Chief Gayle LeGeyt of Barkhamsted East Fire Department has served as chief now for three years. Fascinated with the trucks, people, and a eagerness to learn she joined twenty years ago. She now hopes that more people will follow in her path. "You can help your neighbor, your community, you can learn new life saving skills and meet new people" said Chief Gayle LeGeyt. Chief LeGeyt also commented on how the fire service has evolved over the years. continue

History: The Barkhamsted East Volunteer Fire Department was built in 1970-1971. It came about in the late 1969 to early 1970s when some 25 residents from the Washington Hill-Ratlum Road area were concerned they weren't getting adequate fire protection. At that time east of the Barkhamsted Reservoir was served by Pleasant Valley and East Hartland Fire Departments. Residents felt that a fire department was needed on the east side of the reservoir to provide adequate fire protection for the community. A eight member commission represented the Washington Hill and Ratlum Road area. The eight members were Douglas McMaster, Roy LeClaire, Roger Carlson, Robert Stadler, Earle Young, Ted Thoben, John Migalka and Tom Ullery. These men were the start of the foundation of what became Barkhamsted East Volunteer Fire Company 1. The land was donated by Mr.& Mrs. Stanley Sczygiel.  continue