The History of how it all began...

The Crystal Lake Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 , Inc., which was organized on August 27, 1934, had 35 charter members.  Edward A. Ludwig became the first fire chief and served for the next 10 years.  The first fire fighting trucks were a donated "Reo" and an old dry cleaning van.  The "Reo" was converted by adding sprayers, shovels, brooms and other needed equipment.  The van was cut down into a small fire truck that included the additions of a 100-gallon water tank, a power take-off pump, and 500 feet of 1 1/2 inch double jacket water hose.

In October 1936, a little over a half acre of land on the south side of Sandy Beach Road was purchased to erect a building.  A few years later, the former Crystal Lake Hotel ice house, donated by William Bowler, was moved to the leased site and rebuilt into a one-bay fire station.  Members, using personal assets as collateral, obtained a loan to purchase a new Ford fire truck.

On July 26, 1947, the Crystal Lake Fire District was incorporated by a special act in the State Legislature.  A board of five Commissioners presently oversee the district's operations which include a water rescue squad.  The squad responds to local and out-of-state water related emergencies.   The district provides a diving boat and motor and a used army ambulance for their use.  The Fire Company provides service outside the district in West Stafford and Tolland near the Ellington line.  A few of the volunteer firemen live in these towns.

The firemen hold regular monthly drills in rescue procedures besides attending training courses offered in and out of the state.   The volunteer firemen sponsor various fundraisers and have solicited donations to cover expenses.  They helped build, maintain and finance the additions to the original station.  In 1958, a group of 15 women organized the Women's Auxiliary to aid and support the firemen in their endeavors.  In addition, the Fire Company receives an annual appropriation from the town.

In 1982, a special Fire Police Committee and Dry Hydrant Committee were appointed.  That year, a generator was installed at the station to enable the department to function during power failures.

At the present time, the fire station has four bay stations, a meeting hall upstairs, and among the eight pieces of emergency equipment are two rescue and three fire trucks.

The numerous auxiliary and volunteer members associated with the Fire Company continue to carry on in the traditional way of the original organizers.  The Community further benefits from their teaching programs; such as, courses in advanced first aid and emergency care as well as a fire-fighting program for teenagers between sixteen and eighteen years old.

Today, the Crystal Lake and Ellington Fire Departments work together and pool their resources to provide fire fighting services and to ensure a safe community.

Population Served Throughout the Years

1930 - 2,253
1940 - 2,479
1950 - 3,099
1960 - 5,580
1970 - 7,707
1980 - 9,711
2004 - 14,571

Page last updated on 03/09/2008