The Griswold Fire Department origin story.

Following a series of fires, Griswold residents recognized the need for additional protection beyond what was available in the borough of Jewett City. A group of dedicated neighbors came together to establish a second fire company for the town.

Frank Wayland Stetson Sr., Andrew Bonchuck, Charles Campbell, Raymond Campbell, Donald Roode Sr., Joseph Zatorski, George Norman, John Osga Sr., William Whitehead, and Russell Barber officially founded the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department.

The department purchased a GMC cab and chassis for $1,647. Members fabricated a fire-utility body and mounted a pump, creating GVFD’s first fire engine. Engine J-21 was housed at the original station, now Pachaug Town Hall beside today’s firehouse.

After serving the community for more than three decades, Engine J-21 was retired from emergency service. The department continued growing on the foundation created by its first members.

GVFD continues its founders’ legacy through emergency response, training, public education, and service to Griswold and surrounding communities.