In 1923, a handful of homeowners in the north end of the fire district decided to organize, because they felt they needed more fire protection nearer to them. These men first met in a building on Waltoffer Avenue which was a laundry. After a few meetings they bought a used Reo Truck. They put this into use as their first fire truck. The truck was housed in a garage on the corner of Washington and Decatur Avenue. Mounted on the roof of the garage was a school bell which was sounded as a fire signal.
At this time, the men requested a charter from the State of New York. This was granted and the organization was now known as Engine Company No. 2, which was part of the North Bellmore Fire District. Property was now purchased on Newbridge Road which is still to this day the present location of the firehouse. Money was needed to build a garage.
The men went door to door to every homeowner in the area to whom they sold shares of the company. As money came in, the building progressed to the size of a two car garage. When it was completed, it housed the Reo and a new Ford Model A Chemical Truck.
In 1956, the company’s charter was changed to North Bellmore Engine and Rescue Company No. 2 as the men in the company became trained in first aid procedures. In 1969, a monument was constructed next to the firehouse in memory of all firemen past and present. The bell used on the monument is the original bell used in 1923 to alert residents and call to duty. #bellmore #bellmore_avenue #department #engine_2 #fire #north_bellmore #ny #pmadden
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