YANTIC, CT - Yantic Fire Engine Co. #1, one of the oldest continually operating volunteer fire companies in Connecticut, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.

Established by an act of the Connecticut General Assembly on July 14th, 1847 Yantic Fire Engine Co. #1 was founded by Winslow Tracy Williams, owner of the Yantic Woolen company. The first fire station was built in 1863 and the service was comprised of 18 members, whose primary purpose was to protect the mill and the village of Yantic. In 1906, the building was destroyed by fire and the mill owners built a new station out of stone with a Tudor style second story. The membership purchased the building and surrounding property in 1962 and the fire company remains the private owner.

This building is still in use today, with several additions to house the fire company's collection of antique apparatus alongside the in-service vehicles, and an adjacent open area known as "Fireman's Field." Their primary response area has grown to include 10-square-miles in the City of Norwich, where they provide primary response for fire, medical and motor vehicle accidents. This area includes a historic district, commercial and retail spaces, 10 miles of limited access highway (Ct Route 2 and I395), a minor league baseball stadium, hospital and a railway, along with residential areas and several waterways. Yantic Fire Engine Co. additionally provides F.A.S.T. services and mutual aid to several surrounding towns.

Yantic Fire Engine Co. has recently accepted the return of their fully restored 1891 Silsby Steamer. The restoration was done over several years by Firefly of Maine and funded through donations and various fundraising events. This rejoins the horse-drawn, hand operated pumper and hose reel, and 67 Mack pumper of their private collection. These apparatus can be seen at the Yantic firehouse at any of the events we have scheduled for this anniversary year.

Come join our celebrations!

May 21, 2022
Bid's Tavern Reunion
Yantic Firehouse 0800 - 1700

June 4, 2022
GNACC Duck Race
Fireman's Field 1000

June 18, 2022
Block party with Rededication of Walter C. Kane Memorial - 30 years
Yantic Firehouse 1900 - 2200

July 23, 2022
Antique Fire Truck Show Co-hosted with Southern Connecticut Antique Fire Apparatus Collectors
Fireman's Field 1000 - 1600

August 3, 2022
Hosting the New London County Chief's Meeting
1900

August 20, 2022
Steak and Lobster Dinner - Pre sale tickets only-
Starting at 1600

September 16 - 17, 2022
Hosting the Connecticut State Firefighters Convention

For further information please contact Deputy Chief BJ Herz at 860-884-9143 or YFD38Herz@outlook.com