History continued; In July of 1970 the first election of officers were heald. Elected were Ted Thoben, president; Albert Newman, vice president; Douglas MacMaster, secretary; Paul Dufour, treasurer; Lenard Patenaude, chief; Roger Carson, deputy chief; Roy LeClaire, captain; Arthur Andreasen, first lieuetnant; Robert Stadler Sr., second lieuetnant; James Langer, engineer. The first elected commissioners were Albert LeGeyt, Dr. Robert Stadler Sr., first selection William LeGeyt. Albert LeGeyt was also elected building coordinator.
In early August of 1970 meeting were held to form a Auxiliary. By late August the Auxiliary was formed and elections were held. Mrs Joanne Thoben was elected president; Nancy Valickis, vice president; Mrs. Enis Patenaude, secretary; Mrs. Cathy Dufour, treasurer; and Mrs. Florence Halnon, historian; Mrs. Carole Stadler, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee; Mrs Katie Tong, Mrs Jean Seymour, Mrs Marge Case and Mrs Jennie Zima, as co-chairmen. These women had a great impact on the development and funding for the fire department.  Return to Barkhamsted East FD

Roy LeClaire has now been volunteering for over 35 years! He is the only active member left out of all the original founding members. He currently is President of the Barkhamsted East Fire Department and is active as a Fire Police Officer. Roy is a person you just want to be around. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to help out. As dedicated as he is to the Fire Department he still makes time for his family. Married for over 44 years to his wife Maureen, and 5 children you can imagine that he was and still is a very, very busy man. Return

Chief Gayle Legeyt continued:
She recalls primarily responding to house and brush fires, and some car accidents. Now you could be called to respond to just about anything, from rescuing a cat in a tree, to a flooded basement, or to a hazmat incident. With that being said training has rose to another level as well. More requirements are in place and more is offered as well. She enjoys the challenges! Cheif Gayle Legeyt resides in Barkhamsted, married with one daughter{Barbara} age five. Gayle enjoys working on their farm, spending time with her family, and helping out in the community. If you would like to contact Chief Legeyt please Email or call 860-379-6598 on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Return