The War Takes Many Firefighters Away

The War Takes Many Firefighters Away

World War II took many American's away from their home towns. Some of them were firefighters, including twenty-two members of our department.

This left Chief Staples strapped for coverage. On some fires only three firefighters could respond. It was so bad that the Chief worked out an agreement with the eighth-grade school teacher to let the boys leave school, which was across the street from the station, and jump on the truck going to the fire.

One of the biggest fires destroyed the Rustic Farm, formerly known as Twin Elms. This was where the first Ham and Bean suppers and Fireman's Balls were held. It was a devastating blow to the town and department.

But there were some good times in 1942. Ted Garnett, owner of the Foster Diner, came up with a plan to raise enough money to payoff the mortgage on the station. He told the firefighters to collect as many clams and quahogs as they could from Narragansett Bay. They came back with bushels of them, and Garnett held a huge Clam Bake. Sure enough, he raised the money needed and the mortgage was paid within days.

Coming next time... Farewell Department, Hello Fire District

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