Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company

Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company We service our community and our mutual aid neighbors in the protection of life and property The first fire department was located on the west side of town.

In February 1956 a group of citizens banded together to form a second fire department in the Town of Salem. It was felt by the residents on the eastern side of town that there was a need for a second fire department due to the length of time it takes to get from one side of town to the other in the case of a fire or other emergency. On February 20, 1956 the GARDNER LAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY was

formed and held their first organizational meeting in Congdon’s garage. At that moment in time they had neither a fire truck or a place to house a fire truck. Nevertheless at that very first meeting they elected a Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief, Secretary and Treasurer. They also voted on the official name of the company, and to purchase a fire truck for $1,500.00. That same evening they appointed a building committee to make plans to build a firehouse to house this first fire truck. Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Snarski donated the land on which the firehouse was to be built and with $2,000.00 from the town they were on their way to purchasing the first fire truck and breaking ground for the firehouse. In March of 1956 ground was broken for the fire house, and with much volunteer work by the founding fathers on January 3, 1957, 11 months after the organizational meeting, the first company meeting was held in the new firehouse. The fire house consisted to two apparatus bays and a large recreation hall. Dances were held each week in the new hall and proceeds were used to pay off the mortgage that had been taken out for the building. The $10,000.00 mortgage was paid off in four years and two months. In November 1960, the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company was debt free and in full operation. In December 1960 the fire company purchased an ambulance, and in 1961 a tanker holding 1500 gallons of water was added to the department. The founders of the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company were a group of dedicated and determined individuals who never lost sight of the reason for their existence; the protection and preservations of the life and property of the citizens of Salem. It is the dedication and determination of our founding fathers that has guided us through the last half century of existence and it is that same dedication and determination that will serve us into the future

This past weekend we had the pleasure of being in attendance for the 2nd annual touch a truck event hosted by the Town o...
06/09/2026

This past weekend we had the pleasure of being in attendance for the 2nd annual touch a truck event hosted by the Town of Salem Recreation. As with any event Agnes killed it! Thanks for putting on such a great community event, you're the best. We appreciate all that stopped by to chat us up. Shout out to all the volunteers and employees that took time out of their Saturday to be a part of this as well. Post pics if you took any! 🚒🚑🚓 see ya at the summer concert June 25th at 6pm!

Today!
06/06/2026

Today!

Salem community:We are proud and excited to announce that we are hosting a CPR and AED American Heart Association curric...
06/02/2026

Salem community:

We are proud and excited to announce that we are hosting a CPR and AED American Heart Association curriculum class on June 16th, made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Willis Sands Memorial Fund

This class is an excellent opportunity for community members to learn lifesaving skills that can make a critical difference during an emergency. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in CPR and AED use, helping them gain the confidence and knowledge needed to respond when every second counts.

Space is limited, so be sure to register early. We look forward to seeing you on June 16th!

Salem Residents only please. We will be hosting more opportunities in the future to more areas.

Some summer safety tips from the CT Emergency Medical Services for Children
05/30/2026

Some summer safety tips from the CT Emergency Medical Services for Children

05/04/2026
What our friends at Care & Share of East Lyme are currently looking for. And food as always. Help if you can.
04/23/2026

What our friends at Care & Share of East Lyme are currently looking for. And food as always. Help if you can.

As the weather changes to spring, so does our need for light coats and raincoats. Care and Share is looking for new, or like new, spring coats for our clients. Donations of light coats and raincoats can be donated every Saturday from 11 to 1 pm at 12 Roxbury road in Niantic. If you have large quantities of coats, please call the pantry hotline at 860 739 8502 to schedule a drop off time.
As many parents know, kids seem to go thru socks like water in the summer. We would also appreciate donations of new socks on Saturdays. We thank you, our Community, for all your support.

Friday night marked a proud milestone as the department celebrated its 70th Anniversary Banquet, hosted by our dedicated...
04/19/2026

Friday night marked a proud milestone as the department celebrated its 70th Anniversary Banquet, hosted by our dedicated first responders. The evening brought together members, families, and supporters for a night of dinner, awards, and well-earned celebration.

A special thank you goes out to the staff at the Colchester Polish Club for their outstanding food and exceptional service, which helped make the night truly memorable.

Here’s to honoring our past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to the next 70 years of service and tradition.

*photos by Dr. Joe Danao ❤️🤍💙

Every minute of every day, there is a voice ready to answer when you call no matter the situation. A well-trained, stead...
04/17/2026

Every minute of every day, there is a voice ready to answer when you call no matter the situation. A well-trained, steady voice that brings order to chaos, gathers critical information, and sets lifesaving responses in motion. Whether it’s someone’s worst day or simply a misdial, the men and women of emergency services dispatch centers are that voice. But they do more than answer phones, they provide reassurance and direction.

Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. They carry the weight of every call for help, handling each one with professionalism, focus, and compassion.

They are the unseen first first responders, the calm before the sirens, the steady presence behind every response. While others are racing to the scene, dispatchers are already working, coordinating resources, prioritizing emergencies, and staying on the line with those in need, often guiding them through critical, life-saving steps until help arrives.

They hear the fear, the urgency, the heartbreak and still remain composed, providing strength when it’s needed most. They are the lifeline between the public and those sworn to protect them, ensuring no call for help goes unanswered and no one feels alone in their moment of need.

We thank our brothers and sisters of Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications, Inc. LIFE STAR Montville Dispatch, Valley Shore Emergency Communications TN dispatch

This evening members of   attended the first concert brought to you by the Town of Salem Recreation Concert Series. This...
04/17/2026

This evening members of attended the first concert brought to you by the Town of Salem Recreation Concert Series. This evening was the amazing Wicked Peach. Next concert July 30th featuring Dont Tell Lisa. Bring your blankets and chairs, as always we will see you there!

Address

429 Old Colchester Road
Salem, CT
06420

Telephone

(860) 859-1743

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share