What is to be presented in the next coming weeks, months, and years, is that of a wonderful historical collection of the late Fire Chief Donald J. Maguda, (July 11, 1933 to December 9, 2023).
Chief Maguda started with the Snipsic Hook and Ladder Company stationed out of 5 Prospect St., the Fitton Hose Company’s quarters in the year 1954. His career spanned 48 years with The Rockville Fire Department and The Town of Vernon Fire Department which were merged in 1980. Chief Maguda held the distinction of serving as Chief of both departments starting in 1967, retiring in 1986, and continuing on as Fire Marshal until his full retirement in 2002.
The Town of Vernon Fire Department has received a wonderful gift, that gift was the donation of Chief Maguda’s collection of photographs of all kinds, members in action at alarms of fire, training and apparatus, new equipment and community outreach and department history, and everything imaginable in between.
Chief Maguda’s son, Ret. Captain David Maguda, Snipsic Hook & Ladder Company Truck 541, was generous enough to donate his father’s collection to share with all of you. What is our past forms our present, and inspires our future, with respect for all who came before us. This is the first installment of a series that we wish to share with you.
Rest assured it will bring back memories, inspire us, and unite members retired and current in the spirit that presented this gift. It will keep us moving forward in our mission to provide the best, professional level of service to The Town of Vernon in our capacity as Firefighters, while respecting and remembering our past.
Thank You to:
Ret. Capt. David Maguda T-541
Asst. Chief Robert Babcock
Ret. Capt. David Galley
Ret. F.F. Jeff Dreher
Eng. Kevin Bowman
