Answering the call; Thompson Fire Engine Co. marks 175 years.

Byline: Jim Esslinger

THOMPSON - One-hundred seventy-five years ago - on July 4, 1832, to be exact - Thompson selectmen stood on the steps of what is now the Vernon Stiles Inn and, with the authorization of the Connecticut General Assembly, officially declared the founding of the Thompson Fire Engine Company.

Last Wednesday - July 4, 2007, to be exact - selectmen once again stood in front of Mr. Stiles' inn to celebrate the 19th-century event. First Selectman David Babbitt and Selectman Kathleen Hiatt were joined by today's members of the Thompson Hill firehouse on Chase Street and about two-dozen onlookers.

Fire company Secretary Frank McGarry recalled the dedication of the volunteers who have saved buildings and lives.

"They get up from their meals, leave family gatherings, we've even had people get up from barbecues to answer fire calls," he noted. "You just have to look around to see what these people have accomplished. This building (Stiles Inn) could have been consumed in flames, except the fire company saved it. The Congregational Church could have burned down, except the fire company saved it."

In its 175-year history, the fire company has seen its share of disasters, according to historian Ronald Tillen. Mr. Tillen said the company was there during the 1955 floods, rescuing stranded residents; it also fought a terrible blaze at Marianapolis Academy. The Congregational Church fire in 1987 saw quick-thinking firefighters make a decision to douse flames in the spire of the church to minimize damage.

"They sacrificed the spire to save the church," Mr. Tillen said.

Vernon Stiles' role in the founding of the company was important, Mr. Tillen said. Mr. Stiles was a financier who, along with other businessmen, provided the money to purchase what was to become the fire company's first engine. The 1827 hand pump engine is still a part of the fire company and is still operational. It will be working on July 14 when the company holds a party on the Thompson Common from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"I know it's still working," Mr. Babbitt said as he spoke to the crowd. "I just hope that all of us appreciate the work they do." He noted how selectmen in 1832 petitioned the general assembly to have the fire company established.

The original company had 16 members.

Currently the company includes 40 members: Frank McGarry, Aaron McGarry, Matthew Grauer, Louis Lane, Ronald Tillen, Robert Rogers, Keith Mathon, Richard Asal Sr., Brian Walker, Douglas Langer, Rhonda Langer, Joseph Langer, Shannon Grauer, Jason Pelletier, Kelli Langer, Carl Langer, Gavin Paquette, Wayne Newcombe, Hogan Krohn, Edward Stevens, Edward Luther, Thomas Morway, Andrew Syme, James Wheeler, James Raftery Jr., James Sabourin, Jessica Bates, Richard Challinor, Edward Charlton, Clifford Greene, John Heath, Robert McKiernan, Donald Preston, Josh Preston, David Rawson, David Reynolds, Matthew Reynolds, Nathan Reynolds, Scott Reynolds and Warren Reynolds.

The Thompson Fire Engine Company is one of five companies serving the 10 villages comprising the town of Thompson.

The other companies include the Community Fire Company, the Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Company, the West Thompson Independent Fire Association, and the East Thompson Volunteer Fire Engine Company.

ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) Thompson Fire Engine Company members include, front, from left: Frank McGarry, Aaron McGarry, Matthew Grauer, Louis Lane, Ronald Tillen and Robert Rogers. On porch, from left: Keith Mathon, Richard Asal Sr., Brian Walker, Douglas Langer, Rhonda Langer, Joseph Langer, Shannon Grauer, Jason Pelletier, Kelli Langer, Carl Langer, Gavin Paquette and Wayne Newcombe. (2) Thompson Selectman David Babbitt reads a prepared speech congratulating the Thompson Fire Engine Company on its 175th anniversary. (3) Fire company members show off their antique hand pump engine at the celebration, held July 4 at the old Vernon Stiles Inn on Route 193.

PHOTOG: AMY BRENNER-FRICKE PHOTOS