Submitted by Betty Cernan
(August 26, 2026) — Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary recently held a luncheon to celebrate their 60th anniversary. A few of the charter members also were able to attend. Sixty years! It’s hard to believe that it was back in September of 1966, that the HVFC Auxiliary was established. A group of women, many of them the wives of firemen, decided to get together to form the Auxiliary. Because of this 60th year milestone, members thought this would be a good time to introduce ourselves, describe our activities and to say that we always welcome new members.
Our number one purpose is to assist the firefighters. Members provide refreshments during major fires and they give funds periodically to the fire department to purchase items related to firefighting. These purchases are not covered by the town budget. Also, Auxiliary members help the firefighters during Santa’s annual visits to the firehouse and whenever an open house or recruitment session is held.
Through the years the Auxiliary has raised money to benefit the Fire Company and the town. The Auxiliary has donated to the Haddam Fuel Bank, the Veterans Museum, Project Graduation, John Bertolini Scholarship and several other important town projects and programs. An Auxiliary scholarship for $1,000 is given out on an annual basis to a deserving high school senior who is either a Junior Firefighter or the son or daughter of a firefighter or Auxiliary member.
For more than fifty years, you have seen the ladies march in the Memorial Day parade, and they sell clam chowder following the parade. The firefighters help the women prepare this chowder and then the firemen cook it outside in large pots. We truly thank HVFC for all they do. We have held our Easter Flower sale for at least forty-five years, and in recent years it has been in front of Higganum Liberty Bank. Since 1979 we have had a Military Whist Card Party, which is a fun and profitable night. Also, we have held a Vendor/Craft Fair in the Fall. Members thank the townspeople for their support of these fundraisers.
Town residents 18 years or older are welcome to join the Auxiliary. You do not have to be a firefighter’s wife. Many of our members joined simply to help our Volunteer Fire Department members. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month, from September to June, except in January, at 7:00 p.m. at the firehouse, 439 Saybrook Road in Higganum.. These ladies are hard workers and a very close-knit group. Mark your calendar and join us as we start another year. We would love to see you at our next meeting.
Photo provided by HVFC Auxiliary
