Tolland Directory Marks 50 Years Of Service, Fundraising

TOLLAND, CT — A longstanding tradition between the Tolland Fire Department and the community has been ongoing for what is now a half-century.

This year marks the 50th the TFD has published and distributed a directory to residents. Department officials said the directory originally served as a phone book and listed all telephone numbers for all town residents along with advertisements for local businesses.

The directory continues to contain advertisements for businesses, information about the fire department and town, and contains important fire and life safety tips.

The Tolland Volunteer Ambulance Association started the program as a fundraiser and it was the principal source of revenue for the association for many years. The first directory was published for the year 1974 and the directory was so successful that only $1 was requested from the town for the 1973-74 budget.

After the Tolland Volunteer Ambulance Association consolidated with the Tolland Fire Department in 1988, the fire department decided to continue the annual fundraising tradition.

The directory continues to be a source of revenue for the department, and, items it supported over the years include new fire chief vehicles, uniforms and training equipment.

There are more than 5,500 books disturbed annually without charge to each residence in Tolland, as well as to local businesses and advertisers.

"This directory and all past directories would not be possible without the loyal support of the many local businesses that purchase advertising space in it. A special thank you to the Tolland Fire Department Directory Committee for continuing this tradition and making sure directory number 50 makes the mailbox," fire officials said.