Early fire protection in Groton began long before the town formally organized a fire department. The first fire engine, the Torrent, was built in 1802 by Loammi Baldwin. Volunteer groups such as the Groton Fire Club (1815), the Union Fire Company (1830), and the Col. Needham Engine Company in South Groton (1870) handled fire protection until the town officially accepted responsibility.
On March 1, 1875, the town voted to establish the Groton Fire Department under Chapter XXIV, Sections 23–31 of the General Statutes. This action replaced the private fire organizations. Within a month, the Lawrence Engine Company was formed, followed later by the Paugus Volunteer Fire Company. The first Board of Engineers—three members—was appointed in April, with George Sumner Graves as chief engineer.
At a town meeting on May 3, 1875, the town voted that engineers could order the Fire Company to assist with woodland fires. Eventually, the Fire Chief became responsible for all building fires, while another engineer, appointed as forest warden, directed grass and wood fires. Since 1945, the Fire Chief has also served as forest warden, consolidating authority.
Firefighters were originally paid ten dollars per year and $2.50 per day for woodland fires. By 1960, compensation had increased to $90 per year for building fires and $1 per hour for grass and woods fires.
The statutes governing the department allowed the selectmen to appoint up to twelve engineers annually. These engineers elected a chief, clerk, and other officers, and oversaw all fire department property. They could make repairs up to $100 per year unless the town approved more. They also regulated fire hazards such as chimneys, ovens, and stoves.
Although the laws were old, Groton’s fire department remained modern and effective. Before town water was available, reservoirs were built throughout the village to supply water for firefighting. The earliest reservoirs, built in 1872, held 4,000 gallons each and were located near the three meetinghouses, the Town Hall, and the High School. Additional cisterns were later added in other parts of town.
After South Groton became the town of Ayer, Groton’s fire coverage area remained unchanged. In 1886, West Groton organized the Squannacook Engine Company and acquired its own engine.
Competition between the Lawrence and Paugus companies in Groton Center led to friction, and in 1898 both were disbanded. A new company, the Groton Engine and Hose Company, was formed and remains active. This reorganization coincided with the installation of the Groton Water Company’s hydrant system. The first use of the new water system was at a fire at the Groton School stables on February 9, 1899.
In earlier years, slow transportation and limited communication often meant buildings were lost before help arrived. A notable example was the burning of the Jewett place on March 21, 1903, when the alarm reached town too late to save the building.
By 1905, fire alarms were relayed through the central telephone office, which contacted Dr. Bristol, who rang the Congregational Church bell. Before the installation of a dedicated fire alarm whistle in 1912, church bells were used, sometimes causing confusion with church services.
The compressed-air whistle installed on the Town Hall in 1912 remained in use for decades. When telephones switched to a dial system in 1941, a man was required to be on duty at the fire station to operate the alarm. West Groton relied on the Hollingsworth & Vose mill whistle until a new whistle was installed at the Tarbell School.
Many antique fire engines once used in Groton are now museum pieces. The Torrent, built in 1802, is owned by the Groton Historical Society. The Lawrence pumper, built by Hunneman, is in the collection of Franklin Reed of South Weymouth. The Paugus engine, originally the Massabesic No. 4 of Manchester, NH, has been lost. The Col. Needham engine, built in 1870, was restored and displayed in the 1955 Tercentenary parade.
Motorization began in 1918 with the purchase of a Republic truck equipped with a chemical tank, ladder, and extinguishers. Over time, all horse-drawn equipment was replaced.
In 1940, the Odd Fellows Hall was purchased and converted into a fire station. An addition was built in 1954. West Groton built a new fire station in 1958. The Mountain Lake/Lost Lake area formed a volunteer company in 1959 with its own engine and alarm system
Fire chiefs since 1875 have included Frederick A. Sherwin, Frank M. Blood, James B. Harrington, Michael F. McGowan, M. Joseph Cleary, and since 1945, Robert M. May. Chief Cleary served the department for fifty years.
The department has also handled rescues, drownings, and other emergencies. Equipment includes grappling irons, a resuscitator, and a rescue truck. In 1950, the company purchased an ambulance.
A short-wave radio system installed in 1946 improved communication with neighboring towns. It proved invaluable during major fires, including the Hollingsworth & Vose fire in West Groton.
Groton’s worst forest fire occurred in 1941, burning from Dunstable to Forge Village. Another major fire occurred in 1950 near the railroad toward Pepperell. A fire tower was built on Gibbet Hill soon after 1941 and replaced in 1957.
Firemen’s musters, picnics, and dances were once popular social events. The annual Firemen’s Ball, held in January, was a major town event until it declined after World War I.
In recent decades, the department has modernized its buildings, equipment, and training. The fire chief’s duties now include extensive fire prevention work, inspections, and issuing permits for oil burners, gas installations, gasoline storage, blasting, and outdoor fires. Chief May also supervises fire drills in all schools and institutions.
Because of the department’s efficiency and Chief May’s leadership, Groton enjoys a low fire loss and the lowest possible insurance rate for a town without full-time firefighters.
