Croghan Fire Hall.
The department would gain its first alarm system in 1894 when St. Stephen’s Church would install its first church bells.
Prior to that, the alarm consisted of messengers running through the town screaming the alarm.
In 1897, the department purchased its first fire hall for $1000 from T.B. Basselin. This building had previously served as St Stephen’s church prior to the church outgrowing it. The original hall was sold by Mr Basselin under the conditions that it be utilized for public entertainment, political and government meetings.
1902 brought the first of 2 major fires to the village. On April 23rd, a fire consumed 20 buildings including St Stephen’s church. Damage estimates at the time were placed between 250,000-300,000. Some consolation was found in that several buildings were saved and no lives were lost.
In 1910 , a waterworks line was installed from the Reservoir road to the village beginning the current hydrant system in
the village. Again, a section of this original wooden water line is on display in the lobby of the firehall.
On April 30th,1912, while community members were still remembering the major fire that had happened
10 years prior and discussing the recent tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic, a second major fire broke out. This
time despite the heroic efforts of many, two children perished and much of the business district was destroyed.
This time, however, the newly constructed St Stephen’s church would be spared. Events of this day are presented in the book“Proud to Serve”(see above). click here for photos
The department purchased its second fire hall in 1929. This building, a former blacksmith’s shop, was purchased for
$1500. and would serve as fire hall for nearly 75 years until being replaced by the new building. The current building was constructed in 2003 using local manpower at a total cost of $449,000. This amount was deemed a bargain in that much of manpower was volunteer help.
In 1934, the department would purchase its first motorized fire truck.
1949 would begin the departments EMS system with the purchase of its first ambulance. The department responded to a total of 28 EMS calls in its first year.
The department became incorporated in 1956 thereby allowing it to enter into fire protection contracts with the towns.
The Fire Police Squad and Ladies Auxiliary were formally organized in 1957.
In August in 2001, the department celebrated its 125th anniversary complete with parade, concerts, displays, historic presentations culiminating with fireworks and a dance.
April 2012 will see the commemoration of the Major Fire of 1912. While this event seeks to remember that tragic day in the history of the village, it also seeks to celebrate the terrific spirit of the community to pull together to help neighbors in time of need and rebuild the village very quickly to an even grander scale.
April 2016- After approximately 67 years of providing ambulance service to our community, the fire department sold its ambulance to Lewis County Search and Rescue. With increased demands on training and subsequent decline in EMS personnel, it made sense to turn over EMS operations to Search and Rescue. Currently, Search and Rescue houses the ambulance in our fire hall and often staffs our hall with certified EMS thereby continuing the excellent coverage to our community.
Today the department continues the strong traditions of serving the community in time of need. There are approximately 65
active members and a fleet of 5 vehicles.
