Peekskill Fire Department

Peekskill Fire Department

Source: Gems of the Hudson: Peekskill and Vicinity

Compiled by G. M. Vescelius, Peekskill NY (Book, Date Unknown- circa 1914)

HOME OF CORTLAND HOOK & LADDER COMPANY
 Courtesy of The Highland Democrat.

The Fire Department of Peekskill is a most efficient body. It consists of five companies of volunteers: Columbia Engine Co. No. 1, Columbia Hose Co. No. 1, Cortland Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, Washington Engine Co. No. 2, Centennial Hose Co. No. 4. Three of these have auto machines—the apparatus of the other two being horse drawn. The fire department antedates the charter of the Village, the village charter as a village date from 1839, and the department being formed under a fire district charter in 1827.

The Cortland Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1 is the only truck company of the village and is a social organization of high, order as well as a model fire company.

Columbian Engine Co. No. 1, and Columbian Hose Co. No. 1. who occupy the same building were the first companies in each of these lines to be organized in Peekskill. The former dates from 1826 and the latter a few years later.

The Washington Engine Co. No. 2 has a combination automobile engine and hose apparatus, purchased with money most of which was raised by the members themselves. The company is housed in a three-story brick building on Nelson Avenue, with parlor, gymnasium, meeting room, besides apparatus room.

Centennial Hose Co. No. 4, the last of the Peekskill fire companies to be organized. Its existence dates from 1870. One of the most active and progressive of the fire companies of Peekskill.