From April 18, 1902, published in the Brattleboro Phoenix, a discussion of necessary repairs for the fire department:
“Your bailiffs report that during the last year they have thoroughly renovated the engine house on Elliot Street, repainting both its interior and exterior, putting on a new roof, putting in a bath room and improving the accommodations for the men permanently on duty there’ this house had not been painted for six years and the roof had not been renewed for ten, thus making there repairs absolutely necessary. The expense connected with this was about $1400. The repairs from the Estey Organ company’s steamer, which was damaged in the Crosby block fire, was another extra expense in connection with the fire department….
Your chief engineer recommends the purchase of a new ladder truck and ladders, and also 100 feet of new hose. If this is done, the estimate for the fire department should be increased to $7500. A tax of 40 cents on the dollar of the grand list will probably raise money enough to meet all estimated expenses of the coming year, including the new truck and hose.
Grand List, $37,776.83.
Chief Engineer Harvey W. Sanders says the total force of the fire department is 103 men, organized into two steamer companies with hose attached, two hose companies for the hydrants, one hook and ladder company, one chemical company, and one combination hose and chemical wagon. During the year the department has responded to ten bell alarms, 13 still alarms, and rendered assistance once at West Chesterfield. All the apparatus is now in first class condition. Mr. Sanders reviews the extensive repairs on the steamer house, and says some repairs should be made on the buildings of the hook and ladder company, No. 15 hose company and No. 6 hose company. Three reservoirs have been repaired during the year, two recovered with iron and stone, and the other cemented on the inside. The fire alarm system is in good working order.
Fire extinguishers have been distributed as follows: Pearl Street at C.L. Cobb’s; Central Street, at store; Washington Street, at Will Shumway’s; Maple Street, at Mrs. Strong’s; Western Avenue at Mrs. Dearborn’s; Cedar Street at E.L, Parker’s; Spruce Street, at Mrs. E.E. Stockwell’s; High Street, and Noyes White’s; Chase Street, at John Foess’s; Canal Street at David Downe’s; three at Elliot Street engine house.
The chief engineer recommends that the horses now in use be disposed of and that a new pair be bought; that a hydrant be placed in the railroad yard; that a new hook and ladder truck and new ladders and 1000 feet of hose be bought….”
