For more than seven decades, Burrville Volunteer Fire Department in Torrington has served its community. At the end of the month, that chapter comes to a close.
The news is hitting many in the community hard, particularly one family.
"The fire department closing is actually heartbreaking to me," said Amy Hill.
Heartbreaking because the Burrville Firehouse has always been there and kept them safe.
"Our house caught on fire when I was a little kid, and Burrville was here first. They saved our house," said Hill.
Hill's grandfather served in the department as president and fire chief. When Herman Marine was killed by a drunk driver, their fire department was there.
"I was 14 years old when that happened, and the firemen took me under their wing. They were a second family to us," said Hill.
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A plaque and flagpole sit outside the fire house, honoring Marine. Hill says she plants new flowers in the box by the plaque every season.
In a letter to residents, the Burrville Fire Department wrote about the announced closure, saying in part that "during the past couple of decades, it has become increasingly difficult to recruit, train, and keep volunteer firefighters. We have reached the point where we can no longer provide the necessary services required by the great citizens of Burrville or the City of Torrington."
A separate letter given to the mayor says members voted and approved the proposal to dissolve the department during their monthly meeting on March 23, and that on or about April 1, they will file a Certificate of Dissolution with the Secretary of the State. And that "As of that date, The Burrville Volunteer Fire Department Incorporated will stop carrying on its activities even though it will still continue its corporate existence to wind up and liquidate its activities and affairs..."
Hill says it's always been a comfort to see the fire house close to her home, and she worries about another fire.
"Torrington is a fantastic fire department. I can't say enough about them. But they're still in Torrington, and we're still on the outskirts. I just worry," said Hill. "The matter of minutes could matter."
Torrington Fire Chief Gary Brunoli told NBC Connecticut via email that the Burrville Fire Department's announced closure is a sad day for all in Torrington and that all present and past members should be thanked for their service.
Brunoli went on to say that there is no loss in coverage for their residents and that "I want to ensure to all residents of the City of Torrington they will continue to receive the highest level of service from all members of the Torrington Fire Service."
But it doesn't change the sense of community that Amy Hill and others feel will be lost when Burrville's Volunteer Fire Department closes for good.
"It's just really sad, and it's going to be really hard to see them go," said Hill.
Brunoli says two other volunteer fire departments, Drakeville and Torringford, assist Torrington fire. He says both those volunteer departments are in need of more personnel.
"I would say [the volunteer fire departments] are struggling as are many more, not only in Connecticut, but across the country."
When asked if Torrington Fire Department would put career firefighters in the Burrville Fire House once it closed, Brunoli replied, "As far as the need for another fire house to be opened there, at this time there is no discussion or planning at this time. The City Board of Safety Commission would be the board that would be involved in any future firehouses anywhere in our city."
