WILTON — Since its official inception in 1947, fire and rescue calls continue to be responded to by members of a 100% volunteer non-profit now known as the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department, whose officers and chief respond to over 350 calls each year.
Stephen Kloss Sr, with 61 years of service is one of 20 members across four generations of his family to volunteer.
“It’s in our blood,” says Richard Helenek who has responded to calls for over 56 years. His brother, Robert, has 57 years. The longest-serving member is William E. Morgan. His 67 years of service will be celebrated April 10 when the department holds its 75th Anniversary banquet.
“It’s also been great to see a resurgence of diverse volunteers join us over the last couple years who cover the ages of teens, 20s, 30s 40s and 50s,” says department president Andrew Bobbitt.
A reminder of the department’s early years continues shine in the district’s main station: a 1944 WW II U.S. Navy 500-gallon, two hose, 4x4 International known to members as “713.” It has been used for decades as a go-anywhere workhorse for local brush fires but has since been retired to show-and-parade service.
Two of the biggest impacts affecting the department have been the additions of a fire district main station on Ballard Road in 2002, moving from the original station on Wilton/Gansevoort Road, and a new district substation strategically located on Route 50 that opened in 2012. The new stations provide more efficient response times while allowing more space for the separate tax-funded Wilton Fire District.
For more information, visit: wiltonfiredept.org, or contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Those interested in supporting the members’ 75th Anniversary banquet, may mail donations to: WVFD at 270 Ballard Road, Wilton, NY 12831.