Ossining Fire Department - Westchester County, NY

Fred Steneck

John Joe D'Emidio Jr.

Company LOSAP Coordinator

Johanna Hambery

Ossining Hose Company No. 1 was organized on September 8, 1856, after village citizens raised $2,000 to purchase a new hand engine and a hose carriage. The new hand engine would go to the Washington Engine Co. No. 1, and Ossining Hose was organized to operate the hose carriage. The new equipment did not arrive until December 15, 1856, several days too late to help the companies to fight the December 6th fire that struck Main St. and destroyed the offices of the Westchester Herald and several buildings. Among the losses was a collection of historical documents, pamphlets, and newspapers. The hose and engine companies were located at the Eagle Hotel, which stood on the site of the Bank for Savings at the intersection of Main St. and Highland Ave.

The Company has always been housed along with then Washington Engine Co. #1 now turn Washington Hook & Ladder Co. #2. Both companies moved into thier current quarters in 1933. This facility known as the "Northside Firehouse" has gone through numerous renovations in regards to the apparatus room floor dur to the weight increase of equipment/rig upgrades. The last "restructuring" of the floor took place in 1998 and during such a small fire broke out on the Ladder Comapanies side of the building. Minimal damage was made and was quickly brought under control. With this renovation also brought the removal of a wall that divided the apparatus for 65 years. Today due to the size of the new Tower Ladder 42, Washington Truck companies appartus is located at Fire Headquarters but the company remains home at the Northside.