During 1884, an application was received by the Village Board to supply Haverstraw with water, and shortly thereafter construction started on a pressurized water system. By 1885, it was recommended to the Board of Engineers that fire hydrants be placed throughout the Village to improve fire protection. This work was to commence the next spring, and by July 6th, 1886 it was reported that 13 hydrants were in service. By October 5th, 1886 it was reported that 37 hydrants were in service and this set the stage for the Hose Carts.
At this time, General Warren , Union, and Triumph responded with handtubs and hose reels while Lady Warren had a steamer. They drafted water from cisterns and other sources throughout the Village. With the advent of fire hydrants, pumps were no longer needed to draw water. As a result, the village sold the Lady Warren steamer, and put all of the hand engines in storage. Four wheeled hose carriages were purchased by the Village and distributed to the companies In a later development, two wheeled hose carts were purchased to replace the bigger and heavier 4 wheeled variety, and the 4 wheeled versions were kept by the companies and used as parade carriages.
Above is a 2 wheeled hose cart that was used during a demonstration on the Bank Corner for the 100th anniversary of the H.F.D. in 1954. Congers came to the village with their steamer which they fired and pumped. The 2 wheeled hose carts that the Village bought were exchanged between the companies depending on needs, and a single hose cart still survives today owned by a private collector. It is unknown if this was #2’s cart, but Smokey put 2’s on the back of the picture.
Our 1977 FMC John Bean High Pressure truck was a logical replacement for the 1954 International. Designed with a covered crew bench and air pack racks behind the cab, this apparatus carried our first ‘Jaws of Life’, had a permanent foam dispensing system, and carried 6 firefighters comfortably and safely under cover. The Village donated this truck and excess equipment to a village in the Dominican Republic. It is currently in service in that country.
Below is the original Specification and Contract for the 77 FMC
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The General Warren Emergency Company is the Heavy Rescue Company of the Haverstraw Fire Department. General Warren Emergency Company responds as unit 4-EM to all activities dispatched to Rockland County Department 4. 4-EM is equipped with onboard extrication tools, air bags, portable generators, ventilation equipment, power tools, lighting, portable pumps, firefighter S.C.B.A., firefighter comfort, and other rescue equipment. Our 1998 Saulsbury/Spartan Gladiator is also equipped with a 4 stage Waterous pump, a 300 gallon tank, and permanent foam firefighting capability.
The 1936 Seagrave was the second motorized apparatus purchased for General Warren. This truck was designed to carry lighting, salvage equipment, and in a new development, tools for industrial accidents and automobile extrication. With war clouds on the horizon, and before the advent of the ambulance corps, many departments began equipping fire trucks with first aid and rescue equipment. This was the ‘cutting edge’ technology of its day. The flashlight and iodine truck would also respond with accident victims directly to Nyack Hospital when the need arose.
Below is the initial proposal for the 36 Seagrave. As you can see, the truck was spec’d out with a ‘Northern Booster Pump’, 150 feet of 3/4″ hose, and a 100 gallon tank. The pump was dropped in the final build. The 36 Seagrave is the design basis for all of our trucks since.
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At the meeting held on February 2nd, 1937, the company moniker again was changed from General Warren Hose Co.#2 to General Warren Emergency Company #2, a reflection of its mission, and we remain so today.
The 36 Seagrave was last seen sitting in Jurgensens Machine Shop on West Street.
The General Warren Emergency Company #2 was formed on May 15, 1854 following the incorporation of the Village of Warren, NY. Funding for the purchase of a hand pumper, hose, and quarters for a fire company was approved at that meeting. The Village of Warren, in exchange for a body of volunteer firefighters, issued this apparatus and equipment to the newly formed Warren Engine Company #1. Operating continuously for over 150 years, General Warren Emergency Company #2 remains “Ever Ready When Duty Calls”.
Found recently were Newspaper clippings Smokey had on the Haverstraw Fire Department, General Warren, and the Village. Again, these are Messenger clippings that he typed out and had filed.
Part of our ongoing preservation effort, we have more interesting information on the Haverstraw Fire Department. Haverstraw Ex-Chief Smokey Fales (1933-34), who was also Village Clerk, had gone through the Village Minutes and clipped any mentions of the Haverstraw Fire Department. What follows is basically the early history of the department as seen through the Village Board. Its a good look at the workings of the early Fire Department.
The Officers and Members of the General Warren Emergency Company #2 would like to welcome our visitors to our new web site. The company has maintained this web site for over 10 years now, and we continue to have a steady stream of online visitors from around the world. We strive to provide a modern, accessible source of fire company information to the public. All pictures, audio, videos and documents presented here are the property of the General Warren Emergency Company#2, and are free to download and use for non-commercial purposes. We hope you link and give credit when appropriate, but don’t hesitate. Any other content presented here such as newsletters, scanner feeds, rss feeds are used with thanks to our friends in the volunteer community.
As everyone knows, General Warren #2 took best Quarters and Apparatus last month at inspection. Like so many proud Pop’s out there, we went out and made home movies to share for all of you.
