company history
In
1869 a charter established the Village of Alden in the Southeastern part
of the Township of Alden, which was founded in 1823. Alden became
one of the 26 townships comprising Erie County, New York state. By the end
of the 19th Century, fire protection became an issue as homes and
business's built in close proximity to each other presented a danger that
could destroy the entire village if one of those homes or business's
caught fire. People throughout the U.S. were very aware of the horrible
fire that had ravaged Chicago, Illinois - killing several hundred people.
A fire brigade existed in the village with a hand pumper and
bucket brigade and the mayor acting as chief if a fire was reported. In
1898 the village completed a water system providing water service to the
homes and business's and hydrants spaced out along the many streets in the
village of Alden. Within a year, the first formal fire company was
approved and put in service by Alden's Village Board. In August,
1899, the Alden Hose Co. went into service. A group of men and one hand
pulled hose cart.
In September, 1899 the village approved the establishment of
the Alden Hook & Ladder Co. They had a hand pumped ladder wagon. In time
both companies moved to motorized apparatus, the Hose Co. in 1922 and the
Hook & Ladder Co. in 1940. The two separate fire companies protected the
village for over 50 years - but a change was coming.
In 1950 the two fire companies merged and became
one; the Alden Hook & Ladder Fire Co. Within a few years the village
company would provide fire protection to the township surrounding the
village as Town of Alden would be protected by four companies, Alden Hook
and Ladder Fire Co., Crittenden Fire Co, Millgrove Fire Co. and Townline
Fire Co.
In the early 1960's the Hook & Ladder Co. would
move to a new fire station on Broadway which was shared with the Village
of Alden government and the Millgrove Fire Co. - providing ambulance
service to all residents in Alden. In 1969 the Alden Hook and Ladder Fire
Co. added a 65'ariel device to the apparatus serving the community. In the
mid 1980's a second fire station was added on Broadway 2.5 miles west of
the main hall.
A Ladies Auxiliary became part of the fire
service in 1933 and women became active firefighters and EMT's in 1980.
Besides fire protection and First Aid, the fire company has an under water
search and rescue team and members trained in auto extrication using the
Jaws of Life.
Presently 50 plus members serve in the Alden Hook
and Ladder Fire Company. The company operates three pumpers, a 75'
ariel - pumper, two rescue trucks, two ambulances and a water rescue truck
complete with a 15' rescue boat and trailer. The members are led by a Fire
Chief and three Assistant Chiefs.
To help pay the bills the membership has an
annual fire company carnival and an annual Chicken BBQ.
