THE HISTORY OF
SENATE HOOK & LADDER COMPANY # 1, INC.
ORGANIZED MAY 21, 1857
In early 1857, the Sing Sing Volunteer Fire Department suffered the loss of equipment fighting a large fire at Sing Sing Prison, Located in the Village of Sing Sing, New York. An appeal for funds was made to the State of New York and the State Senate appropriated funds to replace equipment and to purchase new equipment including a new hook and ladder (hand drawn). At the time the village had no hook and ladder.
At the first meeting of the new fire company held on May 21, 1857, the members voted to name the company after the New York Senate in gratitude for the new equipment funds, and thus Senate Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was founded as a unit of the Sing Sing Volunteer Fire Department.
This first apparatus was hand drawn by the members using ropes attached to the front of the truck. Around 1890 a horse drawn hook and ladder was purchased with a 65 foot spring loaded main ladder. Some time in 1910 a front wheel drive motorized unit was attached to it replacing the need for the three horses. This unit was in service for more than 31 years.
In 1941 a new fire truck was received and served the company for the next 22 years and was the first company truck to have a two-way radio installed. In 1963 the company took delivery of a 100 foot Maxim hook and ladder. This new truck would serve the community for the next forty years. This truck would see a major rebuild in the mid 1980's. In 2003 a new KME 105 foot rear mounted aerial ladder was purchased. Senate Hook and Ladder is proud to have served the Ossining community for the past 150 years.
The Ossining Volunteer Fire Department is 100% volunteer with over 470 active members. There are 9 companies, six engines, 2 ladders, 1 rescue, 1 R.I.T. truck, 2 boats and a Haz- Mat trailer. The department has a Chief, 1st Assistant Chief and 2nd Assistant Chief, 15 Deputy Chiefs, each company has a Captain, 1st Lieutenant, 2nd lieutenant, Chief Driver and 2 Fire Commissioners. The equipment and apparatus are owned by the Village of Ossining along with 5 fire houses with 2 others being owned by the companies and rented by the Village. The Fire Departments operating budget and capital is part of the Village's yearly budget and funded through property taxes.