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Hose 1 disbands after 150 years

On June 8, 1866, a group of German immigrants created a fire company to help protect the citizens in the city of Dunkirk.

All good things must come to an end. For the Dunkirk Fire Hose Company No. 1, that end comes after a distinguished 150 years serving the city of Dunkirk.

In a letter to Fire Chief Michael Edwards, Mayor Wilfred Rosas and the Dunkirk Common Council, Hose 1 has requested its members be removed from the active city fire rolls.

“It is with a heavy heart to announce that Dunkirk Hose Co. No. 1 will cease to operate as active volunteers after Dec. 31, 2016. Due to an aging and declining membership, it has been felt by the active members that Hose 1 could no longer contribute for the benefit of the city of Dunkirk in fire protection,” the letter from President David Van Wey said.

The letter goes on to say this decision was not made in haste, having been discussed over the course of the year.

On June 4, 2016, Hose 1 celebrated its 150th anniversary for its incorporation with a banquet at the Clarion Hotel. Rosas and other elected officials thanked Hose 1 members at that event, giving out certificates of appreciation.

During its 150 years, Hose 1 has had several lasting accomplishments, from seeing the city go from a “bucket brigade” to a modern fire protection operation and the establishment of the state-of-the-art James “Turk” Murphy Training Grounds.

“But the most important contribution that Hose 1 has given throughout its history are the people that made up (our) membership. Unsung heroes (who) would drop whatever they were doing to fight a fire, to protect (their) neighbor or their property,” the letter added.

Now, a century and a half and a few months after its founding, Hose 1 is asking the Common Council to make the end official.

“The time has come for Hose Co. No. 1 to ‘pass the baton’ to the next generation of firefighters. It is a comfort to know that these firefighters are (as) well-trained and dedicated to their profession as we were as volunteers,” the letter concluded.

Rosas discussed the impact of losing Hose 1 volunteers with Chief Edwards and it was determined it would have no negative impact on the city’s fire protection. However, ways to increase volunteer recruitment throughout the area were discussed.

“Most of their members are older. They are doing the right thing in the right way. I want to point out a lack of volunteers is an issue nationwide; municipalities all across the state are trying to deal with this issue. I think municipalities need to work together to solve this issue,” Rosas told the OBSERVER Monday.

The Common Council will meet tonight at 5:30 p.m. in city hall with a workshop at 5 p.m.

Email: ngugino@observertoday.com

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