| Year |
Events |
| 1950 |
-With the start of a new decade, the department responded to 29 calls for the calendar year. |
| 1951 |
-In January, a resuscitator was purchased and instructions were given to all officers and eight other firemen. A demonstration was also given to the ladies’ auxiliary. |
| 1952 |
|
| 1953 |
-In February, a 1952 GMC COE 450 / American Fire Apparatus 500 GPM engine was purchased. It was originally numbered as unit “WRFD No. 3”. It was numbered as 6-3-2 when Suffolk County went to an identifier system in the mid 1950’s, but later was re-assigned as 6-3-3. The 1923 American-La France was sold for junk in the amount of $165.00 at that time.
|
| 1954 |
-In March, the Wading River Fire District was formed (see history under the fire district portion of the site). This greatly assisted the fire department with funding to operate and maintain the building, apparatus and equipment. |
| 1955 |
-Early in the year, the first extension to the original building was completed, adding one bay and a large meeting room and kitchen. The cost was $19,038.00.
-July 21st: The fire department board of directors authorized the president to turn the deed for the building, property and equipment over to the fire district.
|
| 1956 |
-After a few years of only having chief officers, Chief Gates implemented a system that now had three captains to lead the equipment & personnel. This system only lasted until 1958, when companies were formed.
-May 27th: A structure fire at Frank Nichol’s Ice Cream Parlor on the corner of SR-25A and Wading River Manor Rd, damaged Judges Hotel (now Phil’s Sports Bar) from exposure before being brought under control by members using Engine’s #2 and #3. This was the first recorded “commercial” structure fire that the department responded to.
|
| 1957 |
-May 16th: Fireman John J. Rambo and John Remiszewski (a/k/a Remick) assisted in the rescue of Benny Hooper in Manorville, where both men, along with many others, dug by hand for 24 hours to reach and extricate the 7-year-old boy from a 21’ collapsed shaft. As a result of this incident, the formation of an Emergency Rescue unit was discussed within the department. |
| 1958 |
-In the spring, a 1949 White oil tanker was bought from the Mobil Oil Company for $600.00 and converted by the members to be a water tanker. The unit was numbered as unit 6-3-2 with “WRFD No. 4” on the door.
-A 1957 International 4WD was purchased in August and numbered as unit “WRFD Emergency-Rescue No. 1”. It was used as an ambulance and also held specialty rescue equipment. Chief Meinhart assigned Fireman Rambo to be in charge of organizing the vehicle. It was eventually numbered as unit 6-3-5.
-Chief Meinhart than re-organized the department, making three units; Co. #1, Co. #2 and Emergency-Rescue Co. #3.
-Also during 1958, the department received the deed (rights) to the Wildwood property and discussions occurred that another station should be built on this property. The station never materialized and the property was eventually sold.
|
| 1959 |
-In August, the first dedicated chief vehicle was purchased for the current Chief of the Department. It was originally numbered as unit 6-3-5, before changing to the call sign of 6-3-30. The deputies remained in POV’s until the 1980’s. |
| 1960 |
-August 27th: During a clam-bake fundraiser at the firehouse, tragedy struck the department with a line-of-duty death. As Fireman Robert Geary attempted to step onto the side board on an apparatus leaving the station for a fire reported in Wildwood Park, he slipped and was crushed by the vehicle. The incident turned out to be false, as Firemen Geary succumbed to his injuries.
-With the start of a new decade, the department responded to 30 calls for the calendar year.
|
| 1961 |
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| 1962 |
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| 1963 |
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| 1964 |
-From the “Edith Hallock Legacy” donation to the fire department, a used 1953 Cadillac Ambulance was bought used for $1,000.00 from Brookhaven FD. It was numbered as unit #6. The fire department turned the title over to the fire district. It was numbered as 6-3-6. |
| 1965 |
-In February, another expansion of building was started, adding a large apparatus floor on the north side as well as parking for responding members. The building also received brick veneer to the old and new side. Total cost was approx. $28,000.00.
-In May, a 1965 Sanford 750 GPM engine was purchased. This unit was the first forward cab truck for the department. It also had jump seats. It was numbered as 6-3-4.
-The department, with Schaefer Brewing Company sponsoring the award, implemented the “member of the year” recognition. William E. Miller was the first recipient.
|
| 1966 |
-The department responded to 117 calls during the year, breaking the 100-call mark for the first time. The department never went below 100 calls again in a calendar year. |
| 1967 |
-In the spring, due to the increase in EMS runs and the age of the existing ambulance, a new 1967 Cadillac-Superior ambulance was purchased. It arrived by early June and was numbered as 6-3-6. Also, a 1967 Ford C-850 / Young Fire apparatus 750 GPM engine. It arrived by August and replaced 6-3-1, the 1946 Chevrolet Ward-LaFrance.
July 20th: The Department celebrated its 20th year anniversary with a dinner at the Polish Hall in Riverhead. A journal for the event was also published. A department photo featured in the journal was taken in June.
|
| 1968 |
-The first “plectrons” were put into service with members of Rescue Company, eliminating the phone tree that had been in place since the department started handling rescue calls. |
| 1969 |
-In the fall, a new Ford F-850 tanker was purchased to replace unit 6-3-2, the 1949 White. The 1949 remained with the department as unit 6-3-2A until 1971, when it was deemed unsafe to operate and sold for junk. |
| 1970 |
-With the start of a new decade, the department responded to 120 calls during the calendar year. |
| 1971 |
-In the summer, a dedicated brush / trail truck was purchased. It was a Dodge W-300 4WD with a Bean high-pressure pump. It was numbered as unit 6-3-7. |
| 1972 |
-The departments first Hurst Tool was placed into service. It was a spreader and power unit, carried on unit 6-3-1. |
| 1973 |
-A 1954 REO 6WD was bought in August by the Department and built by the members into a brush truck. It was turned over to the District in 1974 and became Wading River’s first “stump jumper”, affectionately known as the “Polish Express”. It was numbered as unit 6-3-8.
-5 department members completed the NYS EMT certification, expanding the level of care given to Wading River residents in emergencies.
|
| 1974 |
-One of the largest brush fires in Wading River history occurred on April 28th that consumed acres of woods on the property of the present-day Calverton Cemetery, between SR-25 and SR-25A. The fire took 13 hours to control with help from 11 area departments.
-SCFRES requested all ambulances be re-numbered to “16” identifiers. The 1967 Cadillac went from unit 6-3-6 to 6-3-16.
|
| 1975 |
-A 4th Company was formed in January for Fire Police, with members obtaining NYS certification. Older members previously assigned to “fire patrol functions at fire scenes” were assigned the unit. |
| 1976 |
-The department requested that the fire district allow the department to change the annual chief elections from April to December date, with the first election held in December.
-During 1976 all department companies had patches designed for their class A uniforms, with Company 1 and Company 2 taking on names. Company 1 became Dragon Hose Co. 1 and Company 2 became Hawk Engine & Truck Co. 2.
-A new engine was purchased arriving in December, a 1976 Ford F-750 / Sutphen 750 GPM front mount pumper. It was numbered as unit 6-3-6. This unfortunately moved the 1952 GMC to the outdoors, were it remained as a spare engine until being sold in 1979.
|
| 1977 |
-Early in the year, a 1977 Dodge / American Coach Inc ambulance was purchased. It was numbered as 6-3-17 and the department now had two ambulances for responses.
-July 22nd: The Department celebrated its 30th Anniversary at the Polish Hall. Many were in attendance and charter members Thomas Bonk, Albert Kurovics, Edwin Lapham, Charles Lusik, and John Remick were recognized for 30 years of service. A journal was published to celebrate the event.
|
| 1978 |
-The Department now had 3 members with AEMT certification; Scott Hygom, Bill Jakob and Pete Stelmaschuk completed the course. Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment was also added on the newly acquired unit 6-3-17.
-A 1978 GMC Vandura was purchased for Fire Police and transport operations. The vehicle was numbered as 6-3-9. This also moved the 1957 International outdoors as room was limited inside.
|
| 1979 |
-October 14th: A large building in the Little Flower complex caught fire, and due to the lack of hydrants, required a large mutual-aid for tankers making it one of Wading River’s most memorable structure fire to date.
-Two new vehicles were purchased during the year. A 1979 Ford E-350 / EVF Inc ambulance and a 1979 Ford F-350 / Pierce Mini-Rescue truck were bought. The ambulance replaced the 1967 Cadillac as 6-3-16 and the mini-rescue was numbered as 6-3-10.
-After 27 years of service, unit 6-3-3, the 1952 GMC engine, was sold.
|
| 1980 |
-With the start of a new decade, the department responded to 492 calls during the calendar year. |
| 1981 |
-In January, the chief staff was now expanded to include a 3rd Assistant Chief position. This was due to the continued increase in call volume along with the anticipated opening of a satellite station. |
| 1982 |
-A large brush fire on Memorial Day consumed hundreds of acres within the Calverton National Cemetery and Nassau County Boy Scout camp. The department lost unit 6-3-7, the 1971 Dodge after steering linkage was damaged and had to be abandoned due to a fast-approaching head. A 1981 GMC 3500 pick-up with a FMC high-pressure pump was purchased to replace the Dodge.
-Station 2 on Hulse Landing Road was completed, with a dedication being held in December. The department was re-organized at that time, with Company 1 being assigned to that station. Company 2 remained at the N Country firehouse, now known as “headquarters”. Rescue and Fire Police worked out of both stations.
-The first diesel powered fire truck with an automatic transmission was purchased. It was a 1982 Pierce Arrow 1250 GPM engine numbered as 6-3-11.
-A 1982 Ford E-350 / EVF Inc ambulance was purchased to replace unit 6-3-17, the 1977 Dodge.
-A GMC Suburban was purchased to replace unit 6-3-5, the 1957 International.
|
| 1983 |
-A second Pierce Arrow 1250 GPM engine was purchased and numbered as 6-3-12. The 1965 Sanford and 1976 Ford / Sutphen engines were sold.
-December 8th: Tragedy struck the department again with a second line-of-duty death. Fireman Thomas Bonk suffered a fatal heart attack in the firehouse during the annual department meeting / chief officer elections.
|
| 1984 |
-A third and final Pierce Arrow 1250 GPM engine was purchased. It was numbered as 6-3-6 and was assigned to Company 1 out of station 2. |
| 1985 |
-A 1985 F-350 / EVF Inc ambulance was purchased to replace unit 6-3-16, the 1979 Ford E-350. |
| 1986 |
-A new tanker was purchased to replace unit 6-3-2, the 1969 Ford F-850. A Pierce Dash 1000 GPM / 3000-gallon tanker arrived in the early fall. |
| 1987 |
-A 40th Anniversary celebration took place at the Polish Hall in July. All ex-chiefs and presidents in attendance were recognized, as well as 40-year active charter members Edwin Lapham and John Remick.
-In the late summer, construction started on the new HQ on N. Country Rd. During this period, most department functions were out of Station 2. The portion of the “original” firehouse was razed in the fall of 1988.
|
| 1988 |
-About a dozen members participated in a SCUBA program, adding this resource to the department for any emergencies that may occur on the LI Sound or any body of water. |
| 1989 |
The New Firehouse was completed, adding a large apparatus floor with 6 bays and a second floor. The first department meeting was held on January in the main room. |
| 1990 |
-With the start of a new decade, the department responded to 450 calls during the calendar year.
-Several new trucks were purchased during the year, all with diesel engines;
-A 1989 Ford E-350 / Road Rescue ambulance to replace unit 6-3-16, the 1985 Ford F-350.
-A 1990 Ford E-series van to replace the 1978 GMC. The truck was numbered as 6-3-3 and assigned to Fire Police.
-A 1990 Ford F-350 pick-up with a Waterous single stage gas powered pump, replacing unit 6-3-7, the 1981 GMC 3500. The GMC went on to be a utility pick-up and was numbered as 6-3-27.
-A 1970 AM General 6WD brush truck was added to HQ, numbered as unit 6-3-9.
-A 1990 Pierce Dash 4WD Heavy Rescue truck replaced unit 6-3-10, the 1979 Ford F-350. |
| 1991 |
-Another 1989 Ford E-350 / Road Rescue ambulance was purchased to replace unit 6-3-17, the 1982 Ford E-350. Now both ambulances were diesel powered. The 1982 Ford was re-assigned as unit 6-3-18 for the SCUBA unit.
|
| 1992 |
- With back step riding on apparatus now officially over, the department received the first of its enclosed cab Engines, a 1992 Pierce Dash 1500 GPM engine. It was numbered as unit 6-3-11 and replaced the 1982 Pierce. |
| 1993 |
-March 16th: Two girls, age 11 & 14, runaways from the Little Flower Children Service, set ablaze the United Methodist Church on SR-25A, requiring the assistance of several mutual aid departments to bring under control. |
| 1994 |
-The department added a first to its fleet, a 1994 Pierce Lance 112’ Ladder truck. The unit number 6-3-4 resurfaced, after not being used since 1983. Also, a second enclosed cab engine, a 1994 Pierce Dash 1500 GPM engine was purchased to replace the 1983 Pierce (6-3-12). It was numbered as 6-3-6. The 1984 Pierce (6-3-6) was re-numbered as 6-3-12. |
| 1995 |
-The department participated in the wildfires that occurred in the Westhampton and Rocky Point pine barrens in late August into early September. Around the clock shifts were sent to relieve crews operating the equipment operating at the fires. |
| 1996 |
|
| 1997 |
-Another 1970 AM General 6WD was purchased to replace unit 6-3-8, the 1954 REO.
-The Department celebrated its 50th anniversary in July. A carnival along with a parade took place along N Country Rd., with many fire departments in attendance.
|
| 1998 |
-A GMC Suburban was purchased to replace unit 6-3-5, the 1982 GMC. |
| 1999 |
|
| 2000 |
-With the start of a new decade, the department responded to 791 calls during the calendar year.
-A 2000 International 4700 / Road Rescue ambulance was purchased, replacing unit 6-3-16, the 1989 Ford E-350.
|
| 2001 |
-The department sent unit 6-3-10 into NYC after the 9/11 attack to provide lighting on side streets leading into the WTC.
-Department member Bill Schulze was the 3rd member to be recognized for 50 years of service.
|
| 2002 |
-Chief Ryan re-organized Hawk Engine & Truck Co. #2 and Emergency Rescue Co. #3, removing Ladder 6-3-4 and Heavy Rescue 6-3-10 from Co. # 2, and putting them in the newly formed Rescue-Truck Co. #3. Co. #3 also had both ambulances. Co. #2 became an engine company only with units; Engine 6-3-1 & 6-3-11 and brush trucks 6-3-7 & 6-3-9.
-In June, a new engine was purchased. It was a 2002 Pierce Dash 2000 GPM CAFS engine and numbered as 6-3-1. The last of the Pierce Arrows, the 1984, now unit 6-3-12, was sold.
-A 2002 International 4700 / Road Rescue ambulance was purchased, replacing unit 6-3-17, the 1991 Ford E-350. The 1991 Ford was re-assigned to replace unit 6-3-18, the 1982 Ford E-350.
|
| 2003 |
|
| 2004 |
-A 2004 GMC 3500 was purchased to replace unit 6-3-27, the 1981 GMC. |
| 2005 |
-In January, the department was now responding to EMS runs with a paid Paramedic on weekday calls. The program quickly expanded to 24/7 coverage. |
| 2006 |
-A 2006 Ford F-550 / Hackney was purchased to replace unit 6-3-3, the 1990 Ford E-series van. |
| 2007 |
-The department entered its 60th year of service to the community on July 23rd. There was no celebration for this milestone. |
| 2008 |
-Department member Mike Wiwczar was the 4th member to be recognized for 50 years of service.
-A 2007 Pierce Dash Heavy Rescue was purchased and numbered as unit 6-3-10, replacing the 1990 Pierce
|
| 2009 |
-Department member Dan Zaveski was the 5th member to be recognized for 50 years of service. |
| 2010 |
- With the start of a new decade, the department responded to 940 calls during the calendar year.
-Department member John Waskewicz was the first member in the history of the department to be recognized for 60 years of service. Department member Bob Boenig was the 6th member to be recognized for 50 years of service.
|
| 2011 |
-Two new ambulances were purchased at the same time. Both were 2009 GMC 4500 / Road Rescues, replacing the 2000 and 2002 Internationals. |
| 2012 |
-April 09th: The department responded to the largest brush fire in the pine barrens since 1995. It originated in Ridge fire district before consuming over 1,000 acres. It took several days to bring under complete control.
-Chief Cohen disbanded Rescue-Truck Co. #3, merging personnel back into Co. #1 and Co. #2, after membership levels dropped in both. Co. #1 remained out of station 2 and Co. #2 were out of HQ.
-The department responded to 1,089 calls during the year, breaking the 1,000-call mark for the first time. The department has not gone below 1,000 calls since in a calendar year.
|
| 2013 |
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| 2014 |
-For the first time in department history, the Chief of the Department position remained vacant for the calendar year, which placed 1st Assistant Chief Donnelly in charge. |
| 2015 |
-The Department purchased a 1946 Chevrolet fire truck in the summer, with the idea being to replicate our original 1946 truck for parades and display. |
| 2016 |
-February 22nd: John Waskewicz, the longest serving department member with 66 years of service, answered his last alarm.
-Early in the spring, Chief Ryan re-organized Headquarters Co. 2. With the large membership drive that brought in 19 persons during the year, many were EMS members. A rescue squad was started again within Co. 2 and had two lieutenants assigned and in charge of EMS personnel and both ambulances. The Captain position was not assigned at this time.
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