Our History

1927

Fishers Island Fire Department started with a group of concerned men holding a meeting in the old Union Chapel on April 18, 1927. The meeting was organized by Paul R. Skilling, Superintendent of the Ferguson’s Fishers Island Farms and all in attendance were employees of the Fishers Island Farms.

In August 1927 the Department moved into its first house (formerly a meat market). The first floor was for equipment, the second floor, formerly Renauad’s Restaurant, was converted for use as a meeting hall and the third floor was used as living quarters for bachelor members.

The First Chief elected in April 1927 was Frank Thayer. The First Assistant Chief was Arthur Woodworth, manager of the Power Plant.

1930

William H. Pyle elected as Fire Chief.

1938

A. John Gada elected as Fire Chief.

1939

Fishers Island Fire District was formed.

1941

The Fire House was renovated in 1941 and was used by the department until the construction of the present building in 1964.

This building is now occupied by the Beach Plum.

1953

The Fire Department acquired its first ambulance in 1953, a 1947 Cadillac.

1959

Beginning in 1959, the Fire Deptartment formed the Emergency Relief Squad that came to be known as the Ambulance Squad for they provided ambulance service. They were initially assisted by volunteer RNs who were associated with the squad, including Pat Baker and Rosalie Rooks.

1964

The new Fire House was constructed in 1964 and the Dedication was held June 28th of that year.

Photo by Charlie Morgan

1969

The second Ambulance had a capacity of 4 patients, plus attendant, driver and driver’s assistant, plus oxygen system, 4 stretchers, etc.

1971

In October 1971, three members of the Fire Dept., Ken Edwards, Dick Jenssen and Charlie Morgan, went to Presbyterian Hospital in NYC for 3 days of first aid and emergency training.

1974

The Fire Department purchased and converted an army truck, seen here, that when outfitted enabled the Dept. to pull water out of any water supply, swimming pool, pond, etc.

1977

In 1977 the Department completed its first Emergency Medical Technicians training class.

1977

A dedicated ambulance boat was purchased in the spring of 1977. In June of that year at the 50th anniversary celebration, Ken Edwards unveiled the new boat’s name: Sea Stretcher, chosen following a spirited naming competition.

The 36′ Hatteras served the Department and Island well for many years.

1980s

Peter Sanger, seen here with a young marathon group, was actively involved in all aspects of the FIFD and served as chairperson of the Sea Stretcher Marathon. After Peter died tragically in 1986 in a plane accident at Elizabeth Field, the Sea Stretcher Marathon was renamed in his honor. At the time of his death he was First Assistant Fire Chief and one of the dedicated Captains of the Sea Stretcher.

1992

In 1992 the Sea Stretcher was replaced with a 42′ Duffy and Duffy that is still serving.

Her Crew consists of five Captains and seven Navigators who rotate to provide 24 hour coverage.

1995

Lilie Ahman, the first female officer in the Dept. is sworn in by Ken Edwards in 1995

2002

Another important milestone – Tracy Brock, 1st female fire fighter.