Welcome to Croydon Fire Department

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March 26, 1976

Croydon Volunteer Fire Department started on March 26, 1976, with the election of officers. 

The Fire Department purchased their first truck on April 26, 1976, a 1953 Ford pumper from the Cornish, NH Fire Department. Later the same year, they were able to lease a surplus military vehicle from the Department of Resources and Economic Development.  Corbett oil co., of Newport, donated a used fuel tank which was installed onto the truck. 

They were well on their way! 

The Ladies Auxiliary had a lot of willing volunteers and they quickly set about raising money to support the Fire Department. They held their first supper on May 8, 1976.

The members held chicken B-B-Ques and auctions, rabies clinics, and auctions. The town loaned them a shed to store their newly acquired equipment. They had to pull the truck outside to hold their meetings. 

By 1978 the ladies were doing one dinner a month. They added bingo to the fundraising list. 

By 1980, the equipment grew to two tank trucks, two class A pumpers, a 500-gallon trailer pump, and a 1500-watt generator. The Fundraising had purchased fire hoses, plectrons, breathing apparatus, nozzles, and helmets. 

Croydon had a great Volunteer Department, but they were still in need of a Fire Station. 

In the fall of 1981, it became a reality. The George Vain Auto Garage, on Route 10, was purchased from his son, John Vain. Purchasing the fire station was a huge step forward for all the Volunteers. They immediately started renovating. 

The First of six dry hydrants were installed in 1981, located at Spectacle Pond. 

The Fire Station was officially dedicated on April 25, 1982. The whole town was invited for a day-long fun fest. 

In November 1984, a 1968 diesel pumper arrived. The size of the Fire Department was growing. 

Through the next year, the Ladies Auxiliary and the firemen continued their efforts and soon the next step was no longer a vision, but a reality, the addition of the new building to the rear of the Fire Station. This new addition would include a large kitchen, furnace rook, toilet facilities, storage room, and a large recreation hall. 

By the end of 1985, almost ten years and a lot of suppers later, the addition neared completion. The Fire Station now housed equipment and all the functions of the Fire Department and the Ladies Auxiliary. 

In 1986, the dry hydrant at the intersection of Pine Hill and Cash Street was installed.

In 1986, the dry hydrant at Lyme Timber Company was installed.

On July 7, 1990, they held their first “Town Celebration.”

On October 12 of the same year, the Croydon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Ladies Auxiliary, went to Claremont and represented Croydon in Claremont’s first parade. They won a trophy that day. Also, that year, a dry hydrant was installed at Rocky Bound Pond. 

In 1991, the delivery of the Fire Departments new tanker/pumper arrived – “Engine 4”.

In 1992 a dry hydrant was installed at Loon Lake.

In 1994 a dry hydrant was installed at the Y.M.C.A camp was installed. 

In 1995, the Fire Department purchased the “Jaws of Life”. This machine is well noted in the aide of rescuers, to remove people from automobile accidents. 

A project that is afforded by the Fire Department and the Ladies Auxiliary, for the Children is the teaching of the “Ins & Outs” of fire safety during “Fire Prevention Week”. 

From a small dream has emerged a hardworking, dedicated Volunteer Fire Department, with 16 Firefighters. This organization does not know the meaning of “QUIT”.

The Fire Department is here to serve the town of Croydon and its neighboring towns with whatever help is needed!