Rescue/Engine 221

Enters Service For Dodgingtown

By Andrew Gorosko

Volunteer firefighters from Dodgingtown and many nearby fire companies gathered for a picnic at the Dodgingtown Firehouse amid perfect summer weather on Saturday, August 28, to mark the arrival of the organization’s new firefighting vehicle known as Rescue/Engine 221.

Rescue/Engine 221, and the fire truck that 221 replaces, were parked in front of new garage space that recently was added to the 55 Dodgingtown Road fire station. Gear from the Maxim fire truck which formerly held the Dodgingtown code number 221 is being transferred to the new town-owned Pierce vehicle for use on fire calls.

Firefighters expanded their garage space at the firehouse to accommodate the larger dimensions of modern firefighting vehicles.

Behind the firehouse, where a dining fly was positioned, picnickers enjoyed succulent roast pig, hot dogs, hamburgers, and other treats as disk jockey Cliff Husted’s sonic selections provided musical atmosphere for the event.

Dodgingtown has a complement of three fire trucks, plus one command car for its firefighting.

Rescue/Engine 221’s capabilities exceed those of the vehicle its replaces. The new fire truck cost $541,000.

The new vehicle has an electrical generator and a lighting tower. It holds enclosed seating for six firefighters. It also has an array of vehicle safety features not present in the 1988 truck it replaces. Rescue/Engine 221 carries 1,000 gallons of water.

Dodgingtown’s 20-ton Rescue/Engine 221 is similar to Engine 441, a town-owned fire truck that Sandy Hook firefighters recently put into service.

Eventually, about 16 Dodgingtown firefighters should qualify to drive the new Rescue/Engine 221.

The vehicle bears Dodingtown’s distinctive white paint scheme, which is accented with medium-blue striping, plus chrome trim.

The Dodgingtown fire company is one of five volunteer fire organizations which work in Newtown. The Dodgingtown fire district is in the western section of town.