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The Milton Fire Engine Association Number One was formed on May
27, 1904. The charter members started out with a Gleason and
Bailey hand pumper. This is still a cherished possession today.
The first "firehouse" was no more than a
carriage house on Dock Road. The fire district they protected
was not mush more than the village of Milton; from the river to
Young's homestead and Maple Avenue and South Road to the first
bridge on North Road. The company quickly outgrew its
carriage house and in 1911 moved to the basement floor of the
bank building on Main Street. This move was planned in advance
as the owner of the new building was E.F.Patten, the fire
company's 2nd Vice President. A year later in 1912, the company
installed a fire alarm where the Milton Elementary now stands.
This alarm today is in proud possession of the membership.
On January 8, 1913, the company was incorporated as the
Milton Engine Company No.1.
In 1920, the first truck was bought; a Model T Ford with a
chemical pump and hose. Soon after this purchase, the members
realized that the upkeep on the truck and firehouse required
reimbursement from the community. Therefore in 1921, the Milton
Fire District was formed with five fire commissioners and
a tax levy of $1,000.00. The company spent their budget on
coats, boots, and hose. They also paid the Foreman (chief)
$50.00 per year for his work and the Secretary $30.00 per year.
During 1925, the company made another move to the building south
of the Post Office.
The Model T Ford proved too slow for the fireman, so a new truck
was purchased in 1930. This truck was manufactured by the
Sanford Fire Apparatus Company and was the company's pride and
joy. During the 1930's fir drills were held regularly to better
train the men. The company also enjoyed having a very good
baseball team which kept them active within the community.. But
the fun of the 1930's came to a sudden end. During a Sunday
outing, the Sanford fire truck struck another car on 9W. The two
men riding on the truck were killed and all others were injured.
The effects of this tragic event were felt for many years within
the fire department and all families effected.
During the 1940's, World War II played a large role in the
actions of the engine company. Donations and such were being
sent overseas and to draftee stations in the Hudson
Valley. In April of 1944, the fire department dedicated a plaque
at the firehouse to the men from Milton serving their community
during the War. This was celebrated by a parade through the
village and a festive party afterwards.
The 1950's saw big changes for the fire service and the Milton
Engine Company. In 1951, the fire department moved to its
current location on Main Street. This firehouse was the first
floor of today's firehouse minus the north side addition. At the
same time, the district purchased a new Sanford fire truck to
add modern equipment to the new firehouse. In 1956, the company
voted to adopt Ulster County's new mutual aid plan through radio
communications. It also, this same year, was happy to see a new
municipal water system that would add to their firefighting
arsenal. In 1957, the department received its second apparatus;
an American LaFrance on a Dodge chassis. Through the late 50's,
members trained more on emergency first aid, and the 1959, the
company had its own rescue squad for medical emergencies within
Milton.
in 1967, the second floor was added to the firehouse, a Ford
pumper was also purchased this year. With this new space, the
department held its first pancake breakfast in 1969; a tradition
that continues today.
the 1970's were filled with young members willing to play
important roles in the direction of the company. In 1970, the
property across Main Street from the firehouse was purchased by
the members for $1,470.00; a wise investment.
In 1981, with the re-writing of the company's by-laws, new
positions of Captain and Lieutenant were added to the ranks of
line officers. 1983 saw the arrival of a new Pierce tanker and
the junior member program. In 1984, a Dodge brush truck was
added to the fleet, which made a total of four fire apparatus
protecting Milton. During 1988, the department replaced its'
1967 Ford with a new Hahn pumper to upgrade its 1st due-in
engine.
1990 brought with it a new addition to the firehouse. New
offices and a ready room upstairs and a new engine bay
downstairs meant more space for all the equipment needed to
perform essential services to the community. Through the rest of
the '90's, quality equipment and training to the Milton Engine
Company, including a Saulsbury Rescue Pumper purchased in 1997.
In 2003, a new Ford F-450 brush truck was added to replace the
'83 Dodge. A century of service to the community was
marked with a parade and fireworks on July 3rd, 2004. The newest
apparatus in the Milton fleet is a 2005 American LaFrance
tanker, replacing the 1983 Pierce.
Today shows even more promise for the Milton Engine Company.
Training is more essential than ever, and out 45 active members
show enthusiasm and vigilance in all they do and learn.
Professionalism is a virtue that this department strives to
maintain to the highest degree. Love for the community and a
devotion to the fire service will continue to keep the members
of the Milton Engine Company No.1 'protecting with pride' for
years to come.
The
above information was compiled and written for the 100th
Anniversary celebration by Gael Appler Jr., and modified for
MiltoneEngine.com. All information was gathered from the minute
books of the Milton Engine Co. and Milton Fire Department
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