The White Hills Voluntary Fire Company Number 5 holds a significant place in the history of Shelton, Connecticut, as one of the integral components of the city’s firefighting efforts. Established as part of the City of Shelton’s all-volunteer fire department, White Hills Voluntary Fire Company Number 5, along with three other fire companies, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and protection of the community.
In the early 1970s, the need for a new fire station for White Hills Voluntary Fire Company Number 5 became apparent. Condemnation proceedings were initiated for the lot located at 2 School Street, marking the first steps towards the construction of a modern facility to better serve the community’s firefighting needs.
In 1973, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new firehouse, symbolizing the commencement of a project aimed at enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of the fire company. The dedication and commitment of the volunteers were evident as they worked tirelessly to bring the vision of a new fire station to fruition.
By 1976, the construction of the new fire station at 2 School Street was completed, and the facility was officially placed into service. This marked a significant milestone for White Hills Voluntary Fire Company Number 5, providing them with a state-of-the-art base of operations from which to respond to emergencies and serve the community.
As technology continued to evolve, so did the capabilities of the fire company. In 1977, the installation of a Citizens Band (CB) radio and antenna at the firehouse enabled members to access further information on fires they were responding to, facilitating communication and coordination during emergency situations.
Fast forward to today, and the firehouse at 2 School Street remains the proud home of White Hills Voluntary Fire Company Number 5. Equipped with six apparatus, a boat, and a command trailer for larger incidents, the facility stands as a testament to the dedication and commitment of its volunteer members to protecting the lives and property of Shelton’s residents.
Through decades of service, White Hills Voluntary Fire Company Number 5 continues to uphold its mission of safeguarding the community, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and selflessness that defines the firefighting profession.
Apparatus
Engine 52
Engine 52 is a 2004 Pierce Enforcer and is:
- First Out Apparatus for all First Due Fires, Alarms, MVAs, CO, and Gas calls
- First Out Apparatus for all 2nd Due MVAs and Car Fires
- 2nd Out Apparatus for all 2nd and 3rd due Fires, Alarms, CO, and Gas calls
Equipment and specs include:
- 1500 GPM Pump
- 750 gallons of water
- 20 gallons of Class A Foam
- 20 gallons of Class B Foam
- 6-person cab
- Full compliment of Holmatro Battery Extrication Tools
- Paratech Rescue Struts
- Lifting Airbags
- Cribbing
- Various Hand Tools and Saws
- EMS Equipment
Ladder 51
Ladder 51 is a 2014 KME Severe Service/Predator and is:
- First Out Apparatus for all 2nd and 3rd Due Fires, Alarms, CO, Gas, Technical Rescues Calls
- First Out Apparatus for all Mutual RIT and Station Coverage Assignments
- 2nd Out Apparatus for all First Due Fires, Alarms, CO, and Gas calls
It was also recognized as the State of Connecticut Firefighters Convention “Best Appearing Aerial” 2015 and 2018
Equipment and specs include:
- 79ft Aerial Device
- 2000 GPM Pump
- 500g of water
- 1000ft of LDH
- 6-person cab
- Compliment of Saws
- Various Hand Tools
- Rope Rescue Equipment
- AED/EMS Equipment
Tanker 59
- Automatic Response to all Non-Hydranted areas throughout Shelton
- Mutual Aid Requests to Non-Hydranted Areas in surrounding towns
- 2nd Out Apparatus for all Brush and Outside Fires
Equipment and specs include:
- 1000 GPM Pump
- 3000g of water
- 1000g Portable Water Pool
- 2-person cab
Truck 54
Truck 54 is 1996 Ford F Super Duty/Gowans-Knight and is:
- First Out Apparatus to all Brush Fires
Equipment and specs include:
- 150g of Water
- 30g of Foam
- 3-person cab
- Forestry Hose
- Various Hand Tools Chainsaws
Truck 55
Truck 55 is a 2006 Ford F550/Gowans-Knight and is:
- First Out Apparatus for all Water Rescues, Marine Rescues, Wilderness Calls, and Public Service Calls
- 2nd Out Apparatus for all MVAs and Specialty Calls
Equipment and specs include:
- 5-person cab
- Full Compliment of Hurst Hydraulic Tools
- Cribbing
- Hand Tools
- On-board Light Tower
- Portable Generators
- EMS Equipment
- Capability to Tow Department Trailers and Marine Units
Ranger 5
Ranger 5 is a 2018 Polaris Ranger and it responds to Brush Fires, Wilderness Calls, and Rope Rescues.
Equpiment and specs include:
- 3-person cab
- Skid Unit with Water, Foam, a Booster Reel, and a Stokes Basket
- Rope Rescue Equipment
Marine 5
Marine 5 is a 1995 Wahoo Rescue Boat that responds to all marine rescues.
It is docked in the Upper Housatonic from April-October.
Equipment and specs include:
- Onboard Portable Fire Pump
- Recovery Equipment
- Cold Water Equipment