The hist y of the P t Washingt F e Dep tment

In the early years a major problem was alerting the members of a fire. The fledgling phone system was based in the old village (lower Main Street). Although a bell was located on Flower Hill Hose Company’s firehouse on Haven Avenue, the main alerting came from the ringing of the bell located at Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company on Carlton Avenue in the old village. That bell was quite a distance from Flower Hill and, depending on the direction of the wind, it was not always heard. On many occasions there would be a delay in responding to fires. In the same respect when the bell at Flower Hill was rung it might not be heard in the old village.

The firefighters experimented with a variety of alternatives from placing a whistle at the train station and having it activated by their steam system to actually having the trains in the yard blow their whistles. Finally, in 1919, a whistle was installed on Flower Hill Hose Company’s firehouse. Fire calls were made to the Long Island Railroad office and one of their employees would run across the street and activate the alarm.

It would not be until 1923 that an adequate alerting system was purchased by the Port Washington Taxpayer’s Association for use by the Department. That system was installed at both Flower Hill Hose Company on Haven Avenue and Protection Engine Company on South Washington Street. When needed it was activated by the police department.

Period of Modernization & Expansion

In 1954, the audible alarms (horns and sirens) throughout the community were renovated and supplemented. As the community grew and housing was built farther from the center of town, additional equipment was needed to alert the firefighters who lived in those outlying areas. Later, in 1968, the alerting system was augmented by “Plectron” radio receivers that were issued to each member and kept in their houses. Years later personal pagers were issued and are still in use today.

Up through 1956, the Chiefs used their personal vehicles to conduct Department business, including responding to fires. The wear and tear on the vehicle was a substantial personal expense for a chief officer. In 1957 the Department purchased its first Chief’s car. The Port Washington News reported it was, “equipped with a two way radio and special spot lights as well as a fire siren. It is expected to play an important role in fire fighting in this area.”

The ambulance had been housed at a private garage since the service first began in 1927. It became necessary to provide a more suitable location and in 1961 a new headquarters building for the Department was constructed at 423 Port Washington Boulevard across from police headquarters. The building not only housed the ambulance and the supplies needed for its operation, but it also provided administrative space for the Chiefs and Fire Marshal to conduct Department business.

Changing with the Times

Along with the increased regulations came more record keeping and reporting. And, the public was demanding more fiscal accountability as well. This burden severely stressed both the administrative and line officers, all of whom had to devote as much time to paper- work as they did to firefighting. So, during the 1990s the Department altered its structure to include an administrative board of directors and a paid office manager. This was soon followed by the hiring of several personnel to handle the varied maintenance tasks that were previously performed by the volunteer members. This allowed the members to devote their volunteer hours to training, fighting fires and responding to EMS incidents.

Today, like all volunteer fire departments throughout the country, the Port Washington Fire Department is dealing with the reality of having to respond to more emergency calls with fewer people. We are proud to say that we are meeting the challenge. The volunteer spirit is strong; the dedication of our members unswerving; their attitude is professional; and their commitment to the Port Washington Fire Department and the community of Port Washington will continue on.

We look forward to the next 100 years.

Information provided by Port Washington Fire Department.