The New London Fire Department was born in 1767 when Nathaniel Shaw Jr. presented the city with its first fire engine. Since then, New London has had a successful history of emergency medical service, heroic assistance during natural disasters, and fantastic 0firefighting. The city�s most notorious fire occurred on September 6, 1781. Under the command of the infamous traitor and New London County native, Gen. Benedict Arnold, British troops set New London ablaze. A great deal of life and property was lost. At a 1786 town meeting, residents began the first regular fire company, which eventually evolved into eight volunteer companies. New London Firefighting proudly chronicles its initial humble volunteer system up to today�s technologically advanced apparatus and career personnel.
Tara Samul compiled this photographic history from the extensive collections of the New London Fire Department and private collectors. Samul is a reference librarian and the daughter-in-law of Chief Ronald Samul. All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Dr. Carl Wies Scholarship Trust.