Griswold Volunteer Fire Department

09/04/2026

This past Tuesday night, members of the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department spent the evening working on chainsaw preventative maintenance, inspection, and readiness.

Josh led members through our chainsaw PM and maintenance checklist, reviewing the importance of properly inspecting, maintaining, and preparing our equipment so it is ready when we need it. Training nights like this are a great opportunity for our newer members to learn not only how our equipment is used, but also the work that goes into keeping it safe, reliable, and response-ready.

08/23/2026

SCHOOL IS BACK THIS WEEK!

With the new school year getting underway this week, the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind everyone that our roads will once again be a little busier during the morning and afternoon hours.

School buses will be back on their routes, students will be waiting at bus stops, and children will be walking to and from school throughout our community.

As everyone settles back into the school-year routine, please keep an extra eye out and give our students, families, and school buses the time and space they need to get where they're going safely.

We wish all of Griswold's students, teachers, staff, and families a safe and successful school year!

Thank you, as always, to our community for your continued support and for working together with us to help keep Griswold safe.

— Griswold Volunteer Fire Department

05/06/2026

As Memorial Day approaches, the members of the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend our deepest gratitude and respect to all of the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving our country.

This time of year serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by those who answered the call to serve. Sacrifice is not only measured by the ultimate loss. The moment someone raises their right hand and commits themselves to serving our nation, sacrifices begin. Time away from family, missed holidays, sleepless nights, physical and emotional burdens, and the willingness to place others before themselves are sacrifices that deserve recognition and respect.

We also want to recognize and thank the families who stand beside our veterans and service members every step of the way. Behind every person who serves is a support system making sacrifices of their own. Their strength, patience, love, and understanding help make that service possible.

From all of us at the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department, thank you to all veterans and military families for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

05/06/2026

The officers and members of the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department would like to take a moment to extend our sincere appreciation to Firefighter Matt McCoy and his wife, Mckenna Drake.

Over the past couple of years, Matt has been kind enough to bring in fresh baked goods for our members, generously provided by Mckenna through her bakery business. These thoughtful donations never go unnoticed. Whether it is during training nights or after a long call, the food is always enjoyed and truly helps boost morale around the firehouse.

Mckenna’s baked goods are consistently fresh, delicious, and clearly made with care. We are incredibly grateful for her continued support of our department and for the smiles she brings to our members with every delivery.

If you have a chance, we encourage our community to check out and support her business. You can find her here:
https://www.facebook.com/61575020917386/

Small businesses like hers make a big impact, and we are proud to recognize the generosity she has shown to our department.

Thank you again, Mckenna and Matt, for your continued support!

My name is McKenna Drake, DBA Loaves of Flavor. I am a licensed and certified sourdough cottage baker in Griswold, CT. I make bread loaves, cookies, cinnamon rolls and more. CFO # 2439. Click starter order to be direct to my website. Thank you!

04/25/2026

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK April 19-25 2026

This week, we recognize National Volunteer Week, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge what it truly means to be a volunteer.

Volunteerism isn’t about recognition. It’s about showing up. It’s answering the call at all hours, putting others before yourself, and doing the work that needs to be done without expecting anything in return.

Here at the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department, that commitment is on display every single day. Our members balance family, careers, and personal responsibilities, yet still make the time to train, respond, and serve this community when it matters most. That level of dedication is something not everyone can understand, but it’s something we are incredibly proud of.

To our members: thank you for your time, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to this department and this community.

And to all volunteers, in every role, thank you for stepping up and making a difference where it counts. Communities don’t function without people like you.

We appreciate you, not just this week, but every day.

03/29/2026

🔥 Brush Fire Season Is Approaching – Let’s Work Together to Stay Safe 🔥

As we transition into spring, conditions are becoming more favorable for brush fires. Dry vegetation, changing weather, and wind can quickly turn a small burn into a fast-moving fire.

Last year, our area experienced a particularly challenging brush fire season, and current forecasts suggest we may face similar conditions again this year.

We ask all residents to take a few simple but critical precautions:

• Check weather conditions before burning – Avoid burning on dry or windy days
• Obtain proper permits – Ensure all outdoor burning is legal and approved
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Have water and tools readily available to control your burn
• Fully extinguish all fires before leaving the area

🚨 If you see excessive smoke or fire, call 911 immediately.
Early notification allows responders to get on scene as quickly as possible—when seconds truly matter.

🚒 If you encounter emergency personnel operating on roadways:
Please slow down, stay alert, and move over whenever possible. Our members are out there working to protect you, your property, and our community.

Brush fire prevention is a shared responsibility. With your help, we can reduce the risk and keep our community safe.

Thank you for your continued support.

03/14/2026

The Connecticut DEEP is reporting today's Forest Fire Danger is HIGH.

HIGH - All areas

02/22/2026

🚨 Griswold Fire Department – Community Notice 🚨

The State of Connecticut has declared a State of Emergency in advance of the winter storm expected to impact our area today and tonight. Due to worsening conditions, commercial vehicle travel will be banned beginning at 5:00 PM.

Forecasts for Griswold indicate accumulating snowfall, blowing and drifting snow, and poor visibility — especially this evening and overnight. Conditions can change quickly once the snow begins falling.

We are not trying to alarm anyone, but we do want residents to be informed and prepared.

We strongly encourage everyone to stay home if you can and only travel if absolutely necessary. Fewer vehicles on the road allows plow operators and emergency services to operate safely and respond to calls more efficiently.

A few helpful reminders:

• Fully charge phones and essential devices
• Move vehicles off the roadway if possible
• Check on elderly neighbors or family members
• Keep furnace and dryer vents clear of snow buildup
• If using a generator, keep it outside and well away from windows and doors

Please understand that during heavy snowfall, response times may be slower than usual due to road conditions. We will always respond, but safe travel takes time in severe weather.

As always, call 911 for emergencies only.

Our crews, along with Public Works and other town services, will be out working throughout the storm. We appreciate everyone doing their part to stay safe and keep the roads clear.

We will share updates if conditions significantly change.

Stay safe and stay warm, Griswold.

01/29/2026

12/24/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department 🎄

From the Officers and Members of the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department, we would like to wish our entire community a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. This time of year is all about family, friends, traditions, and making memories—and we are incredibly grateful to serve such a supportive and caring town.

As you celebrate with loved ones, please remember to keep safety in mind. Use caution with candles, holiday lights, space heaters, and cooking, and never leave flames or food unattended. A few simple precautions can help keep the holidays joyful and safe for everyone.

We would also like to take a moment to congratulate our newly appointed officers and leadership members. Please join us in congratulating for the upcoming 2026 year:

• 1st Lieutenant – Daniel Cook
• 2nd Lieutenant – Kyle Gileau
• 3rd Lieutenant – Wilmer Calderon
• EMS Team Lead – Chris Herman
• Engineer – Josh Norris
• Assistant Engineer – Dave Sorensen
• Assistant Engineer – Frank Brown (not in picture)

We thank each of you for stepping up to serve and for your continued dedication to our department and community.

Whether you’re spending the day surrounded by family, traveling, or enjoying a quiet Christmas at home, know that your volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are always here if you need us.

From our firehouse family to yours, we wish you peace, warmth, happiness, and a very Merry Christmas. ❤️🚒🎅