YANTIC, CT — March 6th — Two old pieces of equipment that are still in the department's collection were cleaned and maintained by members of Yantic Fire Engine Company #1 using the station's available space. Firefighters worked on the department's 1845 hand tub pumper and an 1897 hose reel, both of which are examples of past Connecticut firefighting eras. Before the invention of modern engines, firemen used hose reels to transport hose to flames, and hand tub pumpers were manually controlled by firefighters using long handles to propel water through the pump.

Keeping these antiques in good condition contributes to the preservation of both the equipment used by previous generations and the history of the volunteer fire department. In order to help the public understand how firefighting operations have changed over time, departments frequently display old equipment during parades and community events.