Yantic Firefighters Reelect Leaders of Closed Firehouse

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Despite being barred from responding to calls and stripped of city-funded trucks, the members of Norwich's Yantic Fire Engine Co. have unanimously reelected Chief Robert 'Bobby' Allen and Deputy Chief Frank Blanchard to continue leading the department through its standoff with the city over the Unified Command policy. The 179-year-old fire department remains shuttered, but volunteers are training with neighboring departments, maintaining equipment, and pursuing legal action to reopen their station.

Why it matters

The Yantic Fire Engine Co. is one of Norwich's oldest and most storied fire departments, with deep roots in the community. Its continued closure despite the reelection of its leadership highlights the ongoing tensions between the city and the volunteer firefighters over the Unified Command policy, which has prevented the Yantic station from responding to calls. This story reflects the challenges facing small, community-based fire departments as they navigate changing policies and budgets.

The details

In a show of solidarity, the members of the Yantic Fire Engine Co. have unanimously reelected Chief Robert 'Bobby' Allen and Deputy Chief Frank Blanchard to continue leading the department, even as it remains shuttered by the city's Unified Command policy. While barred from responding to calls and stripped of city-funded trucks, the volunteer firefighters are maintaining their equipment, training with neighboring departments, and pursuing legal action in an effort to reopen their 179-year-old station.

• The Yantic Fire Engine Co. has been shuttered since the implementation of the Unified Command policy.
• The firefighters recently held their annual election, unanimously reelecting Chief Allen and Deputy Chief Blanchard.

What’s next

The Yantic Fire Engine Co. is continuing to pursue legal action in an effort to reopen their station and resume responding to calls in the Norwich community.