New Trailer Giving Vernon Vintage Fire Apparatus More Mobility

VERNON, CT — A piece of Vernon history has now been fully restored and is ready to be a big part of public events in the future.

The 1895 American LaFrance Metropolitan horse-drawn steamer that served the City of Rockville department from 1895 to 1923 now has a trailer, courtesy of an area automobile business. The steamer was retired when fully motorized firefighting apparatus emerged, according to fire department historian Adam Bycholski.

The steamer was used by the Fitch and Fitton Hose Companies along with The Snipsic Hook & Ladder Company's 1913 Horse Drawn City Service ladder, which were the last two horse-drawn apparatus to be replaced in Rockville, Bycholski said.

Jerry Bundy of Bundy Motors in Tolland took on the refurbishing project for the steamer trailer. The 1895 American LaFrance Metropolitan horse drawn steamer can be safely transported to local events "to display our rich history," Bycholski said.

"People were amazed at our rare, preserved piece of Rockville firefighting history," he added while referring to the steamer making an appearance last weekend at a car show.

Bundy is no stranger to town events. The business regularly supplies vintage cars to take honorees along parade routes, particularly older veterans on Memorial Day.