Freeport N.Y., Fire Police Squad (ORG.1940)

Written by Freeport Fire Department 

The problems of policing fires by establishing fire lines, detouring of vehicular and pedestrian traffic as well as policing fire department events such as carnivals, parades and tournaments has been a vital concern since the inception of the fire department. As the village population increased so did the demands for these type of service increase. 

Under the direction of the founding officers: Captain William Briggs, Lieutenant Walter Cozzens and Sergeant John Hartmann, the Squad was founded and organized on June 10, 1940. The officers held a two year term of office until 1942. The membership was expanded to eighteen members and by 1951 the Freeport Fire Council had authorized the squad to have a membership of up to thirty five members.

In the 1960s various developments and improvements were made to the squad. On September 20, 1960, the squad joined the Fire Police Association of the State of New York. In 1964, the Fire Police Squad received their first apparatus, a 1962 International Step Van. In 1965, they moved into the new fire headquarters building when Hose Co #2 granted the squad permission to share their area of the apparatus floor. 

Other changes occurred in the next two decades. As the membership grew, additional equipment was required. A new apparatus was designed and in 1978, a new lime-green Chevrolet Suburban became the squad's apparatus. Some years later this apparatus was refurbished and the paint color was changed to red. This vehicle remained in service until it was replaced by a 1995 Ford, diesel powered van. 

In 1985, the squad became a member of the Nassau County Fire Police Association. In November 2000, the members of the squad became county and state certified as a Fire Police Unit. The squad received a Unit Citation on March 28,2003, from the Freeport Fire Department for its conspicuous service and excellent performance at a scene of a motor vehicle accident at 145 W. Sunrise Highway. On May 11, 2005, the Fire Police Squad were the recipients of the Freeport Police Department Civilian Appreciation A ward in recognition for their service to the community.