Vernon Fire Rescue

The Beginning 1950's

The first meeting of the Volunteer Fire Department (officially known as the 'Vernon Mens Club') was held on July 5, 1951 at Jake Maran's with the following men present: Harry Zaluzney, Arthur Edison, W. Scherlin, Mike Zaluzney, Winthrop James, Bernard Maran, W. Johnson, Willis Caller Jr., Richard Severance and R. Marden. The following officers were elected for a term of one year.

It was voted to limit the department to 25 men plus several "Call Men". A discussion of phone service and signals were discussed and Dick Severance was to contact the Brattleboro Fire Dept for information. It was decided for the time being to call Cersosimo (Bratt 1138) for day fires and either Dick Severance (Bratt 708-M72 ) or Ted Pratt (Bratt 619W2) for night fires. They also discussed the forthcoming fire station and Mike Zaluzney was to see Fred Kelly about concrete.

Consideration was given to have members donate fire pay to the treasury except where pay from regular work is lost. It was then voted to have the next meeting on July 16, 1951 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall.

On July 9, the fire truck was labeled and found satisfactory. Two men were broken in as operators. The Hale pump did not operate properly and was taken to Morgan's where the necessary repairs were made.

Officers

Winthrop James, President
Anthony Cersosimo, V. President
Richard Severance, Sec & Treas
Bernard Maran, 1st Capt.
Arthur Burnell, 2nd Capt.

Drivers

Jamie Wisclen
Ted Pratt
Jake Maran
Willis Caller Jr.
Harry S. Zaluzney
Winthrop James
Arthur Edison

Executive Committee

Arthur Edison
Willis Caller Jr.
Bernard Maran

1958 - Began the construction of the present building for the Fire Department. All the building materials where donated or purchased with donations to the Vernon Men's Club. All labor was performed by the members of the Vernon Men's Club.

1965 - Completion of the Vernon Fire House. The Vernon Men's Club now call the Vernon Volunteer Fire Company, moved from its old location just south into the newly completed Fire Station.

2002 - Under the leadership of Randy Wheelock, the Fire Company began offering EMS services for the town as a First Responder Unit.. Its first vehicle was a Chevrolet Blazer that was transferred from the Vernon Police Department to the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department.

Past Chief's