Andover Volunteer Fire Department
Andover, Connecticut
A History of the Andover Volunteer Fire Department 1938 - 2013
by Scott Yeomans
Page 4
Early in 1957, the department voted to purchase its first Scott Air Pack. This proved to be a valuable tool, as it could provide clean air to breath in a hostile environment, rather than just filter out some particles as the gas masks previously used had done. Today's air packs follow the same basic design, but are of far greater importance. In today's homes, modern materials give off many more hazardous and toxic gases than those in 1957 did.
Later that year, the Town decided to discontinue the Fireman's Insurance Fund and moved its money into the Truck Fund. This money was to be used to purchase a new engine. The Maxim was nearing 20 years old and was in need of replacement. It was decided to purchase a new 1957 FWD (Front Wheel Drive Company), Pumper with a 750 gallon per minute pump and a 500 gallon booster tank. The cost of this unit was $12,780 plus $195 to get the truck to Andover. The Maxim was sold to T. C. Wright for $1,000.
In service 12/1957 to 10/1978
Another truck arrived in 1957 as well. A surplus Army 6 X 6 was acquired and work began to convert it into a tanker to replace the old oil truck. The tank was moved from the old tanker and a new Hale pump was purchased for $1,056. The conversion was completed and the truck on line in December 1958.
In service 12/1958 to 9/1966
Howard "Howie" Pohl
In 1958 J. Russell Thompson replaced L. Edward Whitcombe as Deputy Chief. George Nelson continued as Chief.
In November of 1958, discussion began about replacing the old Ford Emergency Truck. There was a faction within the department that wanted to buy an ambulance rather than upgrade the rescue truck. In the end, it was decided to go with a new rescue truck and forego the ambulance at that time. In the end, the town purchased a new 1959 Ford 1/2 ton panel truck at a cost of $1,975. The Association added $600 from the Department treasury to equip. it. The new Rescue 5 was placed in service in December 1959.
1962 brought the raising of the Association dues from the original sum of $2.00 per year to $3.00 per year. At the Annual meeting, J. Russell Thompson was elected Chief, Maxwell "Buster" Hutchinson was elected Deput Chief. Out going Chief, George Nelson was made Honorary Lifetime Chief.
In service from 12/1959 to 9/1976
Jack Fisher
The 1964 Annual meeting elected Joe Armstrong to the position of Deputy Chief. J. Russel Thompson continued as Chief of the department.
In 1964 the membership purchased a 1938 American LaFrance pumper from the City of Hartford. They paid $257 for the truck and had planned to use it as a muster piece. The truck proved to be more trouble than it was worth, Consequently it was sold in 1965 for $425. to Bob Post
1965 started out on a bad foot when the town turned down a request for $17,000 to purchase a replacement for the 6 X 6 tank truck. But, by the end of the year, things had turned around. The firemen and the town road crew had installed the town's first dry hydrant on Long Hill Road at Hop River and the town reversed its decision about replacing the tanker and gave approval for this purchase.
J. Russel Thompson
Chief 1962 - 1968
Motor Vehicle Accidents - 1966
(click on any thumbnail to see the full image)
Howard Bidwell and Dave Hudak working on a patient during a drill in Rescue 5, the 1959 Ford
