WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Starksboro FD Celebrates 50 Years

Starksboro FD Celebrates 50 Years

Starksboro, Vermont - October 4, 2009

The Starksboro Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its fiftieth anniversary Sunday -- honoring two older firefighters who have served the entire fifty years.

Fifty years is a long time, but most everything in this town is older than that. The church where the silver anniversary celebration began was built in the 1860s. The congregation included the only two surviving members of the original roster from the day the Starksboro Volunteer Fire Department was formed, in October 1959. One of the two surviving members is Charlie Thibault, who says starting up the department was definitely a home-grown endeavor.

"You know the wives had to come up with the cakes or whatever," he said. "And always worked on committees." He also said the firefighters themselves and the town had to come up with their own money.

After the service, the townspeople gathered for a ceremony at a newly installed flagpole. Later, bricks will be laid at the base, containing the names of all seventeen original members. And for surviving charter members Charlie Thibault and Leslie Rublee, special t-shirts were awarded.

The day's celebration included a gathering at the fire house. As much as times have changed over the years, some things remain the same -- including the dedication it takes to be a firefighter. Thibault said, "Seems like all winter long was schooling. But it lasted anyway." With a laugh he added, "For me it lasted fifty years."

As the department looks forward to the next fifty years, the town took the time to thank those who have served. These firefighters are etched in the history of Vermont.

Andy Potter - WCAX News