STUYVESANT, NY - Stuyvesant Fire Company No. 1 has a rich history that dates back to its official founding on July 18, 1950, following years of attempts to establish a firefighting unit. The first meeting was held at the Stuyvesant Hotel, attended by 38 dedicated members. Over the following months, the Fire Company laid down its foundation by drafting by-laws and organizing its officers, with initial membership dues set at just 25 cents.

In its early years, the Company engaged in various fundraising efforts, including raffles and clambakes, which quickly became staple events. A 14-inch Crosley television was the prize in the first raffle, netting the Company $292.50—a significant amount at the time. The first official meeting in the new firehouse took place on March 11, 1952, marking a milestone in the Company’s history.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Stuyvesant Fire Company was busy expanding both its facilities and its community involvement. The Company started hosting Bingo Nights in 1954 and began organizing the now-annual Roast Beef Dinner in 1960, which continues to this day. A 10th-anniversary parade in 1960 celebrated the Company’s first decade of service, drawing widespread community participation.

The 1970s and 1980s saw continued growth and development. In 1970, the Company canvassed the town to sell tickets for their Roast Beef Dinner, and by 1981, Sunday morning breakfasts became another tradition. The Company was also recognized for its leadership within the Columbia County Firemen’s Association, hosting the Association’s Annual Convention in 1992 for the first time.

As the years progressed, the Company continued to modernize, with significant upgrades to its facilities and equipment. In the 1990s, the firehouse received new paint, shutters, and a satellite dish. The Company also expanded its community outreach, participating in numerous local and regional events, including disaster response efforts, such as during the severe ice storm of December 2008, which left many in the district without power for over a week.

In 2011, the Company formed a new FAST team to respond to neighboring fire department’s structure fires and be there when departments needed. continued Stuyvesant Fire Company No. 1 and its longstanding tradition of community service during severe weather events, including Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Company has also played an active role in supporting the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association (CCVFA), hosting multiple conventions and producing detailed yearbooks.

Recent years have seen the Company adapt to changing needs, with new leadership positions added in 2020 to meet growing demands. Even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company found ways to support the community, including popular “Birthday Drive-bys.”

As Stuyvesant Fire Company No. 1 approaches its 75th anniversary, it remains committed to serving the town of Stuyvesant and surrounding areas. The Company’s history is not just in the milestones recorded, but in the countless fire calls and emergencies answered since 1950. While faces and names may change, the dedication to excellence and community service remains a constant pillar of the Fire Company’s legacy.

In 2024, as the Company prepares to host its fourth CCVFA Convention under the leadership of newly elected President TJ O’Neil, it looks forward to continuing its proud tradition of bringing the community and firefighters closer together. With Chief Steve Montie at the helm for his 25th consecutive year, Stuyvesant Fire Company No. 1 stands as a beacon of resilience, service, and community spirit.