Our History

It is known that two previous attempts were made to establish a fire company in Bloomingburg, but neither succeeded. On February 15, 1935, however, the present company was organized, beginning a tradition of service that has continued to grow and strengthen over the years.

Like many worthwhile endeavors, the Bloomingburg Fire Company had humble beginnings. Through hard work, perseverance, and community support, those early efforts laid the foundation for what the organization has become today.

The company’s first firehouse was a former ice house on North Street, rented for eight dollars per month. While operating out of this small and inadequate truck house, members worked tirelessly to raise money to purchase property of their own. Fundraising efforts included spaghetti suppers, dances, card parties, cake sales, raffles, and minstrel shows.

Once suitable property within the company’s means was located, members learned that the company needed to incorporate before a purchase could be made. A Certificate of Incorporation was filed in Sullivan County on July 31, 1939. In August 1939, the company achieved ownership with a five-hundred-dollar down payment and a one-thousand-dollar mortgage. That property later became the site of the former firehouse, now the location of Jeff Bank.

There were four buildings on the property, including two stores. One store, a barn, and an ice house were torn down. The remaining store was converted into a firehouse under the supervision of Howard Taylor and the dedicated labor of the members. That building served the company until 1964.

As the company became more firmly established, attention turned toward expanding fire protection beyond the Village and creating a Fire District. At that time, New York State Village Law prohibited such a move. In the late 1950s, members learned that Chester, New York, had successfully formed a fire district that included both the village and surrounding areas through legislation passed by the New York State Legislature. This discovery renewed Bloomingburg’s efforts to do the same.

On December 7, 1960, the Bloomingburg Joint Fire District was established. The district included the Village of Bloomingburg, an expanded area in the Town of Mamakating, and a portion of the Town of Wallkill in Orange County, New York. The Fire Company transferred its property and equipment to the District. In return, the District assumed responsibility for providing housing, equipment, and maintenance through a tax-supported structure.

The Fire Company continues to serve the District on a volunteer basis, giving its time, effort, and training to protect the community. With advances in modern firefighting and emergency response, ongoing training remains essential. In addition to firefighting duties, the company provides many other services, including cellar pump-outs, victim extrication at traffic accidents, resuscitator calls, and searches for lost persons. Through the County Mutual Aid System, these same services are also provided to neighboring communities on a reciprocal basis.

The officers and members are also committed to public education. The company offers home safety programs for community groups, and tours of the firehouse and equipment demonstrations can be arranged.

Looking to the Future

The days of horses and dirt roads in Bloomingburg are long gone. There was once a simpler time when fall meant harvest season and farms stretched across the countryside. Residents could hear the whistle of the O&W Railroad as trains stopped at High View Station and passengers made their way into town. In those days, an ice house sheltered a 1937 Chevy, and a small group of dedicated individuals gave their time to protect the village.

Today, Bloomingburg has changed. A major highway runs nearby, and homes now stand where crops once grew and dairy cows once roamed. What was once a small railroad town has evolved into the present-day Bloomingburg Fire District.

In 2009, one year before the company’s 75th Anniversary, the department moved into its new 15,300-square-foot, state-of-the-art firehouse. This facility was built not only to meet the needs of today, but also to prepare for the future. While some may see the size of the building as large, there was also a time when a two-bay ice house with one truck seemed far more than the community would ever need.

As we look ahead to our 150th Anniversary, one can only imagine what future generations will write about this era, and how they may wonder how we managed with five bays, two engines, two trucks, and one tanker.

We extend our sincere thanks to all the members who have given their dedication and service throughout the years. We also thank the community for its continued support, and we look forward to many more years of serving Bloomingburg with pride.