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

08/23/2026

Come ride and help support continuing training and education for your Salem Volunteer Fire Company, Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company and mutual aid firefighters that use our training facility.

Congratulations to our very own John Cunningham on 50 years, here's to 50 more.. 🎉 🎊 🍾 🥂
08/06/2026

Congratulations to our very own John Cunningham on 50 years, here's to 50 more.. 🎉 🎊 🍾 🥂

Last night New London County Fire Chiefs Assoc. held our monthly meeting at Yantic Fire Engine Company #1. The meeting was well attended with a full room of members and an awesome chicken dinner cooked by Yantics Bravest!

Also, 50 year members were recognized and a photo was taken of those 50 year members who were present at the dinner.

Chicken still available. Come on down, grill is still fired up and flowing.
08/01/2026

Chicken still available. Come on down, grill is still fired up and flowing.

The grill is hot, crews are working, chicken is going on, we are almost ready for you guys to pick up your dinners! OPEN...
08/01/2026

The grill is hot, crews are working, chicken is going on, we are almost ready for you guys to pick up your dinners! OPEN 4-7 OR UNTIL SOLD OUT. ❤️🤍💙

Today is the day you don't have to cook! Let's us take care of it for you. We are opening the coop from 4p-7p.
08/01/2026

Today is the day you don't have to cook! Let's us take care of it for you. We are opening the coop from 4p-7p.

Just over a week away!
07/24/2026

Just over a week away!

07/15/2026
🚒 🔥 ❤️🤍💙
06/28/2026

🚒 🔥 ❤️🤍💙

06/19/2026

Props to the dispatcher for being hilarious. 🍦 👏

We extend our sincere appreciation to Paul at Hartford Health Care for providing essential supplies to Region 4 Eastern ...
06/18/2026

We extend our sincere appreciation to Paul at Hartford Health Care for providing essential supplies to Region 4 Eastern CT EMS Council, which will be distributed among three regional organizations for strategic storage, enabling rapid deployment in the event of a Mass Casualty Incident. Further details on the request process will be forthcoming.

The Connecticut Healthcare Coalition has completed statewide EMS supply distribution in partnership with all five regional councils. In Region 4, the Eastern Connecticut Emergency Medical Services Council (ECEMSC) coordinated deployment of critical MCI resources, including triage tags, SMART triage....

Address

429 Old Colchester Road
Salem, CT
06420

Telephone

(860) 859-1743

Website

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.

Shortcuts

Share

Category