Hazardville Fire Department

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The Hazardville Fired Department was created in 1893, but the need for this department became apparent years earlier. A look back at Hazardville's unique history will explain why. Hazardville was named after Colonel Augustus C. Hazard, who developed a large gunpowder manufacturing enterprise along the Scantic River beginning in the 1830s. As the Hazard Powder Company grew, so too did the Village of Hazardville. By the 1890's, the population had grown to an estimated 1,500, and the village featured numerous houses, barns and sheds, and business establishments. Farms, including several shade tobacco plantations, surrounded the village. Fire was a major threat, yet the only protection was from bucket brigades formed to fight them. In November 1892, as the result of resident concerns, state legislature petitioned to create a fire district. The Hazardville Fire Department was created by the Connecticut General Assembly the following spring. The first meeting of the Hazardville Fire Department, originally known as the Hazardville Fire and Hose Company, was held on January 11, 1893. Barber F. Stratton was elected as the first fire chief. Several years later, in 1897, a steam fire engine was purchased. The first firehouse was constructed shortly thereafter, in 1898. The Department expanded its roster to 40 members in 1898 and, in 1899, purchased uniforms consisting of grey shirts and caps and white belts and gloves...

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