Yonkers Fire Department

Yonkers Fire Department (YFD)

Operational area
Country	United States
State	New York
City	Yonkers
Agency overview
Established	1896
Annual calls	~18,000
Employees	459
Staffing	Career
Commissioner	John Darcy
EMS level	BLS First Responder
IAFF	628
Facilities and equipment
Battalions	2
Stations	11
Engines	10
Trucks	6
Squads	1
Rescues	1
Tenders	1
HAZMAT	1
USAR	1
Fireboats	1
Website
www.yonkersny.gov/index
www.yonkersfire.org

The Yonkers Fire Department (YFD) provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Yonkers, New York, United States.

The Yonkers Fire Department currently responds to approximately 18,000 emergency calls annually. The current Chief of Department/Fire Commissioner is John Darcy.^[1]

History

Early years

The city of Yonkers Fire Department is currently over 115 years old. Firefighting in Yonkers first originated in 1852, when the first fire company in Yonkers, Protection Engine Co. 1, was formed. The following year, in 1853, the Hope Hook & Ladder Co. 1 was formed, as well as the Lady Washington Engine Co. 2. As of 1855, all fire companies in Yonkers were privately owned and not under the jurisdiction of the village authorities. Thus, the village appropriated funds to purchase the fire apparatus from the private citizens who owned the fire companies. As a result, from 1868 until the late 1890s, 14 additional fire companies were formed. By 1888, the volunteer fire companies in Yonkers had 386 firemen. In 1895, fire commissioners were authorized by the Yonkers Common Council after the city charter was revised.^[2]

On August 6, 1896, the Fire Commissioner's Board decided to appoint 6 paid firemen to the Palisade Avenue Firehouse. The first 3 paid firemen were appointed to the Hope Hook & Ladder Co. 1, while the second 3 men were appointed to the Lady Washington Engine Co. 2, both quartered in the same firehouse. This became the origins of the paid Yonkers Fire Department.

Twenty-one days later, James J. Mulcahey was elected the first paid Chief of Department. Additionally, with the new paid fire department in place, the YFD Telegraph Bureau was established in the Palisade Avenue Firehouse. A large number of fire alarm signal boxes were placed in various locations throughout Yonkers. 38 Fire Alarm Boxes and 40 miles of telegraph wire made up the system. On September 1, 1896, the first roll call of the Yonkers Fire Department was called. In October 1897, 5 paid firemen were added to the firehouse on Vineyard Avenue (Station 2).^[3]

1900s

YFD Station 6, the quarters of Engine 306, established in 1902, located on Oak Street.

In 1900, the YFD responded to their first mutual aid fire to the village of Bronxville. In June of that year, funds were acquired to convert 2 volunteer firehouses and an old police department horse stable into paid firehouses, and plans for a new firehouse on Oak Street were drawn up. On May 1, 1901, 2 new firehouses on Radford Street (Station 4) and Shonnard Place (Station 5) that had been built earlier that year were occupied by Engine Co. 4 and Engine Co. 5. On September 16 of that year, Engine Co. 3 was placed into service at Station 3 on Riverdale Avenue. In August 1902, twenty new firemen were appointed to form Engine Co. 6 at Station 6 on Oak Street and Engine Co. 7 at Station 7 on Central Park Avenue. In 1907, Engine Co. 8 was established at Station 8 on Woodworth Avenue and Truck Co. 3 was placed into service at the Shonnard Place Station 5 Firehouse, the quarters of Engine Co. 5. On December 22, 1909, Engine Co. 9 was placed into service at Station 9 on Swain Street with 3 additional firemen. That same year, the Yonkers Fire Department first tested a motorized fire engine.

In May 1910, two motorized hose wagons were placed into service at Engine Co. 6 and Engine Co. 8. On November 5 of that year, Engine Co. 10 was placed into service at Station 10 Saw Mill River Road with Engine Co. 8's former apparatus. The first motorized pumping engine arrived in 1911 and was placed into service at Engine Co. 5. In 1912, a two shift/platoon system was enacted so firemen could work shorter hours. In 1913, the Telegraph Bureau was moved to City Hall. The system was now made up of over 150 Fire Alarm Boxes and over 100 miles of telegraph wire. The Fire Chief's office was also moved to City Hall. That same year, the YFD's first motorized ladder truck arrived from the American LaFrance company. The Chief of Department and 2 Assistant Chiefs were also given automobiles. By the end of 1913, 8 pieces of fire apparatus were motorized. In 1914, Truck Co. 4 was placed into service at the Station 4 Radford Street Firehouse. By May 22, 1916, the entire Yonkers Fire Department was motorized, marking the end of the horse-drawn fire apparatus era. At the end of 1916, the YFD had over 126 firemen.^[4]

1920s to 1930s

By August 1921, the YFD had grown to 10 Engine Companies and 4 Truck Companies, along with many new fire stations that had been built to replace older ones. On March 30, 1930, Rescue Co. 1 was formed at Fire Headquarters/Station 1. Engine Co. 12 was placed into service in June of that year at Station 12 at 75 Fortfield Avenue. In 1931, a new firehouse, Station 7, the quarters of Engine Co. 7 was constructed at 441 Central Park Avenue. In 1932, Truck Co. 5 was placed into service and quartered there as well. In 1933, Engine Co. 8 moved to a new Station 8 firehouse at 539 Warburton Avenue. On June 25, 1939, a new pension plan for firefighters, controlled and administered by the State of New York, replaced the City of Yonkers Pension Plan.

1940s to 1950s

With the start of World War II, an auxiliary force of civilian firefighters was trained by the Fire Department in firefighting procedures in case of an enemy attack. The auxiliary firemen numbered about five hundred. These men were assigned to firehouses near their homes and in the event they were needed they were to report to the firehouse. They were disbanded when the war ended. During the war, several companies were removed form active service. Engine Co. 5 at the then Station 5 at 53 Shonnard Place was put out of commission on February 1, 1942 (It was never returned to service), with Station 9 on Swain Street closed and Engine 9 moved to 53 Shonnard Place and re-named Station 9. Also, Rescue Co. 1 and Truck Co. 5 were removed from service on February 1, 1942. Both were returned to service on April 19, 1943, but Truck Co. 5 was again placed out of service again until February 17, 1946. In August 1946, when the Yonkers Fire Department was 50 years old and consisted of 17 paid fire companies. Also in the 1940s two-way radios were put in place in the Assistant Chief's Cars and the apparatus of Rescue Co. 1.

In January 1956, the YFD was divided into 2 divisions: the East Division and the West Division. Each were commanded by an Assistant Chief and oversaw a group of 5-6 firehouses each. A new firehouse (Station 13) was built in 1956 at 340 Kimball Avenue and on March 27 of that year and Truck Co. 6 was placed into service there. On August 13, Engine Co. 13 was also placed into service at Station 13 on Kimball Avenue. On December 1, 1958, another new firehouse (Station 14) was built at 2187 Central Park Avenue, and Engine Co. 14 was established and placed into service there. On September 29, 1959, the Telegraph/Fire Dispatch Bureau was relocated to the Station 12, the quarters of Engine Co. 12.

1960s to 1970s

On March 13, 1961, Truck Co. 5 was moved from Station 7, the quarters of Engine Co. 7, to Station 12, the quarters of Engine Co. 12, on Fortfield Avenue. On September 1, 1961, the department acquired its own radio system. Truck Co. 7 was organized and placed into service on December 21, 1967 at Station 14, the quarters of Engine Co. 14. On July 31, 1970, the YFD acquired the Bureau of Combustibles. In 1971, the YFD turned 75 and consisted of 13 Engine Companies, 7 Truck Companies, 1 Rescue Company, and a force of 405 uniformed firemen.^[5]

Below were the Fire Station/Company Assignments in 1971:

In 1971, all Engine Companies had 1000 gpm. pumps and all Truck Companies had 100' aerial ladder devices. The Fire Alarm system consisted of 875 Fire Alarm Boxes and 40 miles of underground cable and over 130 miles of above-ground wire. In August of 1971, Station 3 at 81 Riverdale Avenue was closed, as part of the Riverdale Avenue Arterial, and Engine Co. 3 was subsequently moved to the New Station 3 Firehouse on Vark Street. On March 16, 1972, Truck Co. 2 was moved from Station 2 on Vineyard Avenue to Station 9 on Shonnard Place. At the beginning of 1973, the YFD fought for the inclusion of an officer on each piece of fire apparatus. On December 23, 1974, the first "handi-talkie" two-way radios were distributed. A year later, in 1975, the Fire Investigation Unit was established. On March 10, 1975, each Truck Company's number designation was changed to match the number of the Engine Company it was quartered with. Thus, Truck Co.'s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 became Truck Co.'s 1, 9, 11, 4, 12, 13, and 14. On April 16, 1975 two Assistant Chiefs were detailed as "Executive Assistant Chiefs." One was responsible for Fire Suppression and the other for Staff Operations. This detail was made permanent in September of that year. A third Executive Assistant Chief was added in 1976 and made responsible for Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Safety and Training. The following year the title "Executive Assistant Chief" was changed to "Deputy Chief".

Due to a financial crisis, on January 1, 1976, Engine Co. 1, Truck Co. 11, and Rescue Co. 1 were disbanded from service, with Engine Co. 1 (which was quartered at YFD Headquarters/Station 1) never to return to front line service. On November 23 of that year, the YFD adopted the 10-Code system, similar to the one used by the New York City Fire Department, for radio communications. Each radio code had a different meaning and/or function. On March 10, 1978, the fire apparatus numbering was changed to conform with the numbering system of Westchester County, New York. In order to eliminate confusion during mutual aid, all fire apparatus in Westchester County were given different numbers. YFD Engine Companies received numbers in the 300's and YFD Truck Companies received numbers in the 70's. It was at that time, that Truck Companies were now known as "Ladder" Companies. Thus Engine Company 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14 became Engine 302, 303, 304, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, & 314 respectfully and Truck Company 1, 9, 4, 12, 13, & 14 became Ladder Company 71, 72, 74, 75, 73, & 70 respectfully. In 1979, under the new apparatus numbering, Engine Co. 305 was placed into service at Station 2 on Vineyard Avenue, while Ladder Co. 76 was placed into service at Station 11 on Bronxville Road, the quarters of Engine Co. 311 (formerly Engine Co. 11).

1980s

On July 17, 1980, all Fire Alarm Boxes were removed from street corners, as the city deemed it too costly to repair the system. Also in 1980, Station 2 (quarters of Engine Co. 302 and Engine Co. 305) on Vineyard Avenue was permanently closed due to structural issues. Because of this, Engine Co. 302 was relocated to Station 9 on Shonnard Place and Engine Co. 305 was relocated to Station 1-Fire Headquarters on New School Street. In December 1980, the title of Chief of Department was replaced with "Fire Commissioner".^[6]

Due to a financial crisis in 1982, Engine Co.'s 302, 305, and 311, as well as Ladder Co. 76 were all disbanded from service, with Engine 305 and Ladder 76 never to return to front line service. Also, the Battalion Chief's Aides were cut. In June 1983, Engine Co. 302 and Engine Co. 311 were re-activated, only to be disbanded once again a month later (Engine 302 would never to return to front line service). Ladder Co. 70 was moved from Station 14 to Station 11. Also in 1983 the Communications Office (Telegraph Bureau) was moved to 10 St. Casimir Avenue. In 1984, Engine Co. 311 was once again re-activated and Aides were assigned once again to each Battalion Chief. Also in 1984, Ladder Co. 70 was moved from Station 11 back to the Station 14, the quarters of Engine Co. 314.

On April 16, 1981 Yonkers Fire Department Union local 628 employees (approximately 410 firefighters and officers) walked off the job due to a contract dispute, the strike lasted 2 days.^[7]

1990s to present

In 1990, the Department recognized the need to begin to develop a special unit to cope with the rise in Hazardous Materials(Haz-Mat.) incidents as well as to comply with the new OSHA regulations, which specifically detailed the training requirements for personnel handling Hazardous Materials. Initially all line officers and firefighters were trained to the Haz-Mat. Operations level, while a team of 6 officers were further trained to the Technician level. These 6 officers provided 24/7 coverage on more serious Hazardous Materials incidents while maintaining positions in Engine or Ladder companies. Subsequently, the department felt that it needed to create, as part of its overall structure, the YFD Special Operations Division. This new division of the Yonkers Fire Department would house and maintain all YFD Special Operations Apparatus and Equipment that would supplement all First Line Companies. YFD Special Operations Apparatus are activated at Major Incidents such as WMD or Hazardous Materials Incidents, or for a trench or building collapse. The YFD Special Operations division also oversees all Reserve Apparatus, making sure that they are fully equipped and ready to be placed into service whenever they are needed. The YFD Special Operations Division was located within a City Owned Building at the vacant facilty up at the original Ridge Hill Property, between the New York State Thruway and the Sprain Brook Parkway, where they were able to conduct all specialized training needed for their operation.

Also in 1990, the City of Yonkers outfitted all firefighters with new OSHA-approved Bunker Pants and Coats. 1991, the Safety Division was instituted and manned with a full-time Incident Safety Officer(ISO). The Safety Officer responds to all structure fires and supports the health and safety needs of the firefighters. The position is now known as the "Safety Battalion".

Since 1991, all probationary firefighters are trained as Certified First Responders. Many senior Department members have also opted to receive medical training and became New York State Certified First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Firefighters have performed a variety of emergency medical tasks, from delivering babies to administering CPR. Also in 1992, the communication office of Fire, Police and EMS is moved to the Cacace Justice Center and an Enhanced 911 emergency response system is instituted.

On June 18, 1992, a Hazardous Materials Unit, designated as Squad Co. 1, is commissioned and located at Fire Headquarters (Station 1). The unit was staffed 24/7 by an officer and 1 firefighter. The unit also was used as a Rescue Company assisting Ladder Companies at all working fires. During 1993, all members assigned to the unit received extra training and were certified by New York State to the Hazardous Materials Specialist level. Support companies were designated to assist the Squad when more than two persons were needed to handle the incident. In 1995, a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is installed in the communications center.

In 1996, the Yonkers Fire Department celebrated its 100 Anniversary. The designations of the Assistant Chiefs of the East and West Divisions, formerly known as Division Chief 1 and Division Chief 2, were changed to Battalion Chief's 1 and 2, with the East and West Division becoming Battalion's 1 and 2. Additionally, civilian employees were hired to replace the firefighters in the Dispatch Office. Also, the Fire Department Repair Shop, formerly located at Station 7, the quarters of Engine Co. 307, was moved to the DPW Repair Shops.^[8]

On March 6, 2000, Squad Co. 1 was disbanded to re-organized Rescue Co. 1 at Fire Headquarters (Station 1). In 2004, Engine Co. 311 was deactivated from service at Station 11 and Squad Co. 11 was commissioned and placed into service at Station 11.

In 2007, in conjunction with the City of Yonkers selling the Ridge Hill Property for commercial development, the Yonkers Fire Department - Special Operations Division was moved from their Ridge Hill Facility/Operation to their current location at 460 Nepperhan Avenue.

In 2012, the 3rd and 4th Floors of the Yonkers Fire Headquarters/Station 1 on 5-7 School Street were deemed unsafe and thus the Executive Offices of the Yonkers Fire Department, that had been located on the 3rd and 4th floors, were moved to a new facility on 470 Nepperhan Avenue.

On June 5, 2015, the Building Department of the City of Yonkers determined that the entire Station 1 (Former Yonkers Fire Headquarters) was unsafe and thus condemned Station 1 on 5-7 School Street. Tower Ladder Company 71 was moved to the quarters of Station 3 on 96 Vark Street. Rescue Company 1 was moved to the quarters of Station 8 on 571 Warburton Avenue, and the Mask Service Unit was moved to the Special Operations Facility at 460 Nepperhan Avenue.

On July 30, 2015, Rescue 1 was moved from Station 8 on 571 Warburton Avenue to Station 7 on 441 Central Park Avenue and Spare Ladder 76 was moved from Station 7 to Station 8.

Currently, the Yonkers Fire Department operates out of 11 Fire Stations, with 10 Engine Companies, 6 Ladder Companies, 1 Squad Company, and 1 Rescue Company.

Organization

The city of Yonkers Fire Department is currently subdivided into three main divisions: Operations, Personnel, and Fire Prevention. Each division is commanded by a deputy chief.^[9]

Operations Division

The Operations Division provides firefighting and emergency medical services. It consists of two firefighting battalions, the Marine Unit, Fire Repair Shop, Fire Communications, and the Special Operations Unit.

The current Deputy Chief of Operations is Robert Capurso

The Fire and Emergency Response services staff consists of a deputy chief, 13 assistant battalion chiefs, 31 captains, 75 lieutenants, 314 firefighters, and one civilian employee. The Fire Communications Office's staff consists of a lieutenant and one firefighter.

Personnel Division

The Deputy Chief of Personnel is responsible for Personnel, Training, Labor/Management Relations, Planning and Development and Manpower. The current Deputy Chief of Personnel is Thomas Fitzpatrick.

Currently in the Personnel Division, there are four subdivisions, each with its own staff. The Administrative Office's staff consists of a fire commissioner/chief of department, a deputy chief, a Captain, and seven civilian employees.

Fire Prevention Division

The Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention is responsible for managing the Fire Prevention Division, the Fire Investigation Unit and Fire Safety Education. This includes overseeing the inspection of existing buildings and those under construction or renovation, processing all complaints or inquires and enforcement of New York State Fire and Building Codes, investigation of the cause and origin of all fires of consequence, and Fire Safety Education programs for the citizens of the city. The current Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention is Kevin Ford

The Fire Prevention, Education, and Safety Education Unit staff consists of a deputy chief, a captain, two lieutenants, seven firefighters, and a civilian employee.^[10][11]

Operations

YFD Station 13, the quarters of Engine 313, Ladder 73, and The Foam Unit, located on Kimball Ave.

The Yonkers Fire Department currently operates out of 11 firehouses, located throughout the city, in two battalions, under the command of a Deputy Chief of Operations. Each battalion is commanded by an Assistant Chief on each shift. The Yonkers Fire Department operates ten engine companies, five ladder companies, one rescue company, and numerous Special, Support, and Reserve Units. Each front line piece of fire apparatus is staffed by a crew of firefighters and fire officers for each shift.

In addition to the frontline fire apparatus, the YFD operates a number of special and support units, most of which are located at the Special Operations and Storage Facility. Also, the YFD operates an extensive fleet of Spare and Reserve fire apparatus. All spare fire apparatus are unequipped and are put into service when frontline fire apparatus are taken out of service for maintenance. All reserve apparatus are readily equipped to be placed into service as callback units, staffed by off-duty callback personnel when needed.

In addition to the eleven firehouses, the YFD also operates a repair shop.^[12]

Fire Station Locations and Apparatus

Below is a complete listing of all YFD fire station locations and fire companies, by battalion, in the city of Yonkers.^[12][13] Each piece of frontline apparatus is staffed with a minimum of 4 Firefighters, including a Driver and an Officer.

See also

• List of New York fire departments

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yonkers Fire Department.

Wikisource has original text related to this article: Yonkers Fire Department

• Official Website
• Unofficial Website
• IAFF Local 628 - Yonkers Firefighter's Union
• City of Yonkers Official Website