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Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company - Incorporated in 1952 |
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We all must agree that there is a lot of work in any effort to establish a Fire Company. So, let us go back eleven years before the Mt. Lodge Park Fire Co., was incorporated, in order to better realize what these efforts entailed. |
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1950 – Ladies Auxiliary Formed |
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The year 1950 was an important one from the firemen’s standpoint. Ever alert to help their men, the women formed the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company on September 24th and from their inception have proved a very valuable asset to the firemen. Under the leadership of its first elected president, Mrs. Charles Schaffer and the original fifteen charter members they planned fund-raisers and card parties that were able to start a treasury, which in the following years grew through their untiring efforts, enabling the auxiliary to accomplish many great things for the fire company. The long hours and hard work preformed by the Auxiliary during past forest fires alone would require a volume of words to tell.Past Presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary |
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1951 – Extension of Firehouse |
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Extension of the Firehouse ground floor was completed in this year, bringing the building to the present housing capacity of three trucks. |
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1952 – Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company, Inc. |
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After making application for official recognition under the laws of the State of New York, the incorporation was granted in October. Officially the Fire Company became the Mountain Lodge Park Fire Co., Inc. and became a part of the Salisbury Mills Fire District. This is the most important event in the life of the Fire Company. As a result of an inspection by the Board of Fire Underwriters which showed an adequate alarm system, satisfactory equipment and better fire protection, the application for reduced fire insurance rates in our fire district was granted.1952 - Line and Civil Officers |
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1953 – Upper Floor and Rear Addition |
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The Fall of 53’ saw the start of work on the upper floor and rear addition to the firehouse. Work was completed in 1954. All manual labor was preformed by the firemen who gave of their time and physical efforts unstintingly and with much sacrifice.Also in this year, the Ladies Auxiliary was instrumental in completely equipping the beautiful kitchen we have, so widely admired by all of the community who have attended our Open House affairs. |
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1954 – Modern Fire Truck – 1955 |
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In the fall of 1954, by unanimous vote, the civic-minded taxpayers of our district voted in favor of purchasing a new fire truck for our Fire Company. At our August 1955 Open House, the arrival of the new Ford- La France Tank Fire Truck was greeted enthusiastically by the firemen and the people of the community. |
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1957 – Emergency Truck |
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A new piece of equipment was purchased by the Fire Company to further improve its efficiency. This was a four-wheel drive emergency truck on which all portable equipment is carried. |
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Equipment on trucks (as of 1957) |
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The 1960's |
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The Fire House was expanded by the addition of two more truck bays. |
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The Taxpayers of our district voted in favor of purchasing a new truck which was a 1,000 gallon Pumper with the capacity to hold 1,000 gallons of water, thus bringing the number of trucks to four. |
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1970, 1972, 1973 & 1974 |
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The Taxpayers approved the purchase of a 1971 Tanker which carries 1,500 gallons of water with a 250 gpm pump. Also, as part of its efficiency, a 1,500 gallon Porto Tank was carried on this truckNew ceilings in the truck area and the upstairs meeting hall were installed.Chief Henry Rolufs after having served 20 years as Chief decided to step down and hoped someone would take over the responsibility. Chief Rolufs served the company well for many years and now is a Life Member. Assistant Chief Tommie McDuffie was voted in to replace Chief Rolufs.Also in '73, the fire company purchased two radios which were placed in the chief and assistant chief’s carsThe Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company and the Salisbury Mills Fire Company were set up with improved alert systems – plectrons and base stations.-click here- for readable scan of original Orange County Post article |
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1975 |
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In another step to improve communications and fire reporting system, the Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company joined the Mutual Aid Central Headquarters hook-up.There were forty-three active members of the fire company and five members of the fire police. The Ladies Auxiliary consisted of 35 members. |
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1976 |
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On July 12th, Mt. Lodge Fire Company received a truck from the New York State Office of Civil Defense of Orange County. It was an Army type vehicle GMC 6x6 Flat Bed. This truck is to be used as an emergency vehicle, fighting forest fires, rescue and natural disaster conditions, as well as to carry portable equipment.Emergency equipment and pumping system have been updated for safer operation on the Emergency and Brush Truck. The number of trucks now in service is five.The vehicles used this year: |
