History Of East Norwich Fire Company No.1

History of East Norwich Fire Company

As recorded in the 75th Anniversary History Compendium
Eighty seven years ago, May 11, 1912, the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company No.1 inc. was formally chartered under the membership corporation act of the state of New York.
During these past eighty seven years hundreds of men and women have unselfishly given of their time and energy as members of the East Norwich Fire Company to protect life and preserve property for the residents of the hamlets of East Norwich and the incorporated villages of Muttontown, Brookville, and Upper Brookville. This web site is dedicated to them all and to let all people everywhere know the good services they have performed for the community.
"... to protect life and preserve property for the residents..."
On January 20, 1912, the first organizational meeting of the soon to be fire company was held. Although many of the surrounding communities had organized fire companies at the time, the local residents just hoped that a fire would not or could not happen to them. In any event, if one did occur their friends and neighbors would pitch in to extinguish the blaze. As is often the case, late in 1911 a house located on the west side of Oyster Bay road near the present entrance to the East Norwich Inn caught fire and burned to the ground. Although the formation of a fire company had been discussed for a long time, this tragedy spurred the residents to action.
At the organizational meeting on January 20,1912 the following persons were elected officers of the East Norwich Fire Company:
James H. Vernon - Chief (Foreman)
Richard Dowling Jr., - Secretary Treasurer
On January 24,1912 during the next meeting the following members were elected to the balance of the officers:
Arthur Martling - Assistant Chief
Walter Hoagland - Nozzleman
James D. Maloney - Nozzleman
Richard Downing Jr. - Engineer
Frank D. Hardenburgh - Assistant Engineer
Albert Stevens - Hoseman
John A. Remsen - Hoseman
Willet Martling - Axeman
Peter Rothmann - Axeman

The person most credited with the actual formation of the fire company and getting it actually in place was the first chief of the company, James H. Vernon. Many years later the current James H. Vernon Middle School located on Route 106 in East Norwich was built and named in his honor. In addition to James H. Vernon, Mr. Halstead H. Frost, an attorney and local businessman in the village donated his services in obtaining the incorporation of the fire company which was brought to fruition on the formal chartering on May 11, 1912. Mr. Frost was the found and editor of the East Norwich Enterprise which evolved into the Oyster Bay Enterprise-Pilot, the Glen Cove Record Pilot, and to it's current name the Oyster Bay Enterprise Pilot. The following men were the official charter members of the fire company as of May 11, 1912:
Richard Downing Jr.
Frank Hardenburgh
Elbert T. Hoagland
Daniel V. Horton
Wilbur Johnson
Arthur Martling
John E. Remsen
William Martling
Frank W. Smith
Albert Stevens
James H. Vernon
William Vernon
Vernon J. Waldron
Alfred Willis
Willet Martling
Walter Hoagland
Robert Bennett
James Maloney
Harry Horton
Daniel T. Horton
Eugene Van Nostrand
Peter Rothmann
Eugene Vernon
To begin with the new company existed and flourished solely from contributions from the residents of the village, since there were no funds available from any other source. The first piece of equipment was an American La France chemical engine. This "engine" was hand drawn and consisted of two 40 gallon tanks of water with 50 feet of hose all mounted on two large artillery wheels. The tanks contained a solution of water and soda. Attached to the tanks were a bottle of acid. Introduction of the acid into the soda and water solution caused a chemical reaction that provided the pressure to operate the hose and play the water onto the fire. When the first tank became empty, valves switched to the other tank and the first tank would be refilled. This "engine" was house in a barn of the village wheelwright located on Route 25A west of the current Exxon station. Since there was no water supply in the area at that time this created a problem, since fires have a strange way of starting without regard to location. This naturally brought about the use of the "bucket brigade" carried by hand from the closest well or cistern. This method of bringing water to scene is reenacted on most weekends in the summer months nowadays at fire company tournaments in the closing event known as the "bucket brigade".
Over the years many people that happen to live near a firehouse or a fire siren have expressed dismay each and every time this siren is sounded. I have never known a dog that didn't feel that he must compete with the siren, which combines into a general chaotic situation. However, in 1912 there were no sirens, whistles, or horns available. Some method had to be devised to alert the firemen that a fire was threatening a home or building in the village. Finally a discarded "iron tire" from the Long Island Railroad was suspended between two posts in the front of Rothmann's. A large sledge hammer was supposed to be there for the first person to bang against the iron shaft to alert the community of the fire. However, it is not hard to understand that this sledge hammer had a way of being used and not returned by some person after driving home his fence posts. To solve this problem the sledge hammer was subsequently chained to on of the posts.Around 1916, the company became motorized with the purchase of a Garford fire truck, described at a previous anniversary dinner as more like two Sherman Tanks, the truck mounted the same type of equipment as the hand drawn wagon, however it obviously gave far greater range and protection to the community. At the same time the first fire department headquarters was built on the east side of Oyster Bay Road a couple of hundred yards north of Route 25A, presently the site of the Nassau County sump. This housed the fire company until 1963 when the new headquarters was completed. The building also served as draft headquarters during World War I, and housed the lower public school grades while the Mabel Fox School was being built. The building also served as the polling place for residents of East Norwich before growth of the village caused a need for larger space. It has also been stated that a party or two was held in this building over the years.
Some early notes from company minutes state that the constitution and by-laws of the company were adopted and signed by all charter members on June 12, 1912. On 7/10/12 Mr. D. V. Horton and Mr. E. Van Nostrand were fined $.25 dollars each for missing the drill. The treasurers report showed a balance of $27.10. On 2/13/24 a committee was formed to bring a petition to the Town of Oyster Bay to raise funds by taxing the residents. A motion was passed to form a Ladies Auxiliary. On 3/12/24 a report was made that the town of Oyster Bay had levied a tax of $.10 per hundred for residents of the East Norwich School District. On May 14, 1924, C. Thomas Reynolds was elected as Chief (Foreman) to succeed James Vernon. On 3/11/25 the company voted to purchase an American La France 750 gallon pumper without chemical equipment, if and when the sum of $5,000 is in the treasurer's hands. On 12/9/25 a truck fund was formally started and on 11/17/26 the company accepted delivery of the new American La France pumper.
During the year 1926 water mains were installed in the village and surrounding communities. This allowed the installation of some fire hydrants. With the purchase and delivery of the new American La France pumper and the new fire hydrants in the community the modern era of fire fighting as we know it today actually began for the East Norwich Fire Company. Also by this time the company had become well enough established to provide fire protection for East Norwich on a formal basis through contract with the Town of Oyster Bay. During the next few years various discussions were held with officials from the surrounding incorporated villages to provide them with fire protection on a contractual basis. However it wasn't until on November 11, 1931 that the membership voted to appoint a committee to execute a contract with the Incorporated Village of Muttontown to be effective as of 1/1/32.Annual supper menu on December 10, 1930 - as voted by members.
Celery, olives, pickles, filet of cod, tartar sauce, roast stuffed chicken, vegetable, salad, potatoes, coffee, ice cream, and pie, and by acclamation a keg of beer.
During the early 30's many discussions were being held with the villages of Upper Brookville, Brookville, and Old Brookville on contracts to provide fire protection. In these years it was no uncommon for many of the large estates to attempt to sign their own contract with the fire company and there seems to have been a lot of confusion. Finally, contracts with the other three villages were signed and sealed with the fire company.
The minutes of the fire company show that in July 1927 the chairman read a congratulatory telegram from Mayor Benjamin Moore of the Village of Muttontown for the fire company's 25th Anniversary.
During 1937 at the September meeting the first mention is made of an official budget for the company. The total budget for 1938 was approved in the amount of $7447.56. Inflation being with us already, for 1938 this amount was increased to $8251.65.
Leaving the 30's, no one would realize the monumental changes that were about to affect every living person in the world. After much debate, it was decided by the membership to make extensive improvements to the firehouse in the amount of over $12,000. In 1941 the company adopted the order of business during meetings that is still used today. In December of 1941 a new chief was elected, John Martling. Shortly after his installation he announced that he had enlisted in the service. Past Chief Leslie Voorheest was appointed to complete the year for John Martling.
During 1943 the trustees of the fire company started to meet on a regular basis to conduct the business of the company. In 1942 Edward J. Hauser was elected to be the new chief in 1943 and he served in this capacity when James Martling, returning from the service was elected to serve as chief again in 1946.In December of 1947 Mr. Thomas Pynchon was elected to be the new chief for 1948. Tom served in this capacity through 1950 and was later elected and served as Supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay. In March of 1948 the company voted to purchase a new truck, a 750 GPM from Mack at the cost of $14,000.00.
During 1948 the company voted to look into the possibility of forming a Firemens Benevolent Association. In January of 1950 Carl Jackson was installed as new chief of the fire company. In 1950, the company voted to purchase a Ford chassis for a new hose and light truck, and delivery was accepted in June of 1951. In later years this truck was known affectionately as Ford "5" and in recent years it was converted to and currently being used by the tournament team as a "B" truck during tournaments.
In November of 1951 the first mention is made of the state's intention to either widen Route 25A and Route 106, or to even possibly bring an overpass through the village was discussed. In December of 1952 the company voted to purchase a new 750 GPM Mach Pumper. Thirty five years later, this truck known as 512 is still in service. During 1952 and 1953 the Village of East Norwich went through monumental change with the construction of the two developments known as Norwich Greens and Radcliffe were completed bringing into the area hundreds of new families, the outspring of which today are known as the baby boomers. East Norwich would never be the same again.
In January of 1954 John Davidson was elected Chief of the company. In April of 1954 the company purchased a Ford Chassis and constructed a brush truck affectionately known as Ford 3. It was used by our company on too many brush fires to even begin to count. A real workhorse that was very difficult to drive on the highway, however if you went into the woods with it, it operated like a fine Swiss watch. It could drive and pump water and the same time which is unusual for a fire truck, therefore it was of great use in traversing the local wooded areas and saved many a bad back for many firemen. In the late 70's the truck was replaced but not forgotten. Purchased from us by a small company in Arkansas and driven there by on of their members it is still in use by them. In May of 1954 the Volunteer and Firemens Benevolent Association of East Norwich was formally chartered. This organization still in existence today was formed by the State Legislature to allow volunteer firemen to utilize certain funds from foreign insurance companies writing business in the State of New York to help indigent firemen. After being an active volunteer fireman for five years the members becomes exempt and is considered eligible for benefits from this organization. In June of 1955 the company purchased a 1955 Ford panel truck which was utilized as the first official rescue truck of the company. As the years went by this vehicle was equipped with full rescue equipment and was used to transport many residents to local hospitals.

East Norwich Fire Company No.1 History Countinued

In January 1956 Len Martling was elected the new Chief of the department. In April 1956 the company adopted a Dalmatian puppy as it's mascot. The pup was aptly named "Smokey". During 1956 & 1957 there were ongoing discussions on the problem of more room being needed at fire headquarters. Several attempts were made to purchase additional property both next to and at the rear of the firehouse to no avail.
In 1958 Richard Hauser was elected the new Chief of the department. The discussions and motions continued during this time for expansion for the company and company minutes note that in 1959 the State Department of Transportation stated that they had no plans for Routes 25A or 106 for the next 10-20 years. In June of 1959 the company finally voted to expand the present firehouse. Plans were discussed with some architects and then suddenly in August of 1959 the State reported that they were going to build a clover leaf at the intersection of 106 and 25A. After meeting with the State it was revealed at that time that almost the entire property owned by the company as well as the additional property being purchased was to be taken over by the State. Plans for expansion of the present building were naturally scrapped at the time. In November of 1959 after more negotiations the company voted to purchase the William Horan property of slightly more than two acres of Route 106. Since construction of the new highways were to begin in 1960 the company had little time to make proper arrangements to move the fire headquarters.
At the close of the 50's monumental disagreements were in abundance at the State intentions to, for all intent and purposes eliminate the Village of East Norwich. As plans were formulated by the company for their new building the plans of the State were finally changed to basically widen Route 106 and 25A, without a clover leaf. Many local residents and landmarks were changed forever by this move, most notably the removal of Meyerdierks & Company General Store which had been at the corner forever. Most of the building was removed to the village restoration at Old Bethpage. In addition the road widening on Route 106 also caused the black walnut tree located on the front lawn of the Walter Downing residence to be relocated in the new Center Mall on 106. Many years after the completion of 1060this tree succumbed to the folly of the State and had to be removed. In January of 1962 James Martin became the next chief and served during turbulent times of construction of the new firehouse.During these times, the company would normally be celebrating their 50th Anniversary, however it was voted to hold over the celebration until the completion of the new firehouse that was completed and occupied in 1963. In January of 1964 Pat Bifulco was elected new Chief and in April 1964 the company voted to purchase a new Mack Quad Pumper. This truck know to the members as Mack 6, was and continues to be our primary truck at all fires. In 1965 the company voted to purchase a Chief's Car, and in the summer of 1965 a Buick station wagon was accepted.
In 1965 the first big change in the structure of the fire company operations occurred with a change in company by-laws by establishing the election of a President and Vice President. Prior to this time, the Chief had run all facets of the company as to firematics as well as being responsible to run the meetings. Although the Board of Directors did run the official business of the company the dual role of the Chief was too much to expect for one person. In January 1966 Carl Jackson was elected the first President of the company and also assumed the dual roll of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Fred Bifulco was elected the First Vice President.
In June of 1966 the company hosted the Nassau County Parade and Tournament in honor of Carl Jackson who had just been elected to be the new President of the Nassau County Firemen's Association in 1967. This affair brought over 50 different fire companies to parade in East Norwich, almost too much for the village to handle. However, as usual it went through without a hitch.
In January 1967 Ed Kemp was elected the second President of the fire company. In January of 1968 Jim Plummer was elected new Chief, and in September of 1969 the company voted to purchase a new rescue truck. In January of 1970 a new Chief's Car was purchased and in July 1970 the new rescue truck was delivered and accepted by the company. In January of 1971 Louis Capozzoli was elected the new President. In November of 1971 the company voted to purchase a new Mack Pumper. In January of 1972 Clinton Smith was elected the new Chief, and in the summer of 1972 the new Mack, known as 518 was delivered and accepted by the company.During this time period the company prospered and became more professional in their efforts to provide the finest protection for the residents of East Norwich and surrounding villages. Plans ere made to have a "mortgage burning" and June of 1974 was selected for this purpose.
In 1973 plans were finalized for the next big changes for the company, by their voting to go to the new Nassau County Fire Communications Center for dispatching for alarms for our district. Most of you probably don't realize it, but since the early thirties, fire company phones were located in Meyerdierks & Co. General Store, answered by the men that worked there and transmitted the signal to headquarters that there was a fire or rescue need in the community. During the evening hours and when the store was closed a paid dispatcher was in the fire headquarters, however for many, many years the community owed a great debt of gratitude to the owners and employees of Meyerdierks for their dedication.
In January 1974 Francis Koncelik was elected the new Chief of the company and Philip Siebert was elected the new President. In later 1973 and early 1974 the members of the company visited each and every house in our district to advise them of the new dispatching service, known as "firecom". In the past dozen years the members have realized the great advantage of this system which continues to be modernized and combined with the 911 systems of the Nassau County Police, and is one of the most efficient systems in the country.
Continuing our modernization in August of 1975 the company voted to purchase a home alert system for all firemen which are known as "plectrons". As firecom alerts our fire siren at headquarters by phone lines direct to firecom with a radio backup system, the plectron also goes off with tones and messages in each member's home. Many advantages exist here, since the member has a chance to collect his thoughts as he or she responds to headquarters as to what possibly lies ahead. Also in 1975, the company accepted delivery of their new floodlight and hose truck, known as 519. In January of 1916 Joseph Cardinale was elected the new Chief, and in January of 1977 Daniel Lamberson was elected the new President.In June of 1977 the company hosted the 5th Battalion Parade and Tournament, which is the same event being hosted this June for our anniversary.
In January of 1978 William P. Thompson was elected the new Chief of Department. In February of 1978 the company voted to purchase a GMC pumper to replace our legendary Ford "3". As the decade closed, the company elected Thomas Kearney as new Chief and Stanley Jankowski as new President in January 1980. During this time frame the company accepted their new rescue truck, known as 514, this truck over the past few years has become equipped with the finest rescue equipment, manned by the highly trained EMTs and AMTs of the country.
The public has no knowledge of the many hours of training that is necessary for a member to qualify for EMT or AMT status. These two terms stand for Emergency Medical Technician and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. To become an EMT, the member must attend 110 hours of classroom training plus many more hours of clinical training in a local hospital emergency room. To become an AMT they must take an additional 120 hours of classroom training and clinical training in riding with a Nassau County Police Ambulance. They must then attend either the Nassau County Police Academy at Nassau County Medical Center or Nassau County Fire/Service Academy in Uniondale. This must be renewed every two years to keep their status as EMT or AMT. All of this for no pay, just for the chance to help their fellow man when called for.Fire training is nearly as exhausting for the new and currently active members. New equipment is constantly being purchased by the company and the members must learn how and when to use each piece. Long gone are the days of the "bucket brigade" and the first aid member trained only in the most elementary medical matters.
In January of 1981 Joseph Cardinale was elected the new President of the company, and in January of 1983 Richard G. Downing, grandson of a charter member and a past Chief, was elected the new Chief. In January of 1984 Russell Fuller was elected Chief of the Department, and Philip Siebert was elected the new President for his second time. Finally, in January of 1986 Robert Hurley assumed the Chief of Department and Payl Syrett assumed the presidency, both currently in office running the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company #1, Inc. In the Spring of 1987 the company accepted and placed into service their newest piece of apparatus. A 1987 Mack quad pumper, the latest and easily the most expensive piece of fire fighting apparatus around. At a cost in excess of $300,000.00 it becomes the latest in a long line of equipment designed to preserve life and protect property in East Norwich and the Villages of Upper Brookville, Muttontown, and Brookville. This is only a small portion of our history it will soon be updated with even more current information.