Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects more than 18,400 people living in the 22.6 square mile area that makes up the Town of Avon, Connecticut. The Department’s mission is to provide fire suppression and prevention, life safety and rescue support, as well as other emergency community support to the citizens of the Town of Avon. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the
Avon Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on the selflessness and dedication of its 159 members – 60 Firefighters, 13 Fire Police, 34 Veteran Members, 18 Explorers, and 34 Lifetime Members, all of whom play a vital role in the safety of Avon. The Department operates six companies and 15 pieces of apparatus, including a brush truck, ladder truck, tanker, rescue vehicle, boat, and pumpers. Four stations are located throughout Town – Company 1 on Darling Drive, Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, Company 3 on West Avon Road, and Company 4 on Huckleberry Hill Road. The Avon Volunteer Fire Department responds to well over 500 calls each year – everything from fires to hazardous materials incidents to motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies. Beyond responding to calls, receiving training, and attending meetings, AVFD volunteers are out in the community giving back in other ways. Members of the Department are actively involved with various education, fire prevention, and charitable programs throughout the community. The AVFD is funded primarily through the Town of Avon’s operating budget. In addition, the Department conducts an annual raffle. In 2009, raffle proceeds were used to purchase a Duty Officer vehicle. Raffle proceeds also help provide volunteer recognition events for the membership as well as enable the purchase of equipment, such as Firefighter Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), or “gear” that is not fully funded by the municipal budget. It costs nearly $3,000 to outfit a firefighter in a bunker coat, pants, helmet, boots, and hood. When repairs can be made to existing gear, the AVFD makes them. However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has set a standard that no gear be over 10 years old, so purchasing new equipment is mandatory. Over the past 67 years, almost 700 Avon residents have donated their time with the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Department is constantly looking for dedicated volunteers to help with fire fighting, rescue, and administration. To learn more, please call (860) 677-2644 or stop by the Company 1 firehouse located at 25 Darling Drive any Monday evening after 7:00.
