On Wednesday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m., Chief Frank Hilbert of the Mystic Fire Department will expand upon his presentation last year about the history of firefighting in Mystic. Hilbert will note some of Mystic’s firefighters from the Mystic Hook and Ladder and the B.F. Hoxie Engine Companies, including the past Fire Chiefs. The presentation will include notable fires and training sessions from the 1970s and identify firefighters in historical photographs from the early 1900s. Chief Hilbert will also bring an interesting collection of fire fighting historical memorabilia for display and discussion.
Chief Hilbert has been a member of the Mystic Fire Department for almost 40 years and Fire Chief since 1989. He is the Foreman of the T. W. Lane, Mystic’s 1883 button hand engine which is frequently displayed at Fire Department Musters in the area. He serves on state and regional fire organizations in many capacities and holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science and Technology. He is especially interested in firefighting history and is an avid collector of firefighting historical memorabilia.
The program is at the Mystic Congregational Church Parish Hall and is followed by a question and answer period and refreshments. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Mystic River Historical Society 536-4779, or email info@mystichistory.org.
