Picture yourself standing in Unionville center in the late nineteenth century. You notice smoke coming from one of the many factories or fine homes. As your neighbors gather to watch with you, the building burns to the ground. Recognizing the need for organized fire protection, the citizens of Unionville petition the state Legislature to form a fire district. On February 22, 1893, the house of Representatives creates the Unionville Fire District The original incorporating members are Samuel Frisbie, George E Taft, William A. Hitchcock, Charles C. Georgia, Samuel Porter, and Lucas Richards. These men are authorized to build a firehouse, to lay pipe, to create a reservoir, to form a hose company and to assess taxes.
Several months pass as townspeople arrange the legalities and by-laws of the new fire district. Finally, on November 4, 1893, a lot is purchased from Dr. W.W. Sage at the foot of Lovely Street for $600.00 and a cornerstone is laid for the original firehouse, which still stands today. The building is built in less than one year at a cost of approximately $4000.00 and is today included in the National Register of Historic Places.
On November 20, 1893, Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 is formed to provide fire protection to the village of Unionville. Thirty men volunteer to serve, with Lucius C. Humphrey becoming the first foreman. W.W. Pinney is elected as 1st assistant and Michael Hoggerty as 2nd assistant. A hose cart, one shut off nozzle, two play pipes and 1000 feet of 2 ½ inch hose are purchased at a cost of $798.00, and Tunxis hose Co. No. 1 is now ready to fight fires.
Ironically, the first alarm is at the home of Captain Nathaniel Hayden, who was vehemently opposed to the formation of the fire company. The fire, caused by an oil burner explosion, is quickly extinguished, and Captain Hayden’s home is saved. In his gratitude, Captain Hayden donates an eight-day clock to the company. The clock to this day is still in excellent condition and hangs on the wall of the present fire station.
As the new century dawns, Tunxis Hose becomes a major political and social force in the village of Unionville. Many members serve on the various governmental boards and freely give of their time to not only fight fires but to organize dances, suppers and many other community Activities.
Many notable fires occur during these years which severely test the courage and dedication of the young fire company. Among them are the trap shop, the Union Cutlery and Hardware Company and Charles W. House & Son’s factory.
In 1899, the company votes to host its first field day and parade. Invitations are sent throughout the state, and over 5000 marchers converge on Unionville for its gigantic celebration. The entire village pitches in to help the Fire Company. Flags and bunting adorn all the buildings along South Main Street and lavish food tables await the hungry marchers. Special attention is given to the firehouse which is decorated with the usual banners and flags as well as a giant mural. During our 100th anniversary celebration, we duplicated the appearance of the original firehouse to closely resemble the one in 1899.
As the parade ends, the field day starts with the various departments competing against each other in dashes, hose lying and ladder climbs. Evening falls on the village and everyone gathers at town hall for games of chance and dancing. The day is deemed a huge success as everyone leaves happy, and badly needed funds are raised to purchase new equipment.
The Tradition stared by Foreman Humphrey and his men continues today as our annual carnival is known statewide as one of the biggest and the best. No doubt our forefathers would gaze in awe at the modern day fireworks display and at the gleaming fire equipment that annually parade through Unionville.
As World War 1 approaches, The Company recognizes that the hand drawn apparatus can no longer adequately protect the village. The board of selectmen initially turns down the request for motorized equipment. But through the tireless efforts of W.W. Pinney and John P. Campion, a chemical truck is purchased. The contract for the new truck is signed on October 22, 1917 and in 1919 the company takes delivery of a Seagrave at the cost of $7900.00. Immediately after its arrival, the truck is used not only in Unionville and Farmington, but also the neighboring towns of Avon, Burlington, Canton, and Simsbury begin requesting the Company’s assistance. Thus is born the mutual aid system which is still used today.
During the 1920’s, the political climate of Unionville changes again as the Fire District is disbanded and the borough form of government is adapted. Led by a succession of able foreman, Tunxis Hose adapts to these changes and, according to the annual borough reports, is answering approximately 20-30 calls per year.
In the 1930, at the age of 25, Harold F. Cromack becomes the youngest foreman to date at Tunxis Hose. It is at this time that Foreman Cromack forms the hose-laying team which travels throughout the State. The many trophies and cups won during these years are still on display at the firehouse. This team becomes a forerunner for several generations of firefighters who run on the hose-laying teams, later becoming known as muster teams. The hundreds of trophies and cups won in the last 60 years stand in our firehouse as testimony to the skills and dedication of Tunxis Hose Company.
For the first forty five years of our history, the district and the borough appointed a chief engineer to oversee the Fire Company. He was in charge of all buildings, purchasing and maintenance of equipment. The chief engineer worked closely with the Foreman in handling the fire protection needs of Unionville. In 1938, the members of Tunxis Hose Company recognizing the need to control their own destiny, successfully petition the borough Council to elect their own chief. George Hitchcock is elected chief by his fellow members and ably serves for one year. Chief Hitchcock’s career has been a long and illustrious one as he served three terms as Foreman, culminating with his election as Chief.
In 1939, Harold Cromack is elected Chief and immediately uses his expertise in modernizing Tunxis Hose Company. Formal courses are begun in driving and hydraulics, and members are sent to the regional Fireman’s Training School for advanced training. The Company also increases its social activities and is now hosting a succession of fairs, family nights, and minstrel shows.
As the country becomes heavily involved in World War II, Tunxis hose is faced with a manpower shortage. Chief Cromack utilizes men on the waiting list to join Tunxis Hose and substitute members to protect the citizens during the long war. Though many of these men never formally became members of the Company, their dedication and diligence will always be remembered. During this time frame, two new pumpers are purchased, one of which, a 1946 American LaFrance, is still registered and in working condition.
In 1952 Chief Cromack unexpectedly resigns and Andrew Matava is duly elected to succeed him. In 1955, Chief Matava and the company are severely tested by the ruinous flood. Though the company is split in two because of washed out bridges, they successfully carry out many evacuations and calls for assistance because of the widespread devastation. The flood is especially heart-wrenching for Tunxis Hose as firefighter Charles Yodkins loses his life attempting to rescue others.
Following the flood, the town and the Company begin to investigate the possibilities of a new fire station. Due to the rapid growth of Unionville, in 1958 Chief Matava is able to inform the members that their dream of a new fire station will become a reality. In 1960, the cornerstone is laid for the new building and on April 8, 1961, over five hundred people attend as Tunxis Hose Company dedicates its new fire station.
In 1959, the Company votes to form a junior auxiliary for the young men of the town. Wilson”Pud” Corbidge is appointed Chief Instructor and begins recruiting members. Many young men receive training and eventually become regular members of the Company. The auxiliary is so successful that the age limit to join the regular department is lowered to 18. Many future officers and members of Tunxis Hose Co. receive their initial training in the auxiliary, including two future chiefs, Richard E. Wilson and Bernard B. Erickson.
On November 16, 1959, Chief Matava resigns and Joseph Lesiak is elected to lead the Company. Chief Lesiak will remain as Chief until 1978, becoming the longest serving Chief in Company history. He and his capable group of Officers and men will see the company through a period of unprecedented growth in the population of the town and the activities of the Company. Many new pieces of equipment are purchased during the 1960’s and 1970’s. The carnival is greatly expanded with the addition of fireworks at the 75th anniversary in 1968. Thus begins a tradition which continues to draw huge crowds every year.
1963, in retrospect, becomes a major turning point in Tunxis Hose history as Captain Raymond Fiora initiates the first Emergency squad. Starting with basic first-aid training, the squad grows and continually updates its training. Today, the Emergency Squad has evolved into a highly-trained team using the most sophisticated techniques and equipment available in answering over 500 medical and rescue calls per year.
On June 1, 1969, Chief Lesiak and his men fight the worst fire in Unionville history. Nine departments, eighteen pieces of apparatus and hundreds of firefighters bravely try to extinguish the flames on South Main Street. Three businesses are totally destroyed, yet at least two others are saved through the efforts of Tunxis Hose and its mutual aid neighbors.
In May of 1975, Tunxis Hose Company takes delivery of a 2500 gallon tanker. This truck has the added capability of multiple attack lines for structure fires and becomes the mainstay of the Company. The most unique feature of the truck is its color, Lime Green. It is the first truck of this color in the area and leads to many heated discussions between Tunxis hose and other departments. But Lime green is here to stay, and now all company trucks sport this highly visible color.
In 1978, Tunxis Hose undergoes radical Changes as Chief Lesaik resigns in July. John Foryan is elected Chief, to serve until the November elections. Though his term is short, Chief Foryan serves with the same dedication that has characterized his entire career, which as of 1993, had totaled 47 years of service.
In November 1978, Richard E. Wilson is elected Chief of Tunxis Hose Company. The department, as in the past, undergoes major changes as Chief Wilson introduces new firefighting techniques, equipment, drilling procedures and new personal pagers for improved response times. During Chief Wilson’s term, a new emergency truck is purchased, and the role of the emergency squad is greatly expanded throughout the town. Increased emphasis is also placed on the mutual aid system through inter-department drills and meetings.
As 1986 draws to a close, the Company’s November elections are highlighted by the election of Thomas F. Walsh as chief. Presiding over an explosive population growth in Unionville, Chief Walsh and the Company meet the ever increasing OSHA and other government agencies by emphasizing increased training and the purchase of new sophisticated fire and safety equipment. The winter of 1986-87 is marked by a series of serious structure fires which place a severe strain on both men and apparatus. It is determined that a new pumper is needed to meet the demands of modern Unionville. Operating under the guidance of Chief Walsh, a committee of Tunxis Hose members spends the next several years writing the specifications and arranging funding for a new custom pumper. Finally, a 1991 Boardman pumper (Engine 2, still in service today) is received and immediately following its delivery, proves to be quite capable of meeting the firefighting needs of Unionville for many years.
1990 marked the election of a second generation firefighter, Bernard B. Erickson, as the eighth elected Chief of Tunxis Hose Company. As Chief Erickson and the Company prepare to enter the Company’s second hundred years, countless hours of training and planning are spent to meet the complex firefighting problems of the 1990’s.
[Additional History Coming Soon]