The Brentwood Fire Department has a long and proud history, beginning with the formation of the Brentwood Fireman’s Association in 1942. The association was formed by William Bartlett Sr. and John Dodge. In 1949, under the leadership of President William Yeany, the association with a handful of volunteer firemen built, at no cost to the town, the Memorial Fire Station.
The Firemen’s Association raised the money for the station by running whist parties, carnivals, field days, and lawn parties. The lumber came from the town forest located near the Congregational Church now called the Pilgrim United Church of Christ on Middle Road. The Fire Station was dedicated to World War II veterans and the upstairs hall was dedicated to a fallen WWII son, Gordon Block. In 1960 and again in 1980, the association expanded the fire station with proceeds from Friday night bingo, carnivals, musters, Sunday morning breakfasts, and yard sales.
The 1960 addition consisted of 3 additional bays, and in 1980, 2 more bays were added. The Brentwood Fire Association also put together the town’s first fire engine. Prior to their work, Brentwood residents had to rely on surrounding towns for a fire engine. Those who had a fire had to pay $25.00, or more, to the towns that sent equipment. By the 1960s, it became apparent to the volunteer firemen that the town was in need of ambulance service and the Brentwood Volunteer Ambulance Association was formed. It supported the training and conducted fund raising needed to insure it could meet the needs of the town and state regulations.
The first ambulance was a Chevrolet Carryall secured from the civil defense surplus. The next ambulance was a used Pontiac that was bought by the town for $600. The town’s third ambulance was bought with a donation made by the late Jennie Shannon of Windy Brook Farm. In the late 1990’s the ambulance association was dissolved and became one with the Firemen’s Association and the department became the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department. Today, ambulance services are charged on an ability-to-pay basis and the proceeds are used to fund training, supplies, labor and the replacement of ambulances as needed.
In the beginning, Brentwood’s population was less than 800 residents and all the firemen lived in and, for the most part, worked in Brentwood. The Firemen’s Association and Fire Department had a total membership of about 30 and the only requirement was a willingness to help your neighbor when you were called. Today, with the population in excess of 4400 the Brentwood Fire and Rescue Department is a combination department with full time and per diem members. These dedicated men and women staff 2 ambulances, 2 engines, 1 tanker and a forestry responding to over 1000 calls for service each year.
History of Brentwood Fire Chiefs
2025 – Present - Roy Olsen
2019 – 2025 - Joseph Bird
2017 – 2018 - William Campbell
2001 – 2017 - Kevin Lemoine
1982 – 2000 - Norman “Red” Byrne
1969 – 1981 - James Fralic
1966 – 1968 - Frederick Gallant
1964 – 1965 - Sidney Parshley
1955 – 1963 - William S. Bartlett, Sr.
1951 – 1954 - Fire Wardens established at a town meeting
1949 – 1950 - George Sanborn
1949 – 1948 - William S. Bartlett, Sr.