PORT JERVIS, NY – Port Jervis Fire Department’s oldest company, Neversink Engine Co. No. 1., celebrated 175 years of firefighting service this fall.  Its roots extend to1850, before Port Jervis was even a village (1853) or city (1907). As PJFD's first fire company, those roots were established by private individuals and as a privately owned company in its early protection of Port Jervis' then growing rural community. Growth at that time came with the advent of the Erie Railroad and Delaware and Hudson Canal, prompting increasing need for fire protection and response.

Initially named Port Jervis Fire Company No. 1, the name changed several times. The company was renamed H.H. Farnum Co. in 1857 and then Abbot Steam Fire Engine Company in 1873, before merging in 1876 with another beginning company, Neversink Engine Co. No 1, which it remains through present.

In 1850, the first firetruck was delivered to Neversink Engine Co. No. 1 and was housed in the company's first firehouse. Its earliest fire cart was pulled by firefighters, then by horse, and remains stored in the city’s Fire Museum – which was once that same historic first PJFD firehouse. Neversink’s equipment has evolved over the decades to keep up with changing needs. It currently operates Squad 1 (821), a 2023 Spartan ER Gladiator (1500/1000) apparatus. 

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, a full course roast beef dinner was hosted at the company’s current Orange Street firehouse on October 25, 2025. Dedicated in 1991, that second company firehouse is just steps away from its first 1800’s building, the current museum. As in its original firehouse, Neversink No. 1 still adjoins with a second company, its neighboring Maghogomock Hook and Ladder Company. 

It was ‘Hooks’ members who prepared and served last weekend’s anniversary ‘Old Timers’ dinner. Members of both companies are experienced and skilled in preparing large volume dinners, and frequently host public takeout dinners as a means of fundraising.

PJFD Deputy Chief James Rohner, 58-year member of Neversink and past chief of PJFD, introduced each firefighter in attendance at last weekend’s event. They, and the year they joined PJFD, are:

Hunter L. Dean (2025), Ralph R. Hessberger (1958), Dennis Horner, Sr. (1996), Jerry Lee Horner (2002), James H. Kinzel (1995), Robert J. Mills (1970), David D. Moore (1969), David D. Moore, Jr. (2009), Christopher M. Morock (1988), Jeffrey S. Rhoades (1985), James W. Rohner, Jr. (1967), James W. Rohner, III (1996), Richard R. Senkiew (2005), Adam P. Scopino (2012), John J. Shimer (1975), Robert A. Waligroski (1993), Francis W. Werlitz (2021)

A plaque was presented by Sussex Fire Department Deputy Chief Chris Cameron for decades of mutual firefighting and friendship shared between the departments and their companies.

Port Jervis Mayor Dominic M. Cicalese, who is also a past PJFD Chief, provided an official proclamation for the occasion referencing ‘Engine 1’ as officially organizing on September 5, 1850 and providing continuous protection to the city. 

It reads, in part: “Since the early days of the Company with the simple hand drawn horse cart, followed by a horse drawn steamer until the present day with its sophisticated modern squad, the personnel of the Neversink Engine Co. #1, supported by their families, have given continuous dedicated and courageous firematic protection to our City...I, Dominic Cicalese, do hereby proclaim October 25, 2025, as “Neversink Engine Co. #1 Day” in the City of Port Jervis and, on behalf of the Common Council and our citizens, wish Engine 1 at least another 175 years of service and thank them for their efforts on behalf of our safety and happiness.”