In the early months of the year 1927, there were three
fires within the Village of Port Dickinson, two were of a minor nature, one might well have been considered serious. Village Officials and concerned citizens became protection concious.
The only fire fighting eqiupment available was stored in a barn on Grant Street, which proved to be a hand drawn high wheeled
hose reel purchased in 1902 and relegated to supplying water for the skating rink in the rear of the Port Dickinson School.
These same concered townsmen assembled in January 1928 on
the upper floor of the old Redmen's Hall over the Cigar Store and Market at the corner of Mill and Chenango Street.
This venerable landmark began to creak, and the occupants beat a hasty retreat, reassemblying in the school gymnasium.
The efforts brought fruition, Clarence H. Boyce and Linnington D. Burtis were elected President and Chief Engineer, and th
Incorporated Company chartered May 2, 1928.
Two weeks later, the 500 gallon triple combination pumper was road tested by
the Larrabee Deyo Truck Co. of Hillcrest, a conveniently located manufacturer. Simultaneously, the new Colonial Village
Hall and Fire Station was completed and the new rig was backed in.
At this time, there unfolded an early concept of on the job training for
some 50 volunteer firemen under the direction of Captains H. J. Bauder and F. O. Dickinson recently retired from the Binghamton
Bureau of Fire. In the early days of the department, it was common practice to fight fire in Port Crane, Nimmonsburg,
Chenango Bridge, Hinman's Corners, Chenango Forks, as well as neighboring Hillcrest. Department records indicate Chief
Burtis' report for the first nine months of operation lists 16 fires within the Village and 3 outside the community. The
most memorable was our asistance given to the Binghamton Department in controlling a holocaust on the East Side when Empire
Grain Elevator erupted during Fire Prevention Week, October 1928. As the years progressed, more seasoned volunteers
became accustomed to long rides often in the bitter cold to assist merchants and farmers in the outlaying communities.
In 1935, the Village Board decided to place more emphasis on police protection,
and Donald Rodman, a charter member and Dept. foreman was appointed Police and Fire Chief. Simultaneously,
the police was then increased by 3 patrolmen. With World War II rapidly approaching, much credit must be given to the
older men in the department who performed yeoman service as the younger lads were syphoned off to the armed services.
With peace on the horizon, a steady growth developing in many of the adjoining communities set the stage for the chartering
of many new departments.
A 750 gallon per minute American LaFrance pumper was purchased in 1952 to replace
the original Larrabee. The LaFrance proved to be a workhorse. In 1962 the fire company by-laws were changed to provide
for election of the fire chief by the fire company members instead of appointment by the village board. The board retained
the right to approve the firemen's choice. Curtiss A. Schermerhorn became the first elected fire chief.
Extra equipment such as flood lights which could not be carried on the fire
engine were transported in a utility trailer by the police car. In 1963 the firemen saw a need for a squad truck for
this purpose. At the same time the fire company contracted with the village to provide an office man on Saturday in
the police station. This provided a reliable source of income and gave each police officer a long weekend once a month.
William A. Comfort was elected fire chief in 1964. Also the Kid's Day
Show with live animal rides was started and continued for eleven years. The annual visit of this show in June was anxiously
awaited by the area children and provided additional funds for the fire company. Money from these two sources was used to
purchase a porta-power rescue tool and other equipment for the new squad truck and to purchase radios which could alert the
men of the fires and announce the location. This was superior to the siren atop the station which some men could not
hear depending on weather conditions. Money was also set aside for eventual purchase of a custom built squad truck.
Specifications for the new squad truck were drawn up and bid awarded to Saulsbury
Corporation in 1970. The rig was delivered in 1971, paid for mainly with money raised by firemen with the village paying
the balance. Features included built-in generator and external lighting system, numerous compartments for equipment,
and room for several firemen to ride in the rig.
In 1973 the need for additional fire-fighting apparatus was determined.
War LaFrance was awarded a contract for a 1250 gpm diesel automatic pumper which carries several ladders mounted under the
hosebed and allows better protection of the residents. To properly house the new apparatus the village constructed a
three-bay addition which was dedicated in early 1975. The firemen appreciated the modern facilities in contrast to the
former cramped apparatus room.
Kevin Burke was elected fire chief in 1975. Late in 1975 dress uniforms
for active firemen were ordered and recieved in early 1976. The firemen are proud of their growth and accomplishments
and have good reason to be.
