Seaford Fire Department

Seaford Fire Department (SFD) is a volunteer fire department headquartered in Seaford, New York. Covering 1.7 square miles the department consists of 65 members operating out of one station. Current apparatus include, (3) Chiefs vehicles, (2) engines, (1) 75' aeriel ladder, (1) heavy rescue, (2) ALS ambulances, (1) high water rescue truck, (1) boat and (4) other misc. vehices. In 2007, the Seaford Fire Department responded to over 650 calls.

The current Seaford Fire Department Chief is Paul Lochner with Pat McIntyre and Bob Podesta as Assistant Chiefs.

History

SEAFORD AND THE SFD: A PROUD HISTORY

In the early 1900’s, after several structures were damaged or destroyed by fire, the citizens of Seaford realized the need to organize their own volunteer fire department. Spearheaded by the tireless efforts a local resident named Mrs. Ryan, the people of Seaford created the Seaford Hook, Ladder and Engine Co. No. 1.

Using funds raised through various fund-raisers, loans and donations, our department purchased its first firefighting apparatus in 1902. Known as a “Chemical Wagon,” this was a hand-pulled, soda-acid fire extinguisher mounted on wagon wheels. This historic Chemical Wagon, which our members recently painstakingly restored to showpiece condition, is now proudly displayed in the front lobby of our fire house.

Our second piece of apparatus, purchased several years after our Chemical Wagon, was a ladder truck – featuring a wagon on wheels pulled by a member’s horse.

Seaford’s first firehouse was a small, converted barn on Southard Avenue. Our first fire alarm was made from the drive wheel of a locomotive which was suspended from a railroad cross tie and two large iron pipes. Citizens in need of our service would either race to the firehouse and SOUND THE ALARM by striking the wheel with a large hammer, summoning the volunteer firefighters to the firehouse. Residents with telephones used a decidedly more “high-tech” approach; they would telephone a firefighter’s home to report the emergency, and the firefighter would sound the alarm upon arrival at the firehouse.

In 1928, our department purchased Dodge pumper truck. We also moved to our second firehouse – a school house on Jackson Avenue that we acquired from the Seaford School District. Our fire company moved the building to the property across the street from our present Seaford Fire District building, and constructed fire apparatus bays.

As our community grew, the Seaford Fire District installed fire wells, alarm sirens, fire alarm boxes and purchased new fire apparatus. Fire wells were deep water wells driven at various locations in the community, based on the protection needs of the area. Water from these wells was “drafted” or lifted and pumped back to the fire through two and one half inch heavy cotton hose. A stretch of as much as 1000 feet of hose was not uncommon.

During the early years of our fire department, fire alarms were few. Historical records reveal as little as 12 alarms per year. As of this writing, we respond to approximately 500 fire and rescue alarms per year in Seaford, as well as providing mutual aid to our neighboring fire departments.

We have come a long way from responding to fires with our Chemical Wagon and horse-drawn ladder truck. Today we are a modern, well-trained and well-equipped fire and rescue department. Every one of our members, past and present, are thankful for the wisdom, determination and sacrifice of our past leaders. We dedicate this brief web site history to their memory.

tation

*Station 1- District Headquarters is located on 2170 Southard Avenue Seaford, NY.

Board of Fire Commissioners

The Board of Fire Commissioners consists of five unpaid elected officials, who serve a five year term. The board meets on a monthly basis to make procedures, policies and oversee the fire district.

Chairman- George von Glaahn

Commissioner- Silvio Bellissimo

Commissioner- Paul Romano

Commissioner- Peter Mangiolino

Commissioner- Vacant

References

External links

[http://www.seafordfire.com/index.html Seaford Fire Department]