The History of the Howells Fire Company

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           During the years 1912 and 1913 a group of civic-minded residents of Howells organized a membership corporation -- The Howells Improvement Association. From stock subscription by members, approximately $2.000 was realized, which was used to secure a plot of land from the Erie Railroad Co. and from Mr. H.H. Case to erect in Wallkill Township one of the first public meeting places- the Library Hall. The Howells Free Library was organized, and functioned as a public library for almost twenty years in a section of this Hall. The Hall was the scene of public dances, parties, dinners, basketball games, political meetings, and party caucuses. In the basement was located the “Booster Club” for ten or more years. During World War 1, Bond Rallies and Red Cross Fund Drives were held here. The automobile was beginning to make its influence more apparent - communication and transportation were subtly changing the scene - interests and activities gravitated toward a more populous community - Middletown, movies, recreation, etc. Gradually, without a great stir, the idea of a fire protection unit was discussed in the community, it was generally favored except by a small minority. During the late spring of 1924, fire destroyed the Old Homestead Boarding House. In the opinion of a number of witnesses of the blaze, a local fire fighting unit, located nearby, adequately equipped and knowledgeable as to water sources, could have saved much of the structure.

           A number of interested citizens constituted themselves a committee to consider the matter of fire protection for the Howells and vicinity and reached certain conclusions: that the Middletown Fire Department could not continue to render assistance indefinitely, that service from Middletown had distinct disadvantages, among them, distance to be traveled to a fire, unfamiliarity with territory, condition of roads, and sources of water supply. It also decided that an efficient apparatus could not be purchased and maintained from contributions from individual or from entertainment benefits; that not only a fire company but also a tax district should be formed. Accordingly a meeting of property owners was held June 1, 1924 at Library Hall, and it was voted that a fire company knows as “The Howells Fire Company No.1” should be formed, five directors to serve for the first year were elected. At a meeting on June 17, twenty-four property owners signed a petition requesting the formation of a fire district, the directors of the Fire Company designated a committee to explore the ways and means of forming a fire district. A Fire Company member, Mr. Carmine A. Panaro, generously donated his legal services in forming the Company and the District, And served as attorney for the Company, and the Fire District for many years.

           On July 15, 1924, the Fire Company, comprising of thirty-five members, was formally organized. The following officers were elected: Mr. C.A. Panaro, President; Mr. Frank Vail, Vice President; Mr. A.C. Howell, Treasurer; and Mr. Harry E. Reeve, Secretary. On July 21, 1924, the Fire Company was Incorporated under the Laws of New York State. To defray the expense incidental to the Fire District, our First Annual Clambake was held September 1, 1924, in Wragg’s meadow. This initial event was a gratifying success. During 1926, the bake tables and benches were constructed from local lumber by members. In 1932, again with volunteer labor, the first “fire cistern” was built at the present site.

           The formation of the Fire District proved a formidable task, originally an area encompassed by a circle, having a two mile radius, centered at the Library Hall and since enlarged. The idea of a tax district for fire protection in a rural areas was new - our District being among the first in this part of the State. A few property owners not only opposed the plan but worked openly against it. The Erie Railroad’s property valuation was very high and without their approval the task of getting necessary fifty-one percent of property ownership approved would have been impossible. But enthusiasm ran high and an intensive canvass was conducted. Finally, largely through the efforts of Mr. Frank E. Vail, the approval of the Erie was secured. The Fire District was duly established under the laws of New York State in 1925. In a taxpayers election in 1925, Messrs. Charles Townsend, Herbert J. Howell, Jarvis W. Miller, John O’Brien and Arthur F. Nunmaker were elected Fire Commissioners and Mr. Harry E. Reeve, Treasurer.

           The matter of apparatus had been receiving much consideration. Advise was sought from firemen of long experience, and representatives of numerous fire apparatus manufacturers were consulted. The Company and the commissioners wisely avoided an error often made by small communities, viz., that a low priced, low capacity outfit would be satisfactory outside of a city. They reasoned - and correctly - that a suburban apparatus would have to do harder work than a city apparatus. In August 1925, the District contracted with the Buffalo Fire Appliance Company for a triple combination apparatus on a Larrabee Chassis for the sum of $6,758.00, 1200 feet of 2 ½” hose, best grade was purchased for $1,200.00 from the remainder of a proposed bond issue of $8,000.00!(Such Prices!) Within twenty years, the need for a new truck became apparent! Following much inquiry and study, the Commissioners accepted the American La France Corporation’s bid for a triple combination apparatus, in the amount of $9,950.00 in 1946. This new apparatus necessitated a change in quarters. Almost entirely with volunteer labor an “L” addition was constructed - a truck house beneath a new kitchen.

           In May 1963, we purchased a tanker (1650 gal.) which was quartered in the Company barn. This Unit was replaced by a new modern tanker in 1967. During 1967 preliminary study and thought indicated a need for planning for a additional apparatus and suitable housing, therefore a Reserve Fund was established for some of these contingencies in 1964. The residents of the District authorized a Bond issue in the amount of $140,000.00 for a new truck and for suitable alterations to the Firehouse in 1968 Both of these undertakings were brought to fruition in 1969 and 1970. The 1969 Seagrave 1000 gpm pumper cost the district $34,600.00! Its additional equipment approximately an outlay of $6,000.00! During the years auxiliary equipment - portable generators, lights, pumps, smoke ejectors, resuscitators, and breathing apparatus, to name a few, have been added. Also, the most modern mobile radio equipment is in place and recently, the acquisition of our Cascade Air System has allowed us to continue to strive for excellence.

           In 1976, we acquired a 4 wheel drive Chevrolet brush truck which, in 1985 was completely refurbished as a brush - quick attack unit. In 1978, we purchased an American La France 1500 gpm Command Console Custom Pumper and in June 1984 , an American La France - Saulsbury 2500 gallon Custom Tanker was placed in service. In February 1992, we took delivery of our new Pierce - Arrow Custom Pumper.