The Northwood Fire & Rescue Department was established in 1895/1914 (read more about these dates below), and now provides services for approximately 4,000 residents in an area of 27 square miles. The Department has 35 members serving under the direction of the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, three Captains, and five Lieutenants. There is also a “support” crew and a fire explorers post. For further infor
mation, please contact:
Fire Chief Mark W. Tetreault at [email protected]
History: The history of the Northwood Fire - Rescue Department: A quick snapshot. June 9, 1894- An article was presented to the town of Northwood to purchase two or more hand fire engines, and one thousand feet of hose. The town chose to indefinitely postpone this article, but did establish a committee to investigate these ideas. The committee included Eldridge Boody, Orrin James and Luther Twombly. November 6, 1894- The request to buy hand Fire Engines and hose was revisited, with a report from that committee, the town votes to postpone the article. March 12, 1895- The warrant to buy hand Fire Engines with hose was revisited, the committee reported again. This time, the vote was passed and four hand Fire Engines and hose suitable for the same were to be purchased. Additionally, the selectman were to organize a Fire company, and to choose engineers- $5000 was appropriated to purchase the Fire engines and hose. April 6, 1895- the previous vote to approve the fire engines, hose and company was rescinded.
19 years later
March 10, 1914- An article was presented and approved to buy four chemical extinguishers. March 9, 1915- An article to create the office of Fire Chief and select a man to fill this office. This was approved, and Chief William H. Towle became the first Fire Chief, with a budget of $200. March 11, 1919 - A committee was assembled to consider the matter of a truck- this committee included Chief William H. James and Allison L. March 13, 1934 - Voted to raise and appropriate $1400 to buy a portable fire pump with necessary equipment. The first Northwood Firetruck! April 1939- The will of James A. Bryant was presented to the Superior Court of Rockingham County, with his request to leave $3000 to the Town of Northwood to purchase a fire pump and equipment, and this pump will be housed in the Northwood Narrows. On June 21, 1939, the town agreed to accept the will of James A. Bryant. March 11, 1947- It was voted to appropriate the sum of $1600 for the purpose of building a firehouse at East Northwood. The rate of pay for firemen was decided to be seventy cents per hour.
