Background

History of Department:

The Brentwood Fire Department has a long and proud history, beginning with the formation of the Brentwood Fireman's Association in 1942. The association was formed by William Bartlett Sr. and John Dodge. In 1949, under the leadership of President William Yeany, the association with a handful of volunteer firemen built, at no cost to the town, the Memorial Fire Station.

The Firemen's Association raised the money for the station by running whist parties, carnivals, field days, and lawn parties. The lumber came from the town forest located near the Congregational Church now called the Pilgrim United Church of Christ on Middle Road. The Fire Station was dedicated to World War II veterans and the upstairs hall was dedicated to a fallen WWII son, Gordon Block. In 1960 and again in 1980, the association expanded the fire station with proceeds from Friday night bingo, carnivals, musters, Sunday morning breakfasts, and yard sales.

The 1960 addition consisted of 3 additional bays, and in1980, 2 more bays were added. The Brentwood Fire Association also put together the town’s first fire engine. Prior to their work, Brentwood residents had to rely on surrounding towns for a fire engine. Those who had a fire had to pay $25.00, or more, to the towns that sent equipment. By the 1960s, it became apparent to the volunteer firemen that the town was in need of ambulance service and the Brentwood Volunteer Ambulance Association was formed. It supported the training and conducted fund raising needed to insure it could meet the needs of the town and state regulations.

The first ambulance was a Chevrolet Carry-all secured from the civil defense surplus. The next ambulance was a used Pontiac that was bought by the town for $600. The third ambulance was purchased by the Brentwood rescue Association with donations solicited from the town residents and businesses. It was a used 1979 vehicle and the fire departments first modern ambulance. The fourth ambulance was the fire departments first newly purchased ambulance. That was purchased through a donation from the Jenny Shannon estate. In the late 1990's the ambulance association was dissolved and became one with the Firemen's Association and the department became the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department. Today, ambulance services are charged on an ability-to-pay basis and the proceeds are used to fund training, supplies, labor and the replacement of ambulances as needed.

In the beginning, Brentwood’s population was less than 800 residents and all the firemen lived in and, for the most part, worked in Brentwood. The Firemen's Association and Fire Department had a total membership of about 30 and the only requirement was a willingness to help your neighbor when you were called. Today, with the population in excess of 4400 the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department is a Combination Call/Paid Department. The department membership consists of 4 full-time firefighter/EMTs, fire chief, part-time fire inspector and 28 paid call (part-time) firefighters and EMTs. These dedicated men and women staff 2 ambulances, 3 engines, 1 heavy rescue and a forestry responding to over 1000 calls for service each year.