1900-1935 1935-1960 1960-1975 1975- Present On January 15, 1960 the fire department moved into its new home on Williams Street next to the Town Hall. In 1960 the fire department operated as a semi-permanent organization with two men on duty at all times with six permanent men plus the fire chief. Each firefighter's duty was three 24 hour tours every other day followed by 48 hours off. The chief filled in during vacations and sick leaves besides his regular daytime duty. Throughout the year the chief and his men spent many hours modernizing procedures using very little funds from the town. The engines were set up with preconnected lines for speed for putting water on a fire with as few men as possible. In 1961 all ranks below Chief were abolished and the rank of Lieutenant was established. In 1962 a second Lieutenant position was created and filled. The rank of Lieutenant was reclassified to Captain to be more commensurate with the responsibility of the position. Also, the rank of Lieutenant was established in the call department. This was done to establish a strong chain of command and to guarantee continuity of service should any emergency arise. During Fire Prevention week the Junior Marshal plan was introduced to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades at all schools. Over 800 home inspections were made, under fire department guidance by the junior fire marshals. The children who participated received a red helmet and a badge for their efforts. In February 1964 the fire department took delivery of a new 1000 gallons/minute pumper truck. This truck had unique characteristics including a built in foam system. This foam system included a 35 gallon tank with foam concentrate which could be automatically mixed with water for use on flammable liquid fires. The truck carried 500 gallons of water as compared to 300 gallons on the other department pumper. It also carried 1500 feet of hose and had two aluminum ladders. It also had preconnected lines built into it at the factory. In 1968 the firefighters' work week was reduced from 56 hours to 48 hours. During 1969 the permanent member of the department voted to organize a local union and affiliate with the A.F.L.-C.I.O. International Association of Firefighters.   Due to the use of new synthetic materials, chemicals, high rise buildings and other general fire hazards firefighting was becoming a very technical and specialized field. At Springfield Techical Community College a college degree program for firefighters- Associate Degree in Fire Protection Engineering- was started and many of the department members enrolled in these courses. The first department member graduated from this program in 1972. In 1972 the first women firefighter was hired as a member of the call force. Fire department apparatus in 1973 included the following: Description Year Acquired  600 gallons/minute pumper  1947 1000 gallons/minute pumper  1964  1000 gallons/minute pumper  1967 65 ft. aerial ladder truck  1956  1 ton rescue/service truck 1969  1881 Clapp and Jones steamer  1972  1900 hose reel  1968  12' aluminum boat  1965  In 1973 firefighers worked a 48 hour week with a reduction to 42 hours occurring in July 1974. Drills were held daily for the duty shift and department drills were held once a month. At least three men responded to all calls, day or night and were supplemented by call men or off duty permanent men whenever necessary. The department had radio communication with all but one municipality in Hampden County and a there existed a mutual aid agreement with five departments in Connecticut.