"THE BOROUGH'S BRAVEST"

In 1842, an organization known as The Fame Fire Company of Flemington was incorporated by an act of assembly. Made up of the leading citizens of that time, there is not much information available, however, it was related to have performed meritorious service to the Village of Flemington in protecting life and property.
The persons who incorporated this charter were:

Samuel Hill William P. Emery Abraham Fulper Mahlon Fisher John Capner Charles Miller Tunis Sargent Joseph Boss Wilson Forker

Early equipment, at first, consisted of a few leather buckets manned by a bucket brigade. Later, a hand engine of the “tub” variety known as the “Fame” was acquired.

It was a simple wooden box, on low wheels, with a hand pump on the front and the water was hand carried to the machine in buckets. Leather hose was used, but due to the high cost, very little of it was owned.

The Fame served the citizens of Flemington until 1862, when the following citizens subscribed $4,000 and purchased a Chapman Steam Fire Engine, with a hose carriage, from Philadelphia and organized a volunteer fire company called the Hopewell Engine Company:

The Flemington Water Company

Albert G. Smith Edward Perry William P. Emery George F. Crater Alexander Wurts Bennett Van Syckle Anderson and Nevius Hugh Capner Joseph H. Higgins The Flemington Railroad Company John G. Hopewell Charles Bartles John L. Janeway John G. Reading Robert Thatcher John H. Capner Thomas G. Howard Alexander V. Bonnell Charles Tomlinson

Also in 1862, the above subscribers and citizens of the Village of Flemington donated monies to build a two-story Engine House, with a meeting room on the second floor.

This building was located directly behind the County Courthouse with entry onto Capner Street. After a few years of service the Hopewell Engine Company disbanded. For a short time after that, the Village of Flemington had a paid fire department. Each member received two dollars for every day of actual service; including drills and cleaning.

Around 1874, the purchasers of the Champman Steam Engine donated it to the town. At the same time the town purchased 800 feet of rubber hose with joiner couplings at a cost of $1,200.

In 1878 the company disbanded, but later that same year a volunteer company was founded calling itself the Flemington Fire Company. This company was organized with the following 25 men:

C.D. Anderson Arthur Hughes John A. Burdock John B. Hunt C.D. Burk Samuel B. Hill William H. Bellis Y.B. Higgins Theodore B. Bellis Jacob H. Johnson W.S. Buchanan James A. Kline A.T. Connet William McLeau H.K. Case John C. Pyatt G.W. Fulper L.F. Reillert C.D. Fulper F.A. Rice George T. Gray John H. Stockton Frank Gray Baltus P. Stout J.Q. Thompson

And the following officers were elected:

First President: A.T. Connet First Secretary: John C. Pyatt First Foreman: John H. Stockton

A Constitution and By-Laws for the regulation of the Company were adopted and a committee was appointed to gain the Street Commissioners consent to have the engine and equipment turned over to the Flemington Fire Company. Regular monthly drills were held under the direction of the new Foreman and a hose carriage committee was appointed on a monthly basis to give a full report at each meeting on the condition and availability of hose for the apparatus. By 1881 membership has swelled to over forty-five active members.

On August 27, 1883, a large number of citzens assembled at the court house interested in the formation of a Hook and Ladder Company in Flemington. Mr. W.A. Cotter was made temporary chariman and J.D. Farrand became temporary secretary. Initial membership swelled to over 40 men and William F. Chamberlin headed a committee to solicit funds for the purchase of a ladder and truck house. In September, a building committee reported that Mrs. Wurts had given her consent to the erection of a truck house on her land adjoining the engine house; upon the condition that the Company would agree to remove the building within a month’s notice from her. A one-story addition was added to the firehouse on Court Street to house the new hook and ladder truck. Rent of one dollar per year was paid.

Election of officers took place and the following were elected:

President: W.A. Cotter Secretary: John D. Ferrand Foreman: W.F. Chamberlin Assistant Foreman: J.S. Higgins

At a Hook and Ladder Company meeting held later in October of 1833, it was decided to send three delegates to the next meeting of Fire Company #1 to confer with them regarding the establishment of a regular, united Fire Department of Flemington. A u

sed hook and ladder truck was acquired from the Princeton Fire Department with the promise of delivery when Princeton’s new truck arrived. The hook and ladder truck arrived on October 18, 1883 and was escorted into town by Fire Comany #1 and the Flemington Band.

In April of 1884, it was decided that although Fire Company #1 and the Hook and Ladder Co. were two distinct organizations put together, the Fire Department of Flemington needed a Chief. Joint meetings were held to conduct the business of electing a Chief and Assistant Chief. John H Stockton of Fire Company #1 was elected Chief and J.S. Higgins of the Hook and Ladder Co was elected Assistant Chief.

July of 1884 saw the first joint drill between the two companies and was held by order of Chief Stockton.

In September 1899, the first electric fire system was installed in the Borough at the cost of $12.00 per box.

In the early 1900′s the Firemen’s Carnival was held each July. The fire department would parade down Main Street to Court Street and end at the park behind the courthouse. The parade had floats and decorated cars and wagons. One year there was apparently a real American Indian on horseback in the parade. When people arrived at the park there were tents set up where you could purchase food and beverages or check out wild animals and sideshows. There were rides, including a ferris wheel and games. If you check out our Gallery page you can find pictures from the Firemen’s Carnival. Including one of several ladies from the “Female Hose Company #1″

May 1917 saw the purchase of a Republic 1 1/2 ton motorized truck with an electric starting device and the Gleason Baily Hook and Ladder was mounted on it; along with two 35 gallon Champion Babcock copper chemical tanks.

In May of 1918 a new fire alarm system was installed. The steam whistles at the Electric Light Plant, Flemington Steam Mill and the Fulper Pottery Plant were to be used and after the alarm was sounded denoting fire; the following signal code was used to transmit the location of the fire:

May, 1919 all the hose couplings were changed to National Standard threads at a cost of $300.00. In August of the same year, at the request of the state insurance inspectors, and in order to obtain a more desirable insurance classification, the Borough purchased a used American Fire Engine Company Metropolitan Model Steam Engine from the Bayonne Fire Department for $500.00 and Fire Company #1 was split into two squads.

A building and fire code ordinance was adopted by the Borough Council in September, 1921.

May 1925 an International Harvester chassis (model #63) was purchased for $3,900.00 and the 1900 Gleason-Baily Hook and Ladder mounted to it.

May 1934, a used, rebuilt 1921 American LaFrance six cylinder, 750 GPM pumper with an 80 gallon water tank was purchased from the American LaFrance Company for $4,750.00

May, 1938, a Chevrolet chassis was purchased and an emergency service truck body was installed at a toltal cost of $1,725.00

December 1946 saw the delivery of a Ward LaFrance 750 GPM pumper at a cost of $7,792.00

In September, 1950 a GMC emergency service truck with a portable pump and electric generator was delivered.

In February of 1951, the deaprtment purchased and installed the first fire band radios in Hunterdon County. The radios were used in the trucks and a base was installed in the firehouse.

October, 1978 a two bay addition to the firehouse was completed and dedicated.

August, 1984 saw the formation of the Flemington Fire Department’s Junior Firefighter program. The program was begun by:

David Gilmartin Robert Britton Gary Jones

The boys, ranging in age from 16 to 17, are all sons of Flemington Fire Fighters:

Francis Gilmartin William Britton Wilson Jones

The three boys came up with the idea of starting the program and went to the members of the fire department to get approval from the Borough Council, which was required to permit the formation of the Junior Firefighter Auxiliary. They were able to attend Firefighter I classes at the County Fire School and when that training was completed and they turned 18 they became full fledged, trained members of the Flemington Fire Department.

The First Supervising Advisor was Todd Myers, who was in charge of their training.

Other advisors were: Larry Tigar Mike Perillo Fred Helmick Francis Gilmartin Glenn Davey Perry Gross Jeff Crine Gary Mules

We have had several youths join this program and are firefighers, not only in Flemington, but in other towns if they’ve moved out of the area. We are always looking for youths between the ages of 16 and 18 to join the program.

In 1989 the members of the Flemington Fire Department sent their 1928 American LaFrance engine, known as “Old Betsy” to American LaFrance in Scanton, PA to be refurbished. Thanks to donations from the generous residents of Flemington Borough she was restored to her original condition. Betsy retired from active service in the 1960′s and now she shows her stuff in parades, public gatherings and car shows. February, 1992 the Flemington Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was formed. This is the first Ladies Auxiliary in the history of the fire department. The following are the first officers:

President: Sandra Borucki Vice President: Christine Laird Secretary: Kathryn Bianci Treasurer: Elizabeth Britton

The members will help raise funds for the fire department and assist with rehabilitation at large fire scenes.

December, 1996 the fire department purchased a 1996 Seagrave 105 foot tower ladder truck for a cost of $466,370.

The Seagrave replaced the 1972 aerial

In 1999, we received a 1998 Seagrave Engine

January, 2000 The Flemington Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary purchased a 1999 Ford van for the fire department to be used to carry supplies for hazardous materials incidents and to be used as an Incident Command Support vehicle. The ladies raised money to purchase the van by selling 50-50′s, Christmas ornaments and they hosted an “Oldies Night” show which was held at Hunterdon Central Regional High School.

August, 2000 the Flemington Fire Department received a Bullard Thermal Imaging Camera which was part of a state 7.5 million dollar initiative to equip every local fire department with a camera. The thermal imaging camera is used to help locate victims in a structure or to help locate the seat of a fire. It is also used to check structures for extension of fire, which will help reduce damage to a structure since we will not have to create holes in the walls or ceiling looking for extension of fire.

August 1, 2000 the Flemington Fire Department participated in the Borough’s First “National Nights Out” celebration at the American Legion on Route 31. We had demonstrations and gave rides in the bucket of our tower ladder.

August 8, 2000, the Flemington Fire Department received an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, Office of Medical Services as part of a special $500,000 appropriation in the 2000-2001 state budget.

August 7, 2001 the members of the fire department again participated in the Borough’s “National Nights Out” celebration at the American Legion.

In November, 2001 the residents of Flemington Borough approved a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for the fire department. The vote passed with 567 yes votes (123 no votes). LOSAP was created in 1998 by State Legislature as an incentive to bolster membership at local volunteer fire departments. The volunteers receive an annual contribution to a tax-deferred account. The volunteers have to reach a goal of 100 points per year to receive this contribution. Points are gained by length of service, how many drills and fire calls are attended, how many public service programs are attended as well as many other options. If the members do not make the required 100 points, they do not recieve the contribution for that year.

August 6, 2002 the Flemington Fire Department participated in the Borough’s third “National Nights Out” program at the American Legion.

September, 2002 the fire department received authorization from the Borough Council to purchase a new pumper to replace our 20 year old engine. The Borough Council approved $310,000 and the fire department contributed $40,000 from monies raised during fundraising activities for a total of $350,000.

March, 2003 the Flemington Fire Department played a small part in the war with Iraq. Ex-Chief Sheldon Hoffman’s son, Master Sargeant Glen Hoffman of the Third Marine Air Wing left for Kuwait in January where he lettered a cluster bomb with “From the FFD with love”.

August 5, 2003 the fire department participated in the Borough’s fourth “National Nights Out” at the American Legion.

September 6, 2003 the members of the fire department participated in a County “Terror Drill” at the Hunterdon County Justice Center on Park Avenue in Flemington Borough. Our participation consisted of how we would handle the situation if a fire broke out in the jail. At the same time a hostage/terrorist scenario took place in the Justice Center.

June, 2004 saw delivery of our 2004 Seagrave Marauder Pumper (which was approved in September, 2002).

In October, 2004 we received a $109,500 grant from the US Department of Homeland Security (through FEMA). $98,725.00 was the Federal Share and $10,775.00 was the fire department’s share. We were able to purchase new Scott packs and bottles with the grant. The fire department was able to pay the $10,775 using monies we raised through our yearly fund raisers.

November, 2004 the fire department received a Dell computer as part of of a Federal Grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Domestic Preparedness. All 24 fire companies in Hunterdon County received these computers to receive information pertaining to homeland security issues.

April, 2005 the members of the fire department assisted Daniel Guss in becoming an Eagle Scout. Daniel’s project was painting hydrants by color so we know by sight which ones have certain water pressure and he marked the road with a symbol indicating the location of the hydrants.

April, 2007 the Borough Council voted to take bids on purchasing a new pumper to replace a 1988 FMC. The cost will be $345,000.00

April 15, 2007 members of the fire department responded into Somerset County to assist in pumping out basements due to a nor’easter that came through. The Nor’easter raised the Raritan River 7.5 feet over the flood stage.

August 18, 2007 the Flemington Fire Department celebrates it’s 165th Anniversary. There was a party in the park across the street and at the firehouse. A local band performed, there were games for kids and service members from the Armory on Route 12 also attended.

November 3, 2007 the members attended the Hunterdon County Department of Parks and Recreation’s “Touch A Truck” at Deer Path Park. We brought a “cool” vehicle for the public to see and touch.

February, 2008 the Borough Council introduced an ordinance requiring owners of most commercial buildings in the Borough to install Knox Boxes.

June, 2008 the Flemington Fire Department received GPS units for each of our apparatus. They were purchased by Hunterdon County Office of Emergency Management from a 2007 Homeland Security Grant. Each department in Hunterdon County received GPS units.

July, 2008 Flemington Fire Department’s 1986 Ford pumper will be going to England. A British man purchased the pumper for $15,000 and he plans on using it to transport children for birthday parties at his store/business. The fire department used the $15,000 to purchase new overhead doors on the firehouse.

August 16, 2008, Roaman’s Jeweler’s hosts a Fireman’s Carnival to raise funds for the fire department. They raised $4,000 for us.

August, 2008 the Flemington Fire Department participated in honoring a 9-11 motorcade that came through Hunterdon County. The motorcade was transporting a piece of steel from the World Trade Center on Route 78 which was presented to the Shanksville, PA fire department. We were positioned on the Route 31 overpass with our tower ladder and hung a flag over Route 78.

October 18, 2008. The Flemington Fire Department and Fire Marshal Dave Tynan hosted a Fire Safety Day. “Bunker” the fire dog attended with his handler Mike. There was also a Fire Safety “burn” trailer, borrowed from the Mt. Lake Fire Department in Warren County. Bunker and Mike gave a demonstration on how they do arson investigations.

November 7, 2009 The Flemington Fire Department again attended the Hunterdon County Department of Parks & Recreation’s “Touch A Truck”. Old Betsy made an appearance this year as well as one of our newer pumpers.

April, 2010, the Flemington Fire Department was invited to attend Flemington-Raritan Baseball’s Opening Day. We brought a pumper and helped start off the parade of players and we used the siren and air horns to “Play Ball”

April 21, 2010 we participated with the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office of Victim/Witness Advocacy in celebrating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by bringing a pumper for everyone to look at and climb on. We also had hand outs for the kids.

July 25, 2010 four of our members (Dave Gilmartin, Adam Klymec, Denise Torbik and Daniel Palmer) attended the annual Firefighters Bicycle Race, in Sterling, NJ which is a fundraiser for the St. Barnabas Burn Center. The particpants must wear their turnout gear for the race.

Out of the 60 participants our members came in as follows:

Adam placed Dave placed Denise placed Daniel placed near the end (on purpose, was trying for last place)