Sterling Fire/Rescue

09/05/2026

It is with great sadness that we have to share the passing of Retired Assistant Chief David Shippee. David passed early this morning after a long hard fight with cancer. David passed with his wife and daughter by his side. David served as a long time member and officer of our department as well as a member of the Fire District. David served proudly as a member of our department and a mentor to those below him. The stories that can be told by those who served with him are endless.

David volunteered his time to many originzations over the year as well as serving many rolls in the Town of Sterling. He was dedicated member of the Town of Sterling and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Services are still in the planning stages. We will have more information when it is provided by the family.

(The picture attached is from a day when our members helped split wood and fill David's basement when he was early in his battle. And of course David had to come out and help by driving his Gator back and forth with wood. He can be seen standing next to his Gator waiting for the next load.)

08/06/2026

The HT does a great job feeding the tower.

08/06/2026

Always a good time training with our mutual aid brother and sisters.

07/23/2026

Life Star 2 leaving our station after the training and heading back to Backus Hospital in Norwich.

07/23/2026

Tonight we hosted a training with Life Star on their capabilities and how to set up a proper landing zone. With living in such a remote area, Life Star is a great resource for transporting patients to a proper level of care alot faster then can be done by ground. This gives patients alot better chance for survival. Learning to work together now makes things smoother when the seconds count.

As part of the training we reached out to some of our mutual aid departments and invited them as well. Thank you to the Oneco Fire Department, South Killingly Fire Department and Atwood Hose Fire Company for the great attendance of approximately 40+ volunteers between the 4 departments.

07/16/2026

This morning we had a blast with the Sterling Recreation Department. They asked us to return this year and show off our equipment to the kids. The kids got to participate in a relay race as well as see some of our equipment. More pictures of the fun the kids had will be available on their page.

07/09/2026

Help support one of our favorite EMS instructors Paul Wentworth raise money for a good cause!

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06/23/2026

This morning at approximately 0939 hours, Sterling Fire/Rescue and Oneco Fire Department responded to a smoke detector activation on Porter Pond Rd in the Oneco section of Town. Shortly after Car 67 signed on with QV, they reported they received reports of more smoke detectors going off at the residence. At that time Car 67 Requested the 1st alarm assignment be put in quarters. At approximately 0950, Car 67 was advised by a member on scene that smoke was showing from the attic vents. The 1st alarm was then requested to the scene. Upon arrival Car 67 assumed command and reported light smoke showing and a low hanging service wires limiting access to the residence for apparatus. Upon making entrance to the residence heavy smoke was found on the 2nd and 3rd floor. A K9 was removed from the 1st floor and upon the arrival of more manpower a push was made to attempt to locate the fire. A window on the third floor was removed for ventilation and the crews located the fire in an office area on the second floor. The fire was extinguished and crews continued to check for extension.

Additional apparatus was requested for more manpower and water supply beyond the 1st alarm.
American Red Cross was requested to assist with the displaced family.

1 cat died in the fire and a second is presumed dead however could not be located.

A big thank you is extended to all the volunteers from departments in 2 states that came together today and worked seamlessly.

The Fire is still under investigation by the Town Fire Marshall office.

06/22/2026

This morning at approximately 0634 hours, we responded with Oneco Fire Department for a reported brush fire at River Bend Campground. Though the fire only burned approximately a 20' x 150' area, the fire had burned deep into the duff and required some extra work to fully extinguish. The fire was stopped prior to spreading to any campers. Additional manpower responded from Moosup Fire to assist with the overhaul. The fire is under investigation by the Town Fire Marshall.

05/30/2026

Breakfast is coming next weekend. Get your tickets from any member and they are available at the door.