Ulster Hose Fire Department

Ulster Hose Company #5 The Ulster Hose Fire Department, also known as 'The Pride of the Avenue,' is located in the town of Ulster, New York. They cover a widespread district, responding to calls for over 8,000 citizens. They are 100% volunteer.

The Beginning

At first, there were no fire departments in the town of Ulster. Fire departments from neighboring cities had to cover the town. In 1940, two men, Albert Montavani and John Osterhoudt, agreed there had to be a fire station. Montavani would become the first chief, and Osterhoudt would become the first president of the company/station. Initially, it was difficult for Montavani and Osterhoudt to find volunteers willing to get up at any hour of the night, in any kind of weather, to go to a fire call. However, they were able to set up the first meeting about the Ulster Hose Company, and were able to reel in 19 other men who would answer the call. These men were: Montavani, Osterhoudt, William Williams, Sr., Don Hopper, Ed Avery, Frank Avery, Chuck Hummer, Bud Rappleyea, Joe Mcniemey, Charles Thiel, Bill Harbig, Bill Piepers, Al Kersted, Sr., James Krom, Charles Rose, Dick Lamb, Ralph Hayner, Sr., Jack Kolts, Halsy Bulivant, Charles Mueller and Harold Macholdt. These men were given the nickname, 'The Pride of the Avenue.' Osterhoudt allowed the company to use his own Packer, which was equipped with rakes, brooms, fire extinguishers, and a first-aid kit. A siren was installed to a pole in front of Osterhoudt's house, and when he pressed the button, the men would rush out from their homes and get picked up by Osterhoudt on his way to the call.

1941-1945

After the US entered World War II the need for a fire station doubled. The 21 men had trouble getting to calls for local residents and money and funds were low. From 1943-1944 they barely pushed through. Finally, on March 9, 1944, the first meeting at the Ulster Hose Fire Department was held. Elections were held for the various posts, the results being

On January 6, 1945, a 1936 Chevy Truck was purchased as the first official fire engine of the company. A large tank, connected with a pump, was cleaned up and put on the truck along with a hose. In 1945, official maps were drawn up to show the district lines. At this time, Ulster Hose Volunteers were operating with one truck out of Osterhoudt's house.

The New Fire Department

In February 1948, a plan to build an actual fire department was finished. It was built and the trucks were moved in. Earlier in 1947, the district bought a Mack Truck with a tank and pump for the company's second official truck. On February 3, 1948, an open house was put together to show the community the new F.D. The building was extended in 1952, and the last construction project was finished in 1969.

Dive Team and The Next New Fire Department

In 1982 Ulster Hose got a certified dive team. In 1986 it was called upon that Ulster Hose get a new building for their operations. In 1987 the old station was sold to the Kerhonkson Tire Company and the company started building the new station on Ulster Avenue. In 1992 and 1993, the department responded to 805 and 973 calls, respectively.

1994-Present Day

Starting in 1994, Ulster Hose became the fire department it is today. The department now has six trucks stationed at headquarters, at 830 Ulster Avenue, and two trucks at Station 2, located at 2333 State Route 9w. Also included are three rescues at headquarters, a rescue boat, a Haz-Mat trailer.

At Station 2 there is also a rescue.

Apparatus and Current Officials

Trucks located at Ulster Hose Company #5, Headquarters:

Trucks located at Ulster Hose Company #2

There are also four chief cars:

The most recent company officer's are:

References

http://ulsterhose5.org/