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The new city report is out and a small comparison was in order, just to see how times have changed over the years in the duties of the fire department. Why was the fire department chosen, you ask? Because a member of the Rutland Historical Society is doing some research on past fires in Rutland and it just seemed to hit a note of interest.
In 1902 the Chief Engineer reported that the manual force had eight permanent and twenty call men. Their equipment consisted of one steam fire engine; one 65-foot aerial hook and ladder truck complete; two hose wagons, four horses and various lengths of cotton hose. The expenses for running the department included: forage for horses; horse shoeing; veterinary service; fuel for stations and a new furnace for station No. 2. There was a request for two more horses for the aerial truck as the engineer felt this should be the first truck to arrive at a fire. At the time they had to send back for it and this wasted precious time. They were quite efficient in responding to fires.
Today, there are more than 25 full time and approximately 19 substitute/call firefighters. The equipment is totally up to date with computerized records so that all equipment, personnel and activities can be tracked. A new thermal imaging camera has been purchased that is only one of three in the state. This will enable the men to more quickly search and rescue and will make it safer for the firefighters.
The fire department now does more than fight fires. Its duties extend to any form of protection, service or instruction programs that will protect and preserve the lives of the citizens of Rutland. From the past to the present, Rutland can be proud of their firefighters.
The Rutland Historical Society is housed in the original Nickwackett Fire Station and one of the windows there shows where a horse had chewed on the wood frame of the window. Did you ever wonder if, when the horses went charging out of the station, they might trip or lose a step - what would have happened?
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