The Formation & Early Years of The Wading River

Fire Department

The hamlet of Wading River was formed in 1671 as a small community of eight families nestled on the north shore of Long Island.  Prior to the formation of a local fire department, residents would count on each other to assist in the extinguishment of fires with the sounding of the church bell.  Over time, adjacent communities started fire departments that could assist with the extinguishment of fires.  The Riverhead Fire Department was formed in 1836, with the areas of Wading River situated in the Town of Riverhead eventually falling under the fire protection district of the Riverhead Fire Department.  North Shore Beach Fire Department, formed in 1930 (which eventually became part of Rocky Point FD in 1957) along with Manorville and Ridge Fire Department’s, both formed in 1941, could also be summoned.  Despite the existence of these fire departments, they were all many miles away.

With the end of World War II in 1945, many enlisted service men began returning home and establishing residences within Wading River where they had grown up.  The community began to experience a population growth as a result.  It was not until 1947 that serious concerns for establishing a local fire department began to develop.  The Wading River Civic Association, formed in 1935, became integral with this endeavor and through the efforts of community minded men, the Wading River Fire Department was established.

The following is a time line of the events of the early years 1947-1949, with the events that occurred to make the fire department;

1947-

April 25^th:  William B. Gellatly suggested at a civic association meeting that a fire protection unit be formed in Wading River.  A committee consisting of resident’s Lester M. Emmett, Selden W. Heatley, Albert M. Howell Jr., Edwin S. Lapham, George D. McDonald and William E. Miller were appointed to investigate the matter and report back at the next meeting.

May 30^th:  At this civic association meeting, Lester Emmett reported that the committee had written to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Riverhead Fire District.  It was explained by Emmett that since the statute permitted the Riverhead Fire District to take in new members of their fire district (and fire protection district) into the Riverhead Fire Department, the committee suggested that a Wading River Company of the Riverhead Fire Department be formed.  The Riverhead Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners agreed to meeting with the committee to discuss at length the feasibility of such a plan.  All meetings took place in Riverhead in the offices of Judge George W. Hildreth.

June 27^th:  At this civic association meeting, most of the meeting was committed to a report given by the committee assigned the task of investigating fire protection.  Mr. Emmett reported that after several meetings with the Riverhead Fire Commissioners, they declined to form a new company but extended their assurance of continued cooperation in fighting fires in the Wading River area.  They further advised that their present insurance will, without expense to us, protect fireman in an independent fire company.  As a result, the fire department committee stated there was no other course but to incorporate and immediately form as an independent company, to be supported by donations, bazaars and other means of raising money on a voluntary basis.  William Miller reported that in addition to the insurance policy against injury to fireman, covered by the Riverhead Fire District, insurance will be needed on a building and fire apparatus when it is on the road.  Those premiums would be about $91.00 

It was immediately voted that the civic association donated $50.00 towards the organization of a fire department.

July 2^nd:  At a board meeting of the Town of Riverhead government, Lester Emmett explained the desire to form a fire department in the community of Wading River and that approval from the town council was needed so that the incorporation request can be submitted to New York State.  The town board gave unanimous approval.

July 16^th:  A request for a certificate of incorporation of the Wading River Fire Department, dated on July 16, 1947, was made to the New York State Comptroller by Edwin Lapham.  This request was granted on July 21, 1947. 

July 23^rd:  The first meeting of the Wading River Fire Department, Inc. was called to order at the Wading River School by William Gellatly.  A temporary chair and secretary were elected – Lester Emmett and Edwin Lapham respectfully.  That evening the purpose of the organization was explained.  Several important committees were assigned with the tasks explained;

Building:  James F. Uhlinger (chair), A. Myron Howell Jr., William L. Miller, John Remiszewski and Kenneth Thurber with the purpose of locating a site and oversee the progress of erecting a firehouse.

Finance:  William O. Good (chair), Robert J. Carlough, James F. Doyle, William B. Gellatly, Selden W. Heatley, Albert M. Howell III and Barney Schackman to come up with methods to raise money to cover the costs associated with starting up the fire department.

Nominating:  William E. Miller (chair), John Remiszewski and Kenneth Thurber to canvas department members and nominate personnel for each department office.

Also, Edwin Lapham was assigned the task of drafting a constitution & by-laws at this meeting.

As best as can be determined that evening, 40 men signed up on paper and others committed to be members. as 66 members were recognized as original “charter members” by the end of 1947.

July 25^th:  Lester Emmett reported at this Civic Association meeting that the first meeting of the fire department was very successful.  The goal for the fire department was to raise $10,000.00 to purchase the land, build a firehouse and purchase all the necessary fire equipment.  The civic association was thanked for their assistance in starting the process.

With the Wading River Fire Department, Inc. now formed, most of the meetings occurred at the school house, with some meetings also at Judge’s Hotel.  The following are the events and timeline from the fire department minutes;

July 30^th:  At this meeting, considered to be the “organizational meeting” the Constitution & By-Laws were accepted and the department officers were finalized.  The following executive board was elected, as recommended by the nominating committee; 

President – Lester M. Emmett
Vice-President – Selden W. Heatley
Secretary / Treasurer -  Edwin S. Lapham

Six directors, to oversee department expenses, were also elected:  Frank F. Boenig, Lars de Lagerberg, James F. Doyle, William B. Gellatly, William L. Miller and James F. Uhlinger.

The chief officer elections were deferred to the next meeting.  An equipment committee consisting of the following members was also established; William B. Gellatly (chair), Jerome Aimes, William E. Miller, Frederick Meier

The building committee reported that it would cost roughly $2,600.00 to build a firehouse and that had offers from volunteers within the community to help build it to reduce costs.  The committee was than instructed to work on a site.

The finance committee recommended a raffle and tag sale be conducted, along with solicitations.  The committee was given the authorization to conduct same.

August 06^th:  A special meeting was called in order to elect chief officers and cover other pertinent business. The following were duly elected with the member receiving the highest votes to be chief, followed by 1^st Deputy than 2^nd Deputy;

Chief of the Department – William E. Miller
1^st Deputy – Jerome Aimes
2^nd Deputy – Albert M. Howell III

Aimes and Howell resigned from those positions by September.  Jay A. Hulse Sr. and Paul T. Guyder were elected, respectively, to those positions. These three men would lead the department as the chief staff for several years.

Also, seventy-five badges were authorized to be purchased at this meeting.

In between this meeting and the next meeting held on August 13^th, a 1923 American-LaFrance rotary gear-type pumper, identified as WRFD No. #1, was purchased from the Port Jefferson Fire Department for $500.00.  Prior to the original firehouse being erected, the truck was housed in a small garage on the Miller property, across from the present-day firehouse on N. Country Road. 

August 17^th:  Chief Miller conducted the first department drill on a Sunday morning at 11 AM with the new equipment.

August 19^th:  The first Board of Directors meeting was held at the offices of William L. Miller.  The purpose of the board was to control funds in compliance with not-for-profit law.

September 08^th:  A surplus 5 HP H.O.R. siren was purchased from the Ridge Fire Department for $140.00.  The siren was a pertinent piece of equipment as it was used to alert the members of a fire.  It was installed on the peak of the general store by the duck ponds.

September 19^th:  At this meeting, held at Judges Hotel, an Entertainment Committee was formed with Alexander T. Bloom assigned to chair.  Its purpose was to continue to assist with raising funds for purchasing equipment, as the original finance committee was now ended with the president offering thanks for the committee’s efforts.

November 23^rd:  A dinner / dance was held at the Travelers Tavern (currently J&R Steakhouse) in Calverton.  The event netted $1,150.00.  The department also signed a contract with Harry Wiwczar to build the firehouse on the recently purchased property on N. Country Road.

On an interesting note, during 1947 the Department responded to four incidents. They are as follows:

1. 08/30/47 – An automobile fire on N. Country Rd. near St. John’s Church.  The fire was extinguished by FF’s Edward Stadnicki and Halsey Gosman, who both responded directly to the scene, using a fire extinguisher.

2. 09/30/47 – A structure fire at the residence of Edwin Lapham on Sound Rd. High winds caused embers from the chimney to ignite the wood-shingle roof. The fire was extinguished with members who responded with Truck #1.

3. 11/15/47 – A subject trapped in a cesspool cave-in on Lakeside Trail, Lake Panamoka. The Department assisted with digging for approximately two hours until the individual was removed.

4. 12/05/47 – A chimney fire at the residence of Faye Heatley on Sound Rd.  The fire was extinguished prior to FD arrival.

1948-

March:  The grounds were cleared and the construction of the firehouse began.  The building was completed by early June.

June 16^th:  Lester Emmett, on behalf of the Wading River Fire Department, addressed the Town of Riverhead at a meeting of the town board, requesting a portion of money be appropriated from the Riverhead fire protection district, to assist with the financial costs of the Wading River Fire Department, now that the unit has become very well established.  The matter was referred to the town attorney.

June 19^th:  The first meeting was held in the new firehouse on N. Country Rd.  It was requested that evening that all members assist with the preparation of the grounds over the next few days for the upcoming dedication ceremony.

July 3^rd:  A dedication of the new firehouse took place with the Town of Riverhead council officiating the ceremony.  The entire community was in attendance with the Little Flower band performing during the dedication.

July 16^th:  A contract was signed for the purchase of a new 1946 Chevrolet / Ward-LaFrance 500 GPM pumper, identified as WRFD No. #2, for $6,000.00.  The truck arrived in August.

August 03^rd through August 08^th:  The fire department conducted a fund-raising carnival on the grounds of Wildwood State park.  The six day event netted a substantial profit.

August 04^th:  Representatives of the Riverhead Fire District and Fire Department addressed the Town of Riverhead council, stating they did not oppose funding be allocated out of the Riverhead Fire Protection district, provided the residents of Wading River were in agreement.  A public hearing on the matter was set.

August 27^th:  A public hearing occurred at the Wading River School with the Town of Riverhead town board officiating.  Representatives from the Riverhead Fire District were also present. With no opposition from Wading River residents, a vote was set for the next town board meeting.

September 01^st:  The Town of Riverhead council unanimously approved that allocations be made to the Wading River Fire Department, Inc, out of the Riverhead Fire Protection District funding beginning in 1949.  That sum was set at $940.59 at the 12/29/48 meeting.

October:  The first pictures of the fire department, with equipment and firemen were taken. 

December 17^th:  Chief Miller organized the equipment and the following members were duly elected officers of their respected truck;

                 No. #1 Truck / 1923 American La-France               No. #2 Truck / 1946 Ward La-France

                                Capt. – John Cybulski                                        Capt. – Tom Bonk

                                Lieut. – Halsey Gosman                                     Lieut. – Frank Cybulski

                                Lieut. – Joseph Kurovics                                    Lieut. – Henry Hojlo

1949-

August 20^th:  A fund-raising clambake occurred at the Hulse Landing Beach.  In addition to raising funds, the department was able to secure equipment.

Over the summer, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed, which consisted of member’s spouses, to assist the fire department with future fund raising efforts.

PLEASE REFER TO THE DEPARTMENT HISTORY SECTION FROM 1950-CURRENT FOR FURTHER.