|
Amityville Fire Department Amityville, New York |
| The individual volunteer firefighting services within the
Village of Amityville were organized into a village department in 1905
under the leadership of its first fire chief, Milford Ketcham. This
department was comprised of Hook & Ladder Company #1, formed in 1886, Hose
Company #1 (1893) and Dauntless Engine and Hose Company #2 (1894).
In later years, three more companies were added; Chemical Hose Company #3
(1914), Hose Company #4 (1922) and Fire Police (1950). In more recent times, the Amityville Fire Department has instituted new squads in response to the changing needs of our community. The Emergency Squad, which responds to approximately seventy-five percent of the calls received by the fire department, was created in 1974, and more recently Water Rescue and Heavy Rescue units were instituted. These units respond to all health-related emergencies, boating incidents and motor vehicle accidents and are equipped to handle a variety of unique situations. The fire department touches nearly every aspect of life in Amityville and has on-going mutual aid agreements with the surrounding communities. Over the years, it has been involved in fire prevention education, baby sitter courses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education, as well as other non-emergency activities such as parades and fundraising activities. During the early years, the department went from hand-drawn apparatus to be one of the first in Suffolk County to acquire motorized fire trucks. The membership was made up of village leaders, business owners and merchants, all of whom volunteered their time. Many of their descendants are still actively involved in the department and in the community. Today volunteer members come from all walks of life. They spend countless hours in training for an ever-expanding list of required skills. Firemen trained in Emergency Medical Technology, fire science, hazardous materials handling, extrication, water rescue, blood-borne pathogens, officer training, incident command, leadership and management, are unified by one goal; to provide the best and safest service in protecting the lives and property of those they serve. |