The Windsor Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) is composed of four fire companies numbered 1 through 5 (formerly Windsor, Wilson, Poquonock, Rainbow and Hayden Station.) In the late 1980's the Town of Windsor realized it needed to make changes to ensure the longevity of the volunteer fire companies and hired a consultant to review the town. One of the major conclusions by the consultant was the need to unify the four fire companies into one fire department. Many meetings were held with representatives from each fire company and finally, The WVFD was established by Town charter at the Town Council meeting on July 17, 1991.
Since that date there has been a serious commitment to upgrading the equipment and facilities of the WVFD. A town wide referendum graciously approved by the citizens of Windsor funded much of our capitol purchases. New equipment purchased have included new pumpers, a ladder truck, a tower ladder, rescues and utility vehicles. In addition, the Wilson Fire Company has moved into new quarters on Pine Lane, the Poquonock firehouse was completely renovated and a substation was added on Rainbow Road (funded by Culbro Industries) to support the industry in that area, the Hayden Station fire station was completely rebuilt and the Public Safety complex is currently being reviewed to be renovated.
One of the key areas of the transition was the creation of a Chief of the department. Our first Chief was Greg Malloy in 1991. Greg was a Captain of the Hayden Station Fire Company at the time he was made Chief and had the unenviable job of starting the process of combining four very independent fire companies into one department. During this period committees were established to start town wide training, SOP's, apparatus needs, etc. Standard Operating Procedures were finalized in 1995. Dale Smith became Chief in 1996. Dale had held the rank of Chief of the Poquonock Fire Company and at the time of his appointment to Chief he was the Assistant Chief of the Poquonock Fire Company. During this period the consolidation effort continued. Committees were strengthened, firehouses and vehicles completed and the "new" identity of the fire department evolved. William Lewis is our current chief. Bill also has a long history with the fire department, serving as chief of the Wilson Fire Company for several years. During Bill's tenure several changes have occurred to better the WVFD.
The first of which was the creation of two assistant chiefs that will manage two fire companies each. The assistant chiefs also will have administrative duties as assigned by the Chief.
Multiple committees have been created to evolve the WVFD. Many of these committees have produced results already!
Many milestones have been accomplished in several years since consolidation and with assistance from members of all four stations. Chief Bianchi whom took over Chief Lewis's spot after Chief Lewis retired 12/31/23. Chief Bianchi continues to use the committee method of creating solutions for the future efforts of the WVFD.
We have combined into one department but each of these companies have a rich past with many memories.