history

History and Background: The Hewlett Fire Department was founded in 1891.  The original department building, which looks like a large barn, still stands on Franklin Avenue.  Another department building was built during the 1920’s and stood in the parking lot of what is now the current building, which was built in 1993.  They also say that they answer around 800 calls a year on average.  Their coverage area is all of Hewlett, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Bay Park, North Woodmere, and a small sliver of Woodmere

Equipment: Hewlett features three Ronald D. Murray fire trucks.  Each fire truck is equipped with mostly the same equipment so that in the event of multiple calls, each truck will have the same equipment to work with.

The department has an ambulance, used for any medical emergency in the area, and a rescue truck.  The rescue truck has a Hurst tool, or the Jaw-of-Life, a burnout kit, torches, airbags for lifting motor vehicles that have been in accidents, and medical equipment that can have the rescue truck act as a secondary ambulance should they need it.

The department’s ladder truck has a 110-foot aerial ladder that is able to reach the tops of the tallest buildings in Hewlett.  It also has a smaller Hurst tool that can be used in an emergency situation when the rescue truck isn’t available or if they need a second.

They also have a foam truck that can disperse 500 gallons of foam onto oil spills and other hazardous materials, and an inflatable boat that is used for rescues in Hewlett Bay.

On a call, each member is required to wear personal protective equipment, which includes their fire suits, as well as breathing apparatuses.

Personnel: Hewlett has over 115 members on their books.  The members are broken down into four companies.  There are the three engine companies, Hose Company One, Engine Company Two, and Engine Company Five.  The ladder truck operates as Truck Company 3, and the ambulance, which operates as the Fire – Medic Company.