CVFD launches fundraising campaign for new fire trucks

CVFD launches fundraising campaign for new fire trucks

Cornwall Volunteer Fire Dept. is raising money to upgrade two trucks. A rescue pumper, seen at left, will replace the 1999 Navistar, at right.

Provded

CORNWALL — After nearly three decades of responding to emergencies, two of Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department’s trucks are in need of replacement.

With an expected total cost of up to $1.6 million, CVFD launched a fundraising effort to meet the need.

The goal is to raise $600,000 by December 2025, which will be added to the roughly $1 million of town funding and department reserves that will go toward the new trucks.

The old trucks, which have been in service for a combined 50 years, remain actively involved in emergency response efforts. The 1999 Navistar “Engine 3-0” operates out of the Cornwall Bridge firehouse and is used for fire attack, water supply and motor vehicle accidents with an AED on board. The 2001 International “Rescue 1” does not have a water pump, but carries life-saving tools and gear for responding to motor vehicle accidents, water/ice rescues and other incidents.

A press release from CVFD’s Fire Trucks Fundraising Campaign Honorary Committee stated, “They are technologically out of date – firefighting science and accident scene response needs have changed over the last 25+ years. New trucks will allow us to better respond to incidents and will be safer for our volunteer firefighters and support team.”

The two desired trucks are a rescue pumper, similar to “Engine 6” currently used in Falls Village, and a mini-pumper, similar to “Squad 3” used in Sharon.

A mini-pumper, seen at left, will replace the 2001 International truck, at right.Provided

Committee member Ian Ridgway explained that the rescue pumper “will give us the ability to seat six firefighters. This style truck also will give us much more compartment space than our current engines.” Of the mini-pumper, he stated, “These smaller trucks still have a large pump on them and can move lots of water, but they are more maneuverable and easier to maintain.”

The committee noted, “Both are state-of-the art apparatus that will meet our needs for the next 25 years.”

CVFD anticipates about two years between the order date and the arrival date for the new trucks.

Tax-deductible donations can be made online at cornwallfire.org or by check, mailed to P.O. Box 180, West Cornwall, Conn., 06796. For more info, email president@cornwallfire.org

CVFD President Dick Sears noted, “The high point of this rapid campaign will be our Open House,” which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the West Cornwall firehouse.

The Department will also have a booth at the Cornwall Agricultural Fair at the Village Green Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Latest News

Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
School spirit on the rise at Housy

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.

Hunter Conklin and Danny Lesch

As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Student initiatives shake up Homecoming
The poster promoting the Homecoming dance boasted the event would feature dancing, games and a bonfire. Reactions to the planned move outside were mixed, with some students excited about the changes and others expressing a desire for tradition.
Provided

The weekend of Homecoming at HVRHS was packed with events including rival games under the lights, senior night, and a new take on Homecoming that moves it outside — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the students of Housatonic.

Orchestrating was no easy feat, especially considering much of the work was left up to the students.

Keep ReadingShow less