White Hills Voluntary Fire Company No. 5 History
Shelton Fire Department
Neighbors helping Neighbors
Since 1947
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White Hills Voluntary Fire Company No. 5 History Shelton Fire Department |
Neighbors helping Neighbors Since 1947 |
The White Hills Civic Club was chartered May 20, 1946. A stated aim of the organization was to promote community welfare. One of the first objectives was to form a volunteer fire company, and purchase a fire truck. The fire company was formed in 1947 and the first truck was purchased in 1948 costing $7,000. Members signed personal notes to assure the payment of the new vehicle. They also held two day country fairs to help in the payment for the new fire truck. Those two day fairs were a tremendous amount of work. Some of the attractions were, animals and produce on exhibit, there was a baked goods table, white elephant table, snack bar, games of chance, raffles, square dancing, and many other attractions. scroll down to view our history.
Please note: all history items underlined and in bold blue print link you to a picture or more detail
YEAR OFFICERS YEAR IN REVIEW
1947 Capt. Harold French We had a captain and officers, but no trucks or fire house.
1st Lt. Joseph Novak 50 families lived in the White Hills of Shelton.
2nd Lt. Nick Wabuda
Treas. Robert Baldwin
Sec. Charles Beardsley
1948 Capt. Harold French Incorporation papers were signed, and we ordered our
1st Lt. Joseph Novak first fire truck. Members signed personal notes to assure
2nd Lt. Nick Wabuda payment of the new truck. A building committee was
Treas. James Curtis also formed.
Sec. Charles Beardsley
1949 Capt. Harold French The first annual fair was held, and the New fire truck
1st Lt. Joseph Novak Engine 51 arrived. Leonard McEwen finished Charles Beardsley's
2nd Lt Nick Wabuda term as secretary, and still holds that title today.
Treas. James Curtis The Civic club donated $1,000 towards the construction
Sec. Charles Beardsley of a cinder block addition to store the new fire truck. The
Leonard McEwen new fire truck was stored in a barn in White Hills during the summer,
and in the Monroe Fire House through the winter until the new addition
was completed.
1950 Capt. John Wabuda A By-laws committee was formed and the fire company
1st Lt. Paul Ferrand By-laws were acted on.
2nd Lt. George Glover
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1951 Capt. George Glover The fire company fought its first major fire when
1st Lt. Joseph Wabuda Novotny's barn burnt.
2nd Lt. Robert McEwen
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1952 Capt. Harry Gragen The first general dance and carnival were held to
1st Lt. John Kosowsky help raise funds for the fire company.
2nd Lt. Robert McEwen
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1953 Capt. John Wabuda The fire company installed the first fire alarm siren.
1st Lt. Robert McEwen
2nd Lt. Rex King
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1954 Capt. John Wabuda A portable pump was purchased at the price of $450.
1st Lt. Robert McEwen The pump was mainly used to pump out cellars, but it
2nd Lt. Andrew Swist could also be used for fighting fires.
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1955 Capt. John Wabuda An electric well pump was installed at the fire house.
1st Lt. Robert McEwen This replaced the old hand pump. The Lombardi farm
2nd Lt. Andrew Swist on Soundview Ave was a major barn fire this year.
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1956 Capt. John Kosowsky A new two way radio was installed in the truck.
1st Lt. Andrew Swist The second fire company carnival/fair was held.
2nd Lt. Harry Gragen
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1957 Capt. John Kosowsky The fire company purchased our first sanctioned uniform.
1st Lt. Arlo Sturdevant A truck committee was formed to spec out a new truck.
2nd Lt. George Novotny
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1958 Capt. George Novotny The fire company ordered a new fire truck from the
1st Lt. Arlo Sturdevant American LaFrance Company. A Chevrolet military
2nd Lt. Robert Asplund surplus vehicle from the Civil Defense was received.
Treas. James Curtis This truck became Engine 52.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1959 Capt. George Novotny The new fire truck arrived. Engine 53 was bought by the
1st Lt. Robert Asplund fire company, at a price of $12,000. With 1,000 gallons
2nd Lt. George Payne of water this truck was state of the art for it¹s time.
Treas. James Curtis Engine 53 served the White Hills of Shelton until 1991.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1960 Capt. George Novotny The fire company held our first annual Firemen’s Ball.
1st Lt. John Kosowsky Several work parties were held to make renovations to
2nd Lt. Walter Wheeler the meeting room.
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1961 Capt. John Kosowsky The fire company held our second annual Fireman's Ball.
1st Lt. Walter Wheeler
2nd Lt. John Gluck
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1962 Capt. Walter Wheeler A new portable pump and fire fighting foam equipment
1st Lt. John Gluck were received. The junior fire fighter brigade was
2nd Lt. John Grasic established for 16 to 18 year olds.
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1963 Capt. John Gluck The fire company grew rapidly at this time.
1st Lt. Jack W. Toth All the trucks, Engine 51, 52, and 53 were equipped with
2nd Lt. John Grasic two way radios.
Treas. James Curtis
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1964 Capt. Jack W. Toth The first drafting hydrant was installed at Novak’s pond.
1st Lt. Harry Gragen Co. #5 responded to a train wreck in which 25 cars
2nd Lt. Malcolm Bruce derailed, at Indian Wells State Park. 19 firefighters were
Treas. Richard Clark hospitalized, as one of the rail cars was leaking anhydrous
Sec. Leonard McEwen ammonia. James Curtis stepped down as treasure after
16 years in the position.
1965 Capt. Jack W. Toth Captain elect John Kosowsky passed away before taking
1st Lt. Malcolm Bruce his chair. It was a sad time for company #5. The newly
2nd Lt. Arlo Sturdevant finished social room was named in his honor. A new
Treas. Richard Clark addition to the building was approved by the Civic Club.
Sec. Leonard McEwen Shelton plunged into darkness as Connecticut, along with
eight other states and part of Canada shared in a major
power failure.
1966 Capt. George Novotny New company uniforms were ordered and worn to the
1st Lt. Walter Wheeler company ball. The fire company joined the Connecticut
2nd Lt. John Novotny Firemen’s Association. The Ladies Auxiliary was also
Treas. Joseph Novak established this year.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1967 Capt. Walter Wheeler The new meeting rooms were accepted by the company
1st Lt. John Novotny and used for the first time. Fire Brigade(Jr. Members)
2nd Lt. Richard Bates were renamed as the Shelton Emergency Fire Dept.
Treas. Joseph Novak A new truck committee was formed (brush truck 54).
Sec. Leonard McEwen A stone monument was erected to honor deceased firemen
from company #5.
1968 Capt. John Novotny Former Treasurer James Curtis, passed away. The
1st Lt. Richard Bates company received plectrons(radio home alert systems).
2nd Lt Bill Marsilllio The new truck Brush, Truck #54 was received. The
Treas. Joseph Novak company fought a major barn fire at the Hubbell Farm.
Sec. Leonard McEwen A land acquisition committee was formed to set a site for
a new fire station.
1969 Capt. Walter Wheeler The first annual joint carnival with the Echo Hose Hook
1st Lt. Harry Shepard and Ladder Company was held. Funds for a new fire
2nd Lt. Richard Psomas house were requested from the Board of Alderman. The
Treas. Joseph Novak fire company once again responded to a train wreck.
Sec. Leonard McEwen There were no injuries this time. Torrential rains caused
73 families to be driven from there homes this year.
1970 Capt. Richard Psomas Condemnation proceedings for the lot at 2 School St.
1st Lt. James Spry began in order to build the new fire station. The annual
2nd Lt. Richard Dyer carnival once again was a success. On the day of the fire
Treas. Sam Psomas company family outing, Company #5 responded to a
Sec. Leonard McEwen fatal plane crash. Also this year the 911 system was put
into service for the 929 phone exchange.
1971 Capt. James Spry This year there was a big problem on The Hill with
1st Lt. Richard Dyer gypsy moths. The fire company sprayed trees for
2nd Lt. Edward Manion donations. A building committee was formed and new
Treas. Charles Matula engine 52 was ordered from the Hahn Fire Equip Co.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1972 Capt. Richard Dyer A Building site sign was erected at 2 School St for the
1st Lt. Edward Manion new fire house. The company marched in the Vt. State
2nd Lt. Jack W. Toth Firemen's Convention Parade. Once again, The Hill was
Treas. Charles Matula challenged by gypsy moths, once again Co #5 won the battle.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1973 Capt. Edward Manion Engine #52 was received and placed in service. The
1st Lt. Jack W. Toth ground breaking ceremonies for the new fire house were
Lt. Thomas Canfield planned for July 1974. Phil Woodbury was named as
Treas. Charles Matula the first Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners for
Sec. Leonard McEwen the City of Shelton from the White Hills Fire Company.
Company #5 responded to a school bus full of children,
that crashed into a barn and caught fire on Rte. 110.
1974 Capt. Edward Manion A furniture & furnishing committee was formed for the
1st Lt. Jack W. Toth new firehouse. This was the last full year in the original
2nd Lt. Thomas Polson station. Plans for closure of the old firehouse and moving
Treas. Charles Matula were made, March 1975 was the target date. We also
Sec. Leonard McEwen won best overall fire Co., 25 men or less in the State
Firemen's Convention.
1975 Capt. Jack W. Toth Governor Ella Grasso attended the opening of the new
1st Lt. Thomas Polson fire station. This was one week after Shelton fought the
2nd Lt. Francis Wheeler largest industrial arson fire in the nation¹s history, when
Treas. Charles Matula B. F. Goodrich plants 4 & 6 exploded.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1976 Capt. Thomas Polson The by-laws were changed, active members were no
1st Lt. Francis Wheeler longer required to live in the White Hills fire district. The
2nd Lt. James Aiken social room was completed. Firefighters that helped fight
Treas. Ronald Masiero the Walnut Ave fire were treated to a steak dinner.
Sec. Leonard McEwen A first!!!
1977 Capt. John Novotny A C.B. radio and antenna were installed so that members
1st Lt. Steve Martin could find further information on fires that they were
2nd Lt. Phil Woodbury responding to. A wet/dry vacuum and T.V. antenna were
Treas. Ronald Masiero donated to the fire company.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1978 Capt. Francis Wheeler September that year we took delivery of new Engine 51.
1st Lt. Steve Martin The volunteers of The Shelton Fire Department donated
2nd Lt. Jack Medley $2,100 to the Bridgeport Hospital Burn Unit.
Treas. John Bova
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1979 Capt. Steve Martin The White Hills Civic Club, responsible for starting the
1st Lt. Jack Medley fire company, disbanded. Old Engine 51(our first truck)
2nd Lt. Jack S. Toth was retired 30 years after the Civic Club had helped with
Treas. John Bova its purchase.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1980 Capt. Jack Medley We took delivery of new Tanker 59. Old 59 purchased
1st Lt. Jack S. Toth by the fire Co. was sold to the Bridgewater Fire Dept.
2nd Lt. Joe Martinka
Treas. John Bova
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1981 Capt. Jack S. Toth This was a big year for fund raisers. Many members
1st Lt. Joe Martinka walked door to door asking every resident for support.
2nd Lt. Paul Furedy This was very successful and enabled the company to
Treas. John Bova purchase additional life saving equipment.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1982 Capt. Joseph Martinka The 1981 officers voted for the first annual Fire Fighter
1st Lt. Paul Furedy of the year award & I got to present it to my brother Tony.
2nd Lt. Robert Rockwell We voted in 18 new members during this year
Tres. John Bova several of them went on to become captains of
Sec. Leonard McEwen the fire company and one Jim Lagomarsino went on to
become Chief of the Shelton Fire Department.
1983 Capt. Jack S. Toth Major renovations were proposed for the upstairs kitchen.
1st Lt. Paul Furedy When completed the renovations enhanced our ability to
2nd Lt. Robert Rockwell hold fund-raisers and also provided much needed storage
Treas. John Bova space for uniforms and equipment.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1984 Capt. Francis Wheeler The company had won many awards and trophies over
1st Lt. Robert Rockwell the past 37 years. A trophy case was designed and
2nd Lt. Orville Smith constructed to display these trophies and awards.
Treas. Richard VonWerder
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1985 Capt. Robert Rockwell Hurricane ³Gloria² struck the Northeast. Fire Co. #5
1st Lt. Orville Smith was out for days opening roads that had been blocked by
2nd Lt. James Troy downed trees, and securing areas where power lines were
Treas. Richard VonWerder down. At the same time the fire Co. responded to a house
Sec. Leonard McEwen fire on Leavenworth Rd caused by unattended candles.
1986 Capt. James Troy Old Truck 54 was retired. Old 54 was the work horse at
1st Lt. Orville Smith many valley brush fires. This year we also took delivery
2nd Lt. Francis Wheeler of new Truck 54.
Treas. Richard VonWerder
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1987 Capt. Orville Smith The White Hills Fire Company #5 was named. The Best
1st Lt. Francis Wheeler Overall Unit & State Champions, in the State Firemen¹s
2nd Lt. James Lagomarsino Parade. The highest ever pizza bill ever recorded after a
Treas. Richard VonWerder parade - $350.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1988 Capt. Orville Smith A City water line was brought into The fire house, and a
1st Lt. James Lagomarsino fire main with hydrants was laid in East Village Rd.
2nd Lt. Charles Ovesny This was a result of the persistence of the fire company
Treas. Richard VonWerder members, residence and the city.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1989 Capt. James Lagomarsino There were many structure fires this year. The most
1st Lt. Charles Ovesny memorable event this year was being named. Best
2nd Lt. Soren Ibsen Overall Unit in the State Firemen's Convention Parade.
Treas. Richard VonWerder Once again we were state champions.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1990 Capt. Charles Ovesny Training was taken to new levels, mock fire mazes in the
1st Lt. Soren Ibsen Stern's trailers, and many other evolutions. John
2nd Lt. Samuel Stern Beardsley's farm house was gutted by a stubborn
Treas. Richard VonWerder evening fire that was hampered by downed power lines.
Sec. Leonard McEwen This was Old Engine 53's last working house fire.
1991 Capt. Soren Ibsen This was a very busy year. Co. #5 took delivery of new
1st Lt. Samuel Stern Engine 53 in July. During the months prior to delivery
2nd Lt. Timothy Manion our truck committee made several trips to the plant
Treas. Richard VonWerder in PA for vehicle inspection. Also during this year the
Sec. Leonard McEwen company was busy raising money for our new hydraulic
rescue tool. We raised $12,000 thanks to the residents,
businesses, and a memorial fund for deceased member
Dirck Mulford.
1992 Capt. Samuel Stern The new hydraulic rescue tool arrived. An extensive
1st Lt. Timothy Manion training program was initiated for the use of the rescue
2nd Lt. Rodman Kneen system. This tool and the extensive training have effected
Treas. Richard VonWerder countless rescues in White Hills since it was purchased.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1993 Capt. Timothy Manion There were several major fires in the City, including a
1st Lt. Rodman Kneen Sunday morning house fire on Jonathan La. In which the
2nd Lt. Jack Delisio home owner was rescued, thanks to two off duty police
Treas. Richard VonWerder officers, that lived on the street. These officers were given
Sec. Leonard McEwen award for bravery from the White Hills Fire Co., City of
Shelton, Stamford Police Association, and Trumbull
Police Department. Other major fires included, Hunters
Corner, Shelton Tack and the Samarius Building.
1994 Capt. Rodman Kneen A truck committee was formed to spec a new heavier cab
1st Lt. John Recce & chassis for the brush truck. The front entry to the
2nd Lt. Tony Martinka fire station was dressed up with a new trophy case built
Treas. Richard VonWerder inside, and a new flag pole erected outside by the
Sec. Leonard McEwen members. An orientation manual was created for new
members.
1995 Capt. Rodman Kneen The I-2 policy, requiring mandatory training, was
1st Lt. John Recce enforced for the first time, making our active roles leaner
2nd Lt. Tony Martinka yet more professional. Thanks to the caring and giving of
Treas. Richard VonWerder the members, a Christmas to remember was shared with a
Sec. Leonard McEwen special little boy in White Hills.
1996 Capt. John Recce The New brush truck arrived, replacing the truck
1st Lt. Tony Martinka purchased in 1986, which is still in service and was converted
2nd Lt. Francis Wheeler over for use by the fire alarms division. We also took
Treas. Richard VonWerder delivery of our cold water rescue suits. These are designed to
Sec. Leonard McEwen rescue people that have fallen through ice.
1997 Capt. Tony Martinka Here we are celebrating 50 years of neighbors helping
1st Lt. Francis Wheeler neighbors. We are joined in our celebration by the White
2nd Lt. Tony DeSarli Hills Ladies Auxiliary as they celebrate 30 years. The
Treas. Richard VonWerder White Hills of Shelton have changed greatly over the past
Sec. Leonard McEwen 50 years but, our intent remains the same as our founders,
To protect the lives and property of our neighbors.
1998 Capt. Francis Wheeler The year was just hours old when we faced out first hard working
1st Lt. Tony DeSarli structure fire on Summit Ridge Rd. The occupants were not at
2nd Lt. Timothy Manion home and the fire room was fully involved before it was noticed.
Treas. Richard VonWerder an aggressive attack contained most fire damage to the room of origin.
Sec. Leonard McEwen
1999 Capt. Tony DeSarli The company challenged the City's unfair process of selecting chief
1st Lt. Timothy Manion officers. The courts agreed that the chief selection process was
2nd Lt. Edward Tevolitz tainted due to an existing professional relationship between
Treas. Richard VonWerder the Chairman of the Board and the Chief. The City's response
Sec. Leonard McEwen was to change the testing procedure allowing the chief to remain.
2000 Capt. Timothy Manion Company 5 hosted one of the largest Valley-wide training events
1st Lt. Edward Tevolitz in recent history. Fire companies from Shelton, Monroe, Derby,
2nd Lt. Robert Albert Trumbull, Newtown and Shelton Fire Explores participated in the
Treas. Richard VonWerder live burn of a large abandoned house on the old Hubble property.
Sec. Leonard McEwen Although, the fire itself lasted less than an hour and half. The
Planning for this event spanned several months and involved countless
hours of dedication by Company members, Shelton training officers the
& Shelton Fire Marshal's Office.(The 100' fir tree next to the house did not burn)
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2001 |
Company 5 began to draw up specifications for tanker 59 This year through generous donations by the residents of White Hills, we purchased a thermal imaging device used for search & rescue operations. Company 5 also responded mutual-aid to Ansonia to combat the Latex Foam Factory fire. | |
| Capt. | Edward Tevolitz | |
| 1st Lt. | Robert Albert | |
| 2nd Lt. | Shaun Wheeler | |
| Treas. | Richard VonWerder | |
| Sec. | Leonard McEwen | |
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2002 |
Our treasurer Rich VonWerder passed away he is missed by all. Many of the photos on this site were taken by Richie. Soren Ibsen completed Richie's term. The addition to house new tanker 59 was erected and the installation of new energy efficient bay doors was implemented by the Captain. | |
| Capt. | Robert Albert | |
| 1st Lt. | Timothy Manion | |
| 2nd Lt. | Lou Cortigiano | |
| Treas. | Richard VonWerder & Soren Ibsen | |
| Sec. | Leonard McEwen | |
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2003 |
New Tanker 59 a 3000 gallon Pierce Kenworth was put into service replacing the 1980 Mack 2000 gal. Tanker, and specifications were drawn for a new Rescue Pumper to replace Engine 52. This year marks 30 years of proud service for Engine 52. | |
| Capt. | Timothy Manion | |
| 1st Lt. | Lou Cortigiano | |
| 2nd Lt. | Edward Tevolitz | |
| Treas. | Soren Ibsen | |
| Sec. | Leonard McEwen | |
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2004 |
New Engine 52 a Pierce Rescue Pumper was put into service. The truck replaced our 1973 Hahn. The Hahn served the City of Shelton for over 31 years and was that last of the front line pumpers still in service that had fought the Sponge Rubber Products Fire of 1975. | |
| Capt. | Lou Cortigiano | |
| 1st Lt. | Shaun Wheeler | |
| 2nd Lt. | Charles Ovesny III | |
| Treas. | Soren Ibsen | |
| Sec. | Leonard McEwen | |
| 2005 | Old Engine 52 was cleaned up by company 5 members and sent to serve brother firefighters in Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The White Hills community suffered a tragic loss during a fatal house fire on Robert Frost Drive. Through the generosity of the White Hills Residents, the company purchased the cab and chassis which will soon be outfitted with a utility body to be used for emergency and public service calls. | |
| Capt. | Shaun Wheeler | |
| 1st Lt. | Fran Wheeler | |
| 2nd Lt. | Edward Tevolitz | |
| Treas. | Soren Ibsen | |
| Sec. | Leonard McEwen | |
| 2006 | After Serving under every captain in the history of the fire company Leonard McEwen stepped down as secretary and was named Secretary Emeritus. Company 5 continued their aggressive fundraising efforts in order to place utility truck 55 in service this year. | |
| Capt. | Lou Cortigiano | |
| 1st Lt. | Edward Tevolitz | |
| 2nd Lt. | Charles Ovesny III | |
| Treas. | Soren Ibsen | |
| Sec. |
Joe Matis/Fran Wheeler |
|
|
2007 |
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| Capt. | Edward Tevolitz | |
| 1st Lt. | Charles Ovesny III | |
| 2nd Lt. | Shaun Wheeler | |
| Treas. | Soren Ibsen | |
| Sec. | Fran Wheeler | |
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2008 |
||
| Capt. | ||
| 1st Lt. | ||
| 2nd Lt. | ||
| Treas. | ||
| Sec. | ||
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Please note: all history items underlined and in bold blue print link you to a picture
