Protection Fire Company, No. 1

The fire company was reorganized under the name of Protection Fire Company, No. 1, of Brewster, New York, on August 25^th, 1886. The first officers: A. D. Freer, Chief; Alfred Vores, Asst. Chief; Wellington Losee, 1^st Engineer; A. F. Lobdell, Secretary; John Day, Treasurer; Philip Diehl, Steward. Sub-committees included the following: Hook and Ladder Company: P.O. Turner, Foreman; G. W. Townsend, Asst. Foreman; Hose Company: R. C. Rogers, Foreman; Engine Company: Wellington Losee, 1^st Engineer; Richard Michell, 2cnd Engineer; Fire Police: A. F. Lobdell, Foreman; C. E. Rogers, Asst. Foreman.

Brewster Volunteer Fire Department

In 1905 the name was changed to Brewster Volunteer Fire Department. The newspaper added "The annual balls given by them are by far the most popular and best attended of the social functions of the town." The twentieth century brought changes in the fire company. In September, 1935, the first ambulance was purchased and the service available was a boon to Southeast residents. A new firehouse, providing more adequate space for equipment, was built and opened in 1941. It is situated on Railroad Avenue, just north of where Route 6 crosses the railroad tracks. Henry H. Wells, Mayor, and John D. Morehouse, Fire Chief, issued an invitation to all the residents of Southeast to attend the dedication ceremony.

Chief - John D. Morehouse in full regalia

John D. Morehouse was praised for his 36 years of devoted service as Chief of the Brewster Village Fire Department. Since that time, the firehouse has been enlarged to accommodate increases in equipment. John D. Morehouse was elected Fire Chief in 1946 for his 36^th term. He died on May 24^th, 1947, greatly mourned by the community. In May, 1948, the Fire Department dedicated a memorial to their longtime and beloved chief. Henry H. Wells spoke at the dedication ceremony. A quote from Mr. Wells speech is indicative of the community’s respect for Chief Morehouse: "I know of no one who gave more freely of his intelligence, industry, time and enthusiasm for the people of the Village and of the countryside roundabout. Chief Morehouse’s devotion was constant. True today is the saying of old, ‘A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold’.".

Page Back

Page Forward

1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  |  7
Navigate by Page

Next Page:
Through the Years