Griswold Volunteer Fire Department

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. ❤️🚒🎅

12/21/2025

🎅🚒 SANTA HAS ARRIVED IN GRISWOLD! 🚒🎅

Good morning, Griswold! The wait is over — Santa is here! Final preparations are complete, the trucks are shining, and we’ll be rolling out any minute now to spread holiday cheer throughout our town.

Santa has already been outside the Griswold Fire Department, waving to all the smiling faces driving by, and he can’t wait to see even more of you along today’s route. Keep an eye out, listen for the sirens, and be ready to wave as we pass through your neighborhood!

From our fire department family to yours, we wish you a joyful, safe, and blessed holiday season filled with laughter, warmth, and togetherness. ❤️

🎄 Please remember to review the safety reminders from our previous posts so everyone can enjoy a fun and safe Santa Run.

Thank you, Griswold, for your continued support — let’s make today magical! ✨

12/04/2025

🎅✨ Santa Claus is Coming Back to Griswold! 🎅✨
The Griswold Volunteer Fire Department is excited to announce that we will once again be teaming up with Santa to bring holiday cheer to our community! 🚒🎄

Mark your calendars—Sunday, December 21st, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM!
Santa will be riding through town on one of our fire trucks, spreading joy across Griswold until around 4:00 PM.

If you know the usual time Santa visits your street, feel free to share it in the comments so neighbors can plan ahead and catch a glimpse of Santa and his helpers. We always look forward to seeing all the smiling faces! 🎁✨

A Few Friendly Reminders:
🔴 Please wait until the fire truck comes to a COMPLETE STOP before approaching. There is always a chance the truck may need to respond to an emergency.
🔴 The roads will remain open during Santa’s route—please use caution near the road and stay alert for other vehicles.

Let’s make this another safe, joyful, and magical Griswold tradition.

We can’t wait to see you! 🎅❤️

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department 🍁

As we gather with friends, families, and loved ones today, all of us at the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department want to take a moment to reflect on what we’re truly grateful for.

We are grateful for our incredibly supportive community --- The people who stand behind us, encourage us, and place their trust in us every day. Your kindness, your appreciation, and your commitment to us and this town make our service meaningful.

We are also grateful for the strong sense of family that exists both within our department and throughout Griswold. Whether on calls, during training, or out in the community, that bond is what keeps us moving forward together.

From our firehouse family to all of you and your families, we wish you a safe, warm, and memorable Thanksgiving.

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving, Griswold! Stay safe, and thank you for being the heart of our community. 🧡

11/12/2025

Back to Basics — Brotherhood in the Fire Service

On Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department had the privilege of joining forces with our brothers and sisters from Jewett City, Lisbon, Canterbury, and Voluntown Fire Departments for a live burn exercise hosted by Back To Basics Fire Training at the Eastern Connecticut Fire School in Willimantic.

The crisp autumn air carried the sound of diesel engines rumbling, radios crackling, and pumps roaring to life — a familiar symphony to those who answer the call. As smoke rolled from the structure and the glow of the flames reflected off the helmets of those on scene, we were reminded of the very essence of what we do — facing the heat, the unknown, and the challenge together.

Inside the building, teams rotated through evolutions of search & rescue, and fire attack — each movement deliberate, each lesson earned through sweat and teamwork. Outside, our cadets, probationary members, and exterior crews worked tirelessly, managing lines, tools, and water supply, proving that every role in the fireground orchestra matters.

It was more than just training — it was a moment of humility, reflection, and pride. A reminder that whether on a quiet Tuesday evening or at three in the morning, we stand united by purpose, guided by duty, and bound by the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and continues to keep the spirit of training alive.

11/11/2025

VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11TH, 2025

Today, the members of the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department proudly honor and thank all who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication have safeguarded the freedoms we cherish every day.

We are especially grateful to the veterans within our own ranks, past and present, who continue to serve our community with the same honor and integrity they demonstrated in uniform. Your commitment to service—both abroad and at home—sets the example we all strive to follow.

From all of us at GVFD, thank you to our veterans. We salute you today and every day. 🇺🇸🔥

11/10/2025

This past Sunday, several members of the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department came together for an impromptu pump training session. For some, it was a valuable opportunity to refresh and fine-tune skills that haven’t been used in a while, a reminder that consistent practice keeps us ready for anything.

We want to sincerely thank the Geer family for generously allowing us to use a portion of their property for this training exercise. Community partnerships like this make a huge difference and help us maintain the readiness and effectiveness of our department.

We’re proud of the dedication shown by our members who took time out of their quiet Sunday to train and strengthen their operational skills. It’s this kind of commitment that keeps our community safe.

10/10/2025

Griswold Volunteer Fire Department Training Night – October 7th

On Tuesday, October 7th, members of the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department joined forces with the Jewett City Fire Department for a two-part joint training session.

The first portion focused on tanker and engine operations, while the second gave members from both departments hands-on experience with initial setup procedures when arriving at a fire scene. Several new truck operators also took part, gaining valuable time behind the wheel and learning essential operational skills.

Training is a vital part of every fire department. When we arrive on scene, there’s a lot to assess and manage and consistent training allows our members to naturally and safely flow through setup operations while maintaining situational awareness and readiness for the next step.

We’d like to thank everyone involved for their time, dedication, and teamwork — not only during these training nights but also throughout our day-to-day operations and emergency responses. Your commitment makes all the difference.