History
In Stephentown, prior to July, 1939,consisted of carting 3-gallons hand tanks and buckets of water from the nearest water supply to the fire.
1939, April - Town Boards petitioned to form a Fire District.
1939, May 4 - Town Board formed Fire District and appointed Fire Commissioners.
1939, July 13 - Purchased first fire truck, a 1939 Chevrolet Sanford Gear Pumper (E45).
1945, March 17 - Vanderbilt house & horse barn purchased as a meeting hall & truck garage.
1950, Dec. 1 - Stephentown Fire Department accepted in to the New York State Fireman's Association.
1954, March 15 - Stephentown Fire Department received papers of Incorporation .
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On April 3, 1939, a petition was presented to the Town Board asking that a Fire District be formed in the
Town of Stephentown.
On April 19, 1939, a special meeting of the Town Board was called at 9:30 A.M. and a date of May 4, 1939,
was set to have a public hearing on the petition.
The Board formed the Fire District and appointed the board of Fire Commissioners as follows:
Walter C. Sykes
Calvin H. Atwater
Edwin B. Wheeler
Joseph Kenyon
Harvey Pease
Appointed as Treasurer for the Commissioners was Henry Rose, and Stephen Mattison was appointed Secretary.
On May 16 the fire department was formed with the first meeting held on July 31, 1939.
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THE FIREMAN'S PRAYER
When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage,
Give me strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor and
Protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
My family and my wife.