Do you remember 1938?
Our beginnings
were modest, but our goals were clear: Right from the start we wanted to
provide the best fire protection possible for the people of the Bungay
District.
So on January 27, 1938 the Bungay Fire Brigade was
formed.
Those first
firefighters started with nothing:
There were no fire trucks, no hoses, no air packs,
boots, helmets, jackets or any other firefighting equipment. All they had
was their farming tools, their muscles and a strong determination to work
together and risk their lives to help save lives and property from fire
and other disasters.
Back in those early years, in cold weather, the
Brigade held meetings in various member’s homes. They raised funds through
band concerts, strawberry suppers and dances.
In 1940 the Brigade formed a committee to ask West Woodstock residents
to contribute $2.00 per year for fire protection. Later that year, in
October, they formed a truck committee to purchase the first fire truck.
The first fire the truck went to was on April 26 1941.
The Brigade’s growth was steady:
It was often measured by small successes. In 1943, they distributed the
first raincoats and rubber boots to their members.
In September of 1947, the Brigade purchased land for $75.00 and began
making plans to build the present fire station. The building committee
formed quickly, and fund raising always a crucial part of the job for any
volunteer fire department kicked into high gear.
Bungay Fire Brigade members pursued a number of creative fundraising
methods to pay for the new firehouse. They held more fundraisers,
collected and sold scrap metal. In 1948 they started a
lottery.
Also in 1948, fourteen members of the Brigade dug into their own
pockets to pay $160.00 for a second used fire truck.
It was not until 1967 that we were able to afford a brand new
vehicle.
We have come a long way:
Today, we’re very proud of our five truck fleet. Our Fire Brigade
members wear protective equipment. They’re knowledgeable and skilled,
trained to recognize and fight everything from backyard brush fires to
chemical and electrical fires.
The fire and medical service field is progressing rapidly. Today’s
technology is playing a large part in Bungay’s mission to save lives and
property.
At this time the Bungay Fire Brigade has 35 active members who donate
many hours of their own time each week to keep our department running
smoothly, and to ensure that help arrives when you need
it.
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