WHFD Welcomes Home Our First Fire Truck from 1917
 
By Lieutenant Christopher Koretski
August 1, 2018
 

On Tuesday evening, the Watch Hill Fire Department was proud to welcome home "Alfie" a 1917 American LaFrance Triple Combination pumper truck. This engine was purchased following the great Watch Hill Fire of 1916 and was the first motorized pumper in the entire Town of Westerly. Following its service in Watch Hill, Alfie was eventually acquired by the Groton Long Point Fire Department in Connecticut. Thanks to the generosity of their members and the members of the community, Alfie was fully restored to showroom condition. We were very excited to welcome her home to Watch Hill!

Following a viewing of the truck on Tuesday night, about 130 people joined Chief Bob Peacock, WHFD Firefighter and local historian Jack Spratt, and the truck's caretaker Richard Froh for a talk on both the Watch Hill fire and the history of Alfie.

Alfie will be on display on Wednesday August 1st at our Open House from 6-8 pm. We would love to have you get a chance to see a piece of our history with us before she returns home to Groton Long Point!

WHFD extends much appreciation to the members of the Groton Long Point Fire Department and especially to Richard Froh and his wife June for bringing Alfie back to show room condition and for bringing her home for a visit to Watch Hill!
 
Lieutenant Chris Koretski and Firefighter Keith Maine display an antique nozzle and just how much water and reach can be achieved using them as they would have in 1917.
Lieutenant Chris Koretski and Firefighter Keith Maine display an antique nozzle and just how much water and reach can be achieved using them as they would have in 1917.
WHFD Fire Chief Bob Peacock and Firefighter & Historian Jack Spratt talk about the great Watch Hill fire of 1916 to the audience.
WHFD Fire Chief Bob Peacock and Firefighter & Historian Jack Spratt talk about the great Watch Hill fire of 1916 to the audience.
 
"Alfie" at home inside the WHFD station.
"Alfie" at home inside the WHFD station.
"Alfie" a 1917 American LaFrance, the first motorized pumper purchased in Westerly returned home to Watch Hill on Tuesday night.
"Alfie" a 1917 American LaFrance, the first motorized pumper purchased in Westerly returned home to Watch Hill on Tuesday night.
 
Richard Froh of the Groton Long Point Fire Department talks about Alfie during the historical presentation at the fire house on Tuesday night.
Richard Froh of the Groton Long Point Fire Department talks about Alfie during the historical presentation at the fire house on Tuesday night.