Revere Textile Mill Fire March 1, 1980 (Sterling, CT)

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Old section of Station 67

Since being founded on April 24, 1942 the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. has served the citizens of the town of Sterling in an expanding role. Beginning with just one truck and a borrowed station the succeeding years have seen the company outgrow two stations and increase it’s fleet to four trucks. With volunteer labor and raised and donated funds the members constructed two stations, one in 1952 and the other in 1964. Each was outgrown as the fleet expanded. The present station, built in 1988 as an addition to the station completed in 1964, now houses four trucks and has drive through capability.

 The company’s evolution from a single mission fire company to a multi mission emergency service organization parallels that of many other fire companies. From a start of just putting out fires the company now responds to most every conceivable emergency situation. This can run the gamut from flooded cellars and downed power lines to storm damage assessment. In 1975 the company took on the responsibility of responding to medical emergencies on a first responder basis. Since that time medical emergencies have come to comprise about 75% of call volume. To support this vital and expanding mission many members have trained to become EMT’s and MRT’s.

 In late 1964 the members came to realize that it was no longer possible to equip, insure and operate a fire company solely on donations and fund raisers. An equitable and adequate means of funding had to be found. Thus the Sterling Fire District was formed. 

With the authority to levy a property tax on the residents the members were no longer required to devote many hours to fund raising activities. The Sterling Fire District has continued ever since and today, with a minor tax levy, supports the operation of not only the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company but it’s sister company also, the Oneco Volunteer Fire Company.   

 Revere Textile Mill Fire March 1, 1980 (Sterling, CT)

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Sterling Fire Department Past Members, Equipment & calls