New Haven Firefighters - Hardcoverby Box 22 Associates (Author) The history of the New Haven Fire Department dates back to December 29, 1789, when Mayor Roger Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, formed the volunteer system. The advent of steam fire engines in 1862 marked the end of the volunteer system and the beginning of the full time paid department, giving New Haven the distinction of having the first professional fire department in Connecticut. New Haven has a