Thompson Fire Engine Company

06/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thompson Fire Engine Co.
Young Goat Rescued from Utility Trailer in Rain-Soaked Emergency Operation

Thompson, CT – Thompson Fire Engine Co. responded last evening at 21:11 to what can only be described as a highly unusual and emotionally charged rescue involving a young goat, a utility trailer, and what appeared to be a rapidly escalating horn-growth situation.

During a steady rain, concerned caretakers discovered the young goat firmly wedged within the steel framework of a utility trailer. Despite numerous attempts to free the animal, the situation only became more perplexing. Witnesses reported that it appeared the goat’s horns had somehow grown considerably during the ordeal, (not really but sounded good at the time 😉) making escape increasingly difficult and raising questions that local biologists have yet to answer.

Firefighters arrived on scene and immediately began assessing the situation while bravely confronting the unpredictable nature of the near-wild animal (very lovable). Facing large gnashing teeth (not really), questionable decision-making by the patient, and deteriorating weather conditions, crews carefully evaluated multiple rescue options.

Several less-destructive methods were attempted first, accompanied by extensive discussion, deliberation, and the occasional suggestion that the goat simply “back up.” Unfortunately, the patient remained firmly committed to her chosen course of action.

After exhausting all reasonable alternatives, firefighters determined that a section of steel angle iron would need to be removed from the trailer to safely free the trapped member of the family Bovidae. Using specialized tools and a carefully coordinated rescue plan, crews successfully removed the obstruction and liberated the grateful goat from her predicament. The goat was humbled and thankful but would not answer any questions on why she thought it was a good idea to stick her head in there in the first place and had few words other than the occasional meeehh and baaaaa….

Once freed, the patient immediately resumed normal goat activities and reportedly accepted hugs and affection from rescuers, caretakers, and anyone else willing to provide attention. No injuries were reported to the goat, firefighters, or public pride.

Thompson Fire Engine Co. would like to remind residents that while goats are generally intelligent and resourceful animals, they occasionally make decisions that keep emergency responders humble.

The rescue was completed successfully, the goat is doing well, and firefighters returned to service with yet another story that no one would have believed had there not been photographs.

Proudly Serving Thompson Since 1832. 🚒🐐

Milwaukee Tool

05/30/2026

Keep your phone on a charger today! What a round of wind on the way! As far as rain, only some passing showers into the afternoon, but the bigger story is going to be how gusty it gets around here! The wind ramps up through 9 to 10 AM then very gusty from 10 AM until around 4 PM this afternoon! I do expect some power outages! Also, high temperatures will only be in the 50s, so it is going to feel chilly! Much nicer tomorrow! Please be careful today as I do expect some issues with the wind being this strong and all the leaves on the trees! Boaters, tomorrow looks much safer! Let me know how you are doing today and I hope you try to have a good Saturday! 
PS-please share & thank you!

05/29/2026

🚒 "Why were there so many fire trucks? It seemed like they went by for 10 minutes!"

Someone in Danielson asked me this today, and it's honestly a great question that many people never really get an answer to.

In northeastern Connecticut (and many other areas, though the details vary slightly), nearly all fire departments are volunteer. Most ambulances and the regional paramedic service are staffed 24/7, and some departments have medical personnel available during the daytime, but when a fire is reported, the fire service itself relies heavily on volunteers.

Because of this, when a structure fire is dispatched, it is common for five or more departments to be started immediately. These departments may be asked to send as many firefighters as possible, or they may be assigned specific roles such as water supply, tanker operations, ladder operations, or a Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST), whose job is to rescue firefighters if a mayday is declared.

Now remember: these volunteers are not sitting at the firehouse waiting for a call. They're at home, at work, shopping, eating dinner, or spending time with family. When a call comes in, they respond from wherever they happen to be. You may notice personal vehicles with blue lights responding toward the station—those are firefighters heading in to staff the apparatus.

Once enough qualified personnel arrive at the station, the truck responds to the scene. During the daytime, it's not uncommon for a truck to leave with only two or three firefighters onboard, while additional personnel arrive a few minutes later and bring a second truck from the same station. The delay often comes down to where volunteers were when the call was dispatched.

While it may seem like an overwhelming number of fire trucks, every apparatus and every firefighter has a purpose. For those who have witnessed a working house fire—or seen some of the photos we share—you know it takes an army to safely handle these incidents.

At a typical structure fire, you'll find:
• Fire attack crews
• Search and rescue crews
• Ladder crews
• Pump operators
• Water supply personnel
• Fire police handling traffic
• EMS crews
• Command staff
• FAST firefighters standing by for firefighter rescue
• Mutual aid companies covering empty stations in neighboring towns

By the time all of those functions are staffed, a single house fire can easily involve 40, 50, or even more responders from multiple departments.

So the next time you see what feels like every fire truck in the county driving by, remember: they're not there because the fire is necessarily huge—they're there because that's what it takes to safely and effectively protect lives, property, and the firefighters themselves.

📸 This photo from a Thompson structure fire several years ago is a good visual example of the response described above. What appears to be a long line of fire apparatus is actually multiple departments working together on a single incident.

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Always a great day!

05/25/2026

Congratulations to EMT Miller on completion of the Firefighter 1 class final live burn practical at the Eastern Ct Fire School!
Students began their training in February and will continue through to their State of Ct written exam and State practical to become certified interior firefighters.

05/24/2026

The remembrance and respect will always continue with or without parades.
Thank you to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
🇺🇸

Update,

Parade cancelled due to weather.

Thompson VFW will have their 11am Memorial Day Ceremony at the post.

The East Thompson Cemetery will hold its traditional Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday.