SYOSSET FRIE DEPT. HISTORY

Written by: Syosset Fire Department

The Syosset Fire Department is proud to look back on a long, commendable history that began with an improvised truck and a stack of water buckets and gradually developed into one of New York State’s most effective, best-equipped firefighting units.

Started by prominent, civic-minded residents in 1915, the company struggled its first few years to bring its firefighting capabilities up to par with already-established organizations from Hicksville, Oyster Bay, and other localities.  After more than a decade of barely surviving on private donations and proceeds from bake sales, barn dances, and wrestling matches, the all-volunteer company finally won approval to expand into a fire district, at which time, public funding kicked in to help it reach its goals. 

Through America’s Great Depression of the 1930’s, resourceful leadership in the District enabled Syosset to continue moving forward with improvedequipment and top-notch training.  By the time Syosset became deeply entrenched in manufacturing arms, airplanes, and other weaponry during World War II , the Syosset Fire Department had established itself as a capable, critical component of our community’s defense not only against fire, but against a greatly increased threat from enemy sabotage.

In the years following the war, the Syosset FD took advantage of opportunities to strengthen its protective might by purchasing state-of-the-art surplus trucks and firefighting gear from the United States Military.  Returning GI’s formed additional companies within the Syosset-Woodbury area and built three newfirehouses by the end of the 1950’s.  As the community’s population exploded, the bravery and generosity of Syosset/Woodbury’s volunteer firefighters took on greater significance than ever.  Generations of local families dedicated themselves to protecting and aiding our citizens in all types of emergencies, from auto collisions and house fires, to airliner crashes and national emergencies.

Today, the Syosset Fire Department is recognized as a leader in fire protection throughout New York State.