At a meeting held in early January 1896, the Fire Commissioners and the Aldermen held conflicting opinions regarding the best manner of using the $25,000 to be appropriated for the fire department. The Fire Commissioners proposed to purchase a combined chemical engine/hose cart, and a suitable number of horses. There was also talk of the need to improve the alarm system.

At the Fire Commissioner's Board meeting held on Aug. 6, 1896, it was decided to appoint six men for the Firehouse on Palisade Ave. There were twenty-three applicants for the position, but only seventeen actually appeared for the examination, and only six were finally selected. It would be the duty of the paid firemen to maintain a perpetual watch for fires by day and night and to keep the horses and apparatus ready to go to a fire whenever an alarm was sounded. The original six paid firemen were William W. Baker, Robert Rubenstrunk, William Lorenze, Charles Klein, Harry Greenhalgh and Simon Stroh. The first three men were assigned to Hope Hook & Ladder Company. The second three men were assigned to Lady Washington Hose Co. Their salary was set at $750. each per year and they reported for duty on September 1, 1896.

 It was also decided at the August 6, 1896 meeting that the truck of Hope Hook & Ladder and the chemical engine that was on order would be housed at the Palisade Avenue Firehouse. Since two horses would be provided for each apparatus, an important requirement for appointment as a firemen was being an expert team driver. William W. Baker, who was an experienced team driver and one of the original six firemen, would train the two teams of horses. The alterations to 18 Palisade Ave. were completed and ready to receive the new department in mid-August, 1896.

At a meeting held on August 27, 1896, James J. Mulcahey was made the Chief of the Paid Fire Department. The Chief was appointed at an annual salary of $900 and was provided with a horse and business wagon. He was also to do the work of keeping the electric telegraphic signal system in order, at a further compensation of $600. In 1896, The Telegraph Bureau was located at 18 Palisade Ave. A large number of signal boxes had been placed in position in different parts of the City. The system, at that time, consisted of 38 fire alarm boxes and 40 miles of telegraph wires. Cards were printed showing the location of each box and where the key was kept, since the system required a key to transmit the signal.

At seven o'clock on the morning of September 1, 1896, Chief Engineer Mulcahey called the roll. All men were present. The horses were placed in the stalls and cared for by the men who busied themselves about the house. Several volunteer members of the companies were in the house looking on, while the paid men were endeavoring to train the horses and make them familiar with the new quarters. It was at this time that Chief Mulcahey informed the volunteer members that they would not be allowed in the firehouse after twelve p.m. This caused a little dissatisfaction on the part of the volunteers.

The first test of the new department came just five days later with a fire at 4:00 A.M. on the fifth of September at 30 Palisade Avenue, which caused $10,000 in damages. The horses were trained to perfection. When the bells rang, the stalls automatically opened, the horses left their stalls by themselves and stood under their harnesses which were suspended from the ceiling and so arranged that they were easily placed over the backs of the horses. This entire operation took only about 15 to 20 seconds. The average time for a turnout, in which the men dressed; hooked up the horses to the apparatus; and were responding; was 30 seconds. The men did good work, but the need for additional paid men was raised by some citizens.

Occasionally, the fire horses departed from their good training. Once while they were operating at a fire, the driver had dismounted, and was engaging the chemical engine, when the horse bolted because of a hissing sound coming from the engine. The team ran about seven blocks with the engine before they were captured.

In May of 1897, the Fire Commissioners received a communication from the paid men stating that they had been in the Fire Department for eight months and had never had a night off. They stated that some of the men had families and wanted arrangements made so that they could have a little more time at home. Up to this point the firemen were allowed only three one-hour periods a day for meals and three twelve-hour days off a month.

During this era, the department adopted a different system of fighting a fire. The new system was to brave the smoke and the heat, enter the building, if that was possible, find out where the fire was, and fight it at close range. It replaced the old procedure of deluging the outside of the building with streams of water, while the fire had its own way inside.

In October 1897, five men were added to the department and assigned to the firehouse on Vineyard Ave. Four horses were acquired to pull the two fire apparatus. In 1898, the department issued aluminum fire hats. Most of the firemen liked them because they were light and serviceable. In 1899, the fire department received pompier ladders (scaling ladders). The men also received shorter hours. The new hours were twenty-four hours off, every tenth day, plus three one-hour periods for meals.

1900 brought the first request for mutual aid. It came from the Village of Bronxville. Yonkers responded by sending Engine Co. #2, Truck Co. #2 and Chief Mulcahey to the fire.

In June of 1900, money was authorized to convert City Hose Co. #3 (Riverdale Ave.), Houston Hose Co. #3 (Shonnard Pl.) and the old police stable in Manor Hall Park to paid firehouses, and further to erect a new fire house in the fifth ward ( 81Oak St.).

By the end of 1900 the fire department had $125,000. worth of apparatus and firehouses. Masks had not been developed at this time and most of the men placed a small sponge in their mouth to filter the smoke.

January 1901 finds two of the new houses (Radford St. and Shonnard Pl.) ready to be occupied. The horses and fire apparatus for these houses were already acquired. It was not until the end of April 1901 that the firemen to man these houses were appointed. The reason for the delay was that the Mayor in a political move planned to abolish the present board of fire commissioners. The fire commission on its last day reorganized the entire Fire Department. They created officer positions for all the paid firemen presently on the department provided they pass a civil service examination. They also appointed the entire eligible list (25 in number) to the position of probationary firemen. The Mayor then proceeded to install commissioners of his own choice.

On May 1, 1901, Engine Co. #4 on Radford St. and Engine Co. #5 on Shonnard Pl. went into commission. Engine Co. #3 followed later on September 16, 1901. The chief recommended that new fire alarm boxes be equipped with a key covered by glass. Previously certain individuals held these keys. The chief felt that this new plan would save time in transmitting a fire alarm. The chief's plan was adopted by the fire commissioners and the keys with the glass cases were purchased.

In August of 1902, twenty men were appointed probationary firemen. These men were added to the department so that two new engine companies could be created. The companies, Engine Co. #6 (81 Oak St.) and Engine Co. #7 (Central Park Ave. near Yonkers Ave.) both went into commission on August 4, 1902. Engine Co. #6 was equipped with a combination engine and truck apparatus. Engine Co. #7 received a chemical and hose wagon.

In 1907, Chief Mulcahey recommended that all overhead wiring be placed in underground ducts, so that the wires would not hamper ladder operations. In 1907, a telephone system was installed in the department which enabled the men of the firehouses to be in verbal communication with each other. Up to this point the telegraph tapes were the only communication. Two new fire companies were added to the growing department that year. Engine Co. #8 was placed in service on August 15, 1907 and located at 268 Woodworth Ave. Truck Co. #3 was placed in service at 53 Shonnard Pl. (exact date not known).

Engine Co. #9 was placed in service on Dec. 22, 1909 with a three-man crew. The company took over the quarters of a volunteer company located on Swain St. (West Pondfield).

On Dec. 24, 1909 a general alarm fire on Ann St. destroyed a large part of the Yonkers Brewery. It was at this fire that a deluge set and a ladder pipe were first used by the Yonkers Fire Department in extinguishing a fire. In 1909 the fire department tested a motorized fire engine. The test included driving up some of Yonkers' steeper hills. The demonstration showed the advantages of motorized fire apparatus over the horse-drawn apparatus.

In March of 1910, the fire department advertised for a motorized pumping fire engine, and two motorized combination chemical and hose wagons. The bid for the hose wagons went to James Boyd and Brothers of Philadelphia, Pa. In October of that year the two motorized hose wagons arrived. They were each equipped with a 35 gallon chemical tank and powered by a six cylinder 70 horsepower Thomas engine. They were placed in service at Engine Co. #6 and Engine Co. #8. On November 5, 1910, Engine Co. #10 was placed in service equipped with the old fire apparatus of Engine Co. #8. The new company moved into its quarters at 485 Saw Mill River Rd.

The "Thomas Webb," a pumping engine, arrived in early 1911, and was placed in service at Engine Co. #5 on Shonnard Pl. The pump was needed on the hill because at that time extremely low water pressure existed there. The chassis and engine of this apparatus was that of a Thomas touring car and was equipped with a "Webb" pump.

Early in 1912, the two platoon system was proposed by several members of the fire department. They requested that the department be split into two groups, so that shorter working hours could be given to the men. Also in 1912, the chief requested that a new alarm system be established as the old one was inadequate.

1913 saw many changes. In 1913, the Telegraph Bureau was moved into Yonkers City Hall which had larger quarters for the expanding department. It is because of this location that the dispatch center is still referred to as "The Hall." The system had 150 fire alarm boxes and 100 miles of telegraph wires. The Chief's office was moved from the old fire headquarters at 18 Palisade Ave. to the third floor of City Hall.

The first motorized ladder truck arrived, an American LaFrance with a 75' aerial ladder. It was powered by a gasoline motor which ran an electric generator that in turn provided electricity for each of four electric motors, one attached to each wheel. Also in 1913, the Chief and two Assistant Chiefs were provided with automobiles to replace their horse-drawn buggies.

The two platoon system went into effect on July 5, 1913. The ranks of the department were split into two groups. Each group worked opposite the other. The schedule was set up as follows: the men worked two 10-hour days, then 24 hours the next day, then two 14 hour nights. The next 24 hours they were off duty. With this system no more time off was given for meals. All meals were eaten at the firehouse.

By the end of 1913, the fire department had replaced two more horse-drawn apparatus with motorized apparatus, making a total of eight motorized apparatus, including the three chief's automobiles.

Truck Company #4 was placed in service in the latter part of 1914 at 36 Radford St. The end of 1914 showed the advantage of the motorized apparatus over the horse-drawn apparatus. This was illustrated by the fact that the monetary loss from fire was cut in half from the previous year. By the end of 1914, the Fire Department had eleven motor-driven vehicles including eight fire apparatus and chief's automobiles.

1915 saw the replacement of three more horse-drawn apparatus with motor-driven apparatus.

On May 22, 1916, with the addition of three more motorized apparatus, the Fire Department became 100% motorized. The event was marked by a large parade in which all the horse-drawn apparatus and all the new motorized apparatus participated. The volunteer companies that were still active and those that were not active also brought their apparatus to the parade.

The era of the horse-drawn apparatus had lasted but a short 20 years. During that time the horses had contributed greatly to the protection of the lives and property of the people of Yonkers. One of these horses, named Jim, was the chief's horse and was in service from 1898 to 1913. In that period of time he responded to 2,600 alarms of fire. The colorful period of the horses leaving the fire houses and galloping to the fire scene had become history.

The department by 1916 had increased their strength in men, for at this time there were 126 officers and firefighters. The motorization of the Fire Department was the last large change in the basic structure of the department. From the time of the introduction of motorized apparatus, up to and including the present, the motor-driven apparatus has undergone improvement after improvement until it has developed into a dependable and efficient firefighting machine.

The Department continued to grow in size to match the growth of Yonkers. During the years following the motorization, new engine and truck companies were added, as needed, and new stations were build to house them. By August of 1921, twenty-five years after the start of the paid department, the size of the paid department had increased from one engine company and one truck company to ten engine companies and four truck companies.

Rescue Co. #1 was organized and placed in service on March 3, 1930 and quartered at Fire Headquarters. Engine Co. #12 was placed into service on June 17, 1930 at 75 Fortfield Ave. A new firehouse was opened for Engine Co. #7 at 441 Central Park Ave. in 1931 and on Jan5, 1932 Truck Co. #5 went into commission and was also located at this new station. In 1933, Engine Co. #8 moved from Woodworth Ave. to 539 Warburton Ave.

Until 1934, fire alarm boxes were numbered in the order that they were placed in operation. During that year, the system of numbering fire boxes was changed. All the old fire alarm box numbers were discontinued. Under the new system, all fire alarm boxes had four identifying numbers. This system of numbering the fire boxes divided the city into forty-two sections. These sections were assigned certain numbers to identify them. The first two numbers of a fire box in any particular section corresponded with the specific area of the city in which they were located.

On June 25, 1939, a new pension plan for firefighters, controlled and administered by the State of New York, replaced the City of Yonkers Pension Plan.

With the start of World War II, an auxiliary force of civilian firefighters was trained by the Fire Department in firefighting procedures in case of an enemy attack. The auxiliary firemen numbered about five hundred. These men were assigned to firehouses near their homes and in the event they were needed they were to report to the firehouse. They were disbanded when the war ended.

During the war, several companies were removed form active service. Engine Co. #5 of 53 Shonnard Pl. was put out of commission on Feb. 1, 1942. It was never returned to service. Also, Rescue Co. #1 and Truck Co. #5 were removed from service on Feb. 1, 1942. Both were returned to service on Apr. 19, 1943, but Truck Co. #5 went out of service again until February 17, 1946. In August of 1946, when the Yonkers Fire Department was fifty years old, it consisted of seventeen companies.

Two-way radios were added to the Fire Department in the 1940's. The only apparatus to be originally equipped with radios were the chief's car, two assistant chief's cars and Rescue Co. #1. These radios were on the same radio frequency as the Yonkers Police Department. On Sept. 1, 1961, the Fire Department received its own radio system

In January of 1956, the Fire Department was divided into two sections, the East Division and the West Division. The dividing line was the Nepperhan Creek from the northern city line south to Ashburton Ave., eastward along Ashburton Ave. to the Saw Mill River Parkway and south to Yonkers/New York City line.

Truck Co. #6 was placed in service on March 27, 1956 in a new firehouse at 340 Kimball Ave. Engine Co. #13 was placed in service on Aug. 13, 1956 and was located with Truck Co. #6. Another new firehouse was built in 1958 at 2187 Central Park Ave. Engine Co. #14 was placed in service on Dec. 1, 1958 and quartered in this new firehouse. On Sept. 29, 1959 the Telegraph/Dispatch Bureau was relocated to the quarters of Engine Co. #12 on Fortfield Ave.

On March 31, 1961, Truck Co. #5 was moved from the quarters of Engine Co. #7 to the quarters of Engine Co. #12. Truck Co. #7 was placed into service Dec. 21, 1967 and was quartered with Engine Co. #14.

On July 31, 1970, the Fire Department absorbed the Bureau of Combustibles, which had been a separate bureau under the department of Public Safety. In 1971, seventy-five years after the creation of a paid fire department, the Fire Department had 13 engine companies, 7 truck companies, and 1 rescue company with a uniform force of 405 men.

By 1971, when the department celebrated its seventy fifth anniversary as a paid fire department, the Fire Department had 13 engine companies, 7 truck companies, and 1 rescue company with a uniform force of 405 men. All engines were of the 1000 GPM. . type, three diesel and ten gasoline driven. All ladder trucks were 100' hydraulically-operated aerial ladders, five diesel-powered and two gasoline-powered. The telegraph system had more than 875 fire alarm boxes throughout the city with 40 miles of underground cable and 130 miles of overhead wire.

In August of that year, Engine Co. #3 moved into their new quarters on Vark Street. On March 16, 1972, Truck 2 was permanently moved from the quarters they shared with Engine 2 on Vineyard Ave. to the quarters of Engine 9 on Shonnard Place.

At the start of 1973 the Yonkers Fire Department was still operating with three fire personnel on a fire apparatus. There was no provision for an Officer to be in charge of the apparatus or crew. During contract negotiations in 1973, the Fire Officers Association successfully fought for the inclusion of an officer on every apparatus. This still meant that only three fire personnel would be on an apparatus, but now one of the three would be an Officer in charge of the operations and safety of the crew.

A reorganization in City government took place in October 1973 that abolished the Department of Public Safety. The Police and Fire Bureaus were each given Departmental status.

The first Handi-Talkies were distributed December 23, 1974. They were assigned to the working Assistant Chiefs, company officers, roofman of each truck, and one crewman on the Rescue.

In 1975, the Fire Investigation Unit was established. It was charged with investigating and determining cause and origin of fires occurring within the city. On March 10, 1975, each truck company's number designation was changed to match the number of the engine company it was quartered with. Trucks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 became Trucks 1, 9, 11, 4, 12, 13, 14.

On April 16, 1975 two Assistant Chiefs were detailed as "Executive Assistant Chiefs." One was responsible for Fire Suppression and the other for Staff Operations. This detail was made permanent in September of that year. A third Executive Assistant Chief was added in 1976 and made responsible for Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Safety and Training. The following year the title "Executive Assistant Chief" was changed to "Deputy Chief".

Due to a fiscal crisis, on January 1, 1976, Engine Co. 1, Rescue Co. 1 and Truck Co. 11 were removed from service.

The Department started the use of the "10 Codes" for radio communication on Nov. 26, 1976.

On March 10, 1978, the apparatus numbering was changed "to conform with the numbering system of the County". In order to eliminate confusion during mutual aid, all apparatus in Westchester County were given different numbers. Yonkers' Engines received numbers in the 300's and its truck companies (now called ladders) received numbers in the 70's.

With the arrival of 1996, the Yonkers Fire Department celebrated its 100th year in existence as a paid department.   On Sunday October 6th, a spectacularly warm and clear day, hundreds of off-duty fire department members assembled on South Broadway at Radford Street for a parade marking the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Yonkers Fire Department.  The parade, held in conjunction with the Columbus Day parade celebration consisted of bands, marching contingents and apparatus from many area Fire Departments.

From the time the first roll call was held by Chief James Mulcahey, the Department had grown from a single engine and ladder company manned by 6 firemen, to one with 11 engine companies, 6 ladder companies and Hazardous Materials Squad. 

Looking back over the years since we celebrated the 75th anniverary, there has been some significant changes.   

The designation of the fire suppression duty Assistant Chiefs, which for many years was Division 1 and 2, was changed  to Battalion 1 and 2.  

Probationary firefighters who once received only a few weeks of training at Fire Headquarters on New School Street,  now utilized the Westchester County Fire Training Center in Valhalla to receive a full eight weeks (now 10 weeks) of training conducted by Yonkers Fire Officers who were specifically assigned for this task.  July 1979 saw the largest group of probationary firefighters to be hired when 54 took the oath of office.  Also in 79' Engine Company 305(housed at Station 2) and Ladder Company 76(housed at Station 11) were placed into service

The Fire Alarm boxes, once used to transmit alarms, were removed from the city streets on July 17, 1980.  The city administration determined that it was not cost-efficient to expend one million dollars to repair and maintain the 875 fire alarm boxes located throughout the city.  All future alarms from the public would have to be by telephone.  Originally the number designated for fire emergency was 423-7100, today as in many communities the number designated to call for FIRE, POLICE, and AMBULANCE is "911".   Civilian Public Safety Dispatchers-were hired to handle receipt of fire alarms and the firefighters who were assigned to the Communications office were reassigned.

The Fire Department Repair Shop located at Station 7 was relocated to the new Department of Public Works Repair Shop.

In 1980, Fire Station 2 on Vineyard Avenue was closed due to the structural condition of the building.  Engine Company 302 was relocated to  Station 9 and Engine Company 305 was relocated to Station 1.  In December of that year the City Charter was changed to provide for the title of Fire Commissioner replacing the civil service title of Fire Chief.

Due to a fiscal crisis in 1982, Engines 302, 305, 311 and Ladder 76 were disbanded, also included in these cuts were the Battalion Aides. A compromise was reached shortly after the cuts were made which provided that Battalion 1 would have an aide while Battalion 2 would ride without one.

In June 1983, Engine 302 and 311 were reactivated, however one month latter they were disbanded once again.  Also in 1983 the Communications Office (Telegraph Bureau) was moved to 10 St. Casimir Avenue.

1984 saw the reactivation of Engine Company 311 and the position of the aide in Battalion 2 was reinstated.  In July of that year, Personal Distress Locators were issued to all members.  These devices were to be attached to the firefighter's turnout coat and would sound if the wearer was motionless for a period of time.  The alarm would allow a search team to locate and rescue the fallen firefighter. 

1985 saw newly promoted Fire Officers being sent to the State sponsored "First Line Supervisors School" which was administered by the City of  New York Fire Department at Randall's Island. 

In 1990, the Department recognized the need to begin to develop a special unit to cope with the rise in Hazardous Materials incidents as well as to comply with the new OSHA regulations, which specifically detailed the training requirements for personnel handling Hazardous Materials. Initially all line officers and firefighters were trained to the Operations level, while a team of six officers were further trained to the Technician level.  These six officers provided 24 / 7 coverage on more serious Hazardous Materials incidents while maintaining positions in Engine or Ladder companies.

Also in 1990, the City of Yonkers outfitted all firefighters with new OSHA approved Bunker Pants and Coats. 

1991 a Safety Division is instituted and manned with a full-time Safety Officer.  The Safety Officer responds to all structure fires and supports the health and safety needs of the firefighters.

In July of 1992, a significant step was made to improve emergency medical services in the City.  By Special Order 34-92, the First Responder Program was implemented.  This program takes advantage of the fact that Fire Stations are strategically located throughout the city.  When a call for emergency medical help is received, the closest Engine Company is immediately dispatched.  The resulting reduction in response time translates into increased chances of patient survival with firefighters administering life saving first aid.  Since 1991, all probationary firefighters are trained as Certified First Responders.  Many senior Department members have also opted to receive medical training and became New York State Certified First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics.  Firefighters have performed a variety of emergency medical tasks, from delivering babies to administering CPR.

Also in 1992, the communication office of Fire, Police and EMS is moved to the Cacace Justice Center and an Enhanced 911 emergency response system is instituted.  This system makes it possible for dispatchers to see on a computer screen the number and address of the caller who is calling in the emergency. 

On June 18,1992, a Hazardous Materials unit designated as Squad 1 is commissioned.  This unit will be staffed 24/7 by an officer and one firefighter.  The unit will also be used as a rescue company assisting ladder companies at all working fires.  During 1993 all members assigned to the unit received extra training and were certified by New York State to the Hazardous Materials Specialist level. Support companies were designated to assist the Squad when more than two persons were needed to handle the incident.

1995, a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is installed in the communications center.  This system augments the Enhanced 911 system and includes printers installed in all firehouses to provide a "Rip and Run" copy of the dispatch information.

1998, the Department begins using a UFH channel as primary operations frequency. The low band frequency would continue to be used for fire station alerting and would remain in reserve in case there was a failure of the primary frequency.  

As we entered the new millennium, Squad 1with its two man crew was decommissioned and to replace it, on March 6, 2000, Rescue Company # 1 was commissioned with a four man crew.  The City of Yonkers once again had a Heavy-Rescue Company almost 70 years to the day from the commissioning of the original rescue.

We hope you have found this and the other History articles on the Yonkers Fire Department interesting. Check back for future articles as the Department continues to grow and move forward into the future.