The Stratford Fire Department commemorated its 100th anniversary Saturday with a parade down Main Street.

Firefighters and spectators lined the parade route Saturday morning, watching closely as bagpipers and a special memorial to three firefighters who died in the line of duty passed by.

Firefighter and historian Tom McCabe says the department has grown as the town population has increased.

"There are 97 men and women today, and we currently protect the town with 50,000 people," McCabe says.

According to firefighters, the most significant change in the department over the past century has been the equipment. What began with horses pulling pumps has transformed into trucks and state-of-the-art engines. One thing they say has remained the same is the danger the firefighters endure to save lives.