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	Robert Sweeney
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.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 Robert Sweeney.^[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

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 located at 268 Woodworth Avenue and Truck Co. 3 was placed into service at Station 5 Firehouse located at 53 Shonnard Place, the quarters of Engine Co. 5. On December 22, 1909, Engine Co. 9 was placed into service at Station 9 on Swain Street (Pondfield Road West) 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

In 1921, Station 11 was constructed at 433 Bronxville Road with Engine Company 11 placed into service and quartered there along with Truck Company 3 that was moved from Station 5 (53 Shonnard Place) to Station 11. 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 Station 7 was constructed for the quarters of Engine Co. 7, at 441 Central Park Avenue. On January 5, 1932, Truck Co. 5 was placed into service and quartered at the new Station 7. 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 thus Station 5 was 'renamed' 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 27th of that year, Truck Co. 6 was placed into service there. On August 13, 1956, 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 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 on January 1, 1971:

Station Number	Engine Company	Truck Company	Special Unit	Division Chief	Address	Neighborhood	Build Date
Station 1 - YFD Headquarters	Engine 1	Truck 1	Rescue 1	West Division Chief	5-7 New School St.	Chicken Island	Built 1927
Station 2	Engine 2	Truck 2			7-9 Vineyard Ave.	The Hollows	Built 1876
Station 3	Engine 3				81 Riverdale Ave.	Getty Square	Built 1876
Station 4	Engine 4	Truck 4			36 Radford St.	Ludlow	Built 1916
Station 6	Engine 6				81 Oak St.	Nodine Hill	Built 1902/Rebuilt 1962
Station 7	Engine 7		Repair Shop		441 Central Park Ave.	Lincoln Park	Built 1931
Station 8	Engine 8				607 Warburton Avenue	Northwest Yonkers	Built 1933
Station 9	Engine 9				53 Shonnard Pl.	Northwest Yonkers	Built 1916
Station 10	Engine 10				573 Saw Mill River Rd.	Nepperhan	Built 1909
Station 11	Engine 11	Truck 3			433 Bronxville Rd.	Ceder Knolls	Built 1921
Station 12	Engine 12	Truck 5		East Division Chief	75 Fortfield Ave.	Bryn Mawr	Built 1930
Station 13	Engine 13	Truck 6			340 Kimball Ave.	Southeast Yonkers	Built 1956
Station 14	Engine 14	Truck 7			2187 Central Park Ave.	Northeast Yonkers	Built 1958

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 January of 1971, Station 3 at 81 Riverdale Avenue was closed, as part of the Riverdale Avenue Arterial Construction Project. Engine Co. 3 was temporarily moved to and quartered in Station 1/Fire Headquarters until the New Station Station 3 Firehouse on Vark Street was opened on August 17, 1971. 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 within the City of Yonkers, on January 1, 1976, Engine Co. 1, Truck Co. 11 (formally Truck 3), and Rescue Co. 1 were de-commissioned from service. Engine Co. 1 (which was quartered at YFD Headquarters/Station 1) and Truck 11 (which was quartered at YFD Station 11) were never returned to front line service. Rescue Co. 1 remained de-commissioned from front line service for 24 years until March 6, 2000 when it was re-commissioned.

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. On October 19, 1979, under the new apparatus numbering, Engine Co. 305 was commissioned and placed into service at Station 2 on Vineyard Avenue, while Ladder Co. 76 was commissioned and 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. On September 15, 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]

On August 18, 1980, Ladder Co. 76 was moved from Station 11 to Station 3 on 96 Vark Street

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]

A new Station 8 located at 571 Warburton Avenue was opened, replacing the old carriage house Station 8, located at 607 Warburton Avenue.

On April 19, 1982, due to another financial crisis within the City of Yonkers, Engine Co.'s 302, 305, and 311, as well as Ladder Co. 76 were all de-commissioned from service (Engine 305 and Ladder 76 would never be returned to front line service). Ladder Co. 70 was moved from Station 14 to Station 11 to provide coverage in the Cedar Knolls section of the city. Also, the Battalion Chief's Aides were cut.

In June 1983, Engine Co. 302 and Engine Co. 311 were re-commissioned, with Engine 302 quartered at Station 1/Fire Headquarters. However one month later both companies (Engine 302 and Engine 311) were de-commissioned once again (Engine 302 would never to return to front line service). Also in 1983 the Communications Office (Telegraph Bureau) was moved to 10 St. Casimir Avenue.

In 1984, Engine Co. 311 was once again re-commissioned and reactivated at Station 11 and the Battalion Aides were assigned once again to each Battalion Chief. In addition, Ladder Co. 70 was moved from Station 11, back to the Station 14, the quarters of Engine Co. 314.

1990s

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 the majority of 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 Collapse Unit, part of the YFD Special Operations Division, would be quartered at YFD Station 11 on Bronxville Road, with the crew of Engine 311 used to staff the unit should it be needed. 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 established and originally located within a 'City Owned Building' at a vacant facility 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. In 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 quasi-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 Shop located at 1130 Nepperhan Avenue.^[8]

2000s to present

On March 6, 2000, Squad Co. 1 was de-commissioned in order to be able to re-organize as Rescue Co. 1 at Fire Headquarters (Station 1). Thus, Rescue 1 was back in service, as a front line company, 24 years from when it was disbanded back on January 1, 1976.

In 2004, Engine Co. 311 was deactivated from service at Station 11 and Squad Co. 11 was subsequently commissioned and placed into service at Station 11 (along with the YFD Collapse Unit).

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.

On June 28, 2010, due to another financial crisis in the City of Yonkers, the Safety Battalion was removed from service. Now, for all 10-30 Alarms called in, the next available Battalion Chief (either Battalion 1 or Battalion 2) would respond to the scene, becoming the Safety Battalion at the incident.

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. Subsequently, Tower Ladder Company 71 was moved to the quarters of Station 3 on 96 Vark Street. Rescue Company 1 was subsequently moved to the quarters of Station 8 on 571 Warburton Avenue, and the Mask Service Unit # 1 was moved to the quarters of Station 9 at 53 Shonnard Place.

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.

Department companies 1896-2017

Engine Companies

Engine Co. 1 - Commissioned on September 1, 1896; 18 Palisade Avenue – Fire Headquarters. Moved on October 1928 to 5-7 New School Street – “Newly Constructed” Fire Headquarters/Station 1. "De-Commissioned" on January 1, 1976

Engine Co. 2 – Commissioned on October 1897; 7-9 Vineyard Avenue - Station 2. On March 10, 1978, Engine 2 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 302. On September 15, 1980; Station 2 was condemned and closed and subsequently Engine 302 was moved to Station 9. "De-Commissioned" on April 19, 1982. Was "Re-Commissioned" in June of 1983 and was quartered at Fire Headquarters/Station 1. De-Commissioned in July of 1983

Engine Co. 3 – Commissioned on September 16, 1901; 81 Riverdale Avenue – Station 3. On January 1971, Station 3 at 81 Riverdale Avenue was closed and Engine 3 was moved temporarily to Fire Headquarters/Station 1, 5-7 New School Street. On August 17, 1971, Engine 3 was moved to 96 Vark Street, the “Newly Constructed” Station 3. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 303

Engine Co. 4 – Commissioned on May 1, 1901; 36 Radford Street – Station 4. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 304

Engine Co. 5 – Commissioned on May 1, 1901; 53 Shonnard Place – Station 5 (which was "Re-Designated" as Station 9 in 1942). Was "De-Commissioned" on February 1, 1942

Engine Co. 6 – Commissioned on August 4, 1902; 81 Oak Street - Station 6. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 306

Engine Co. 7 – Commissioned on August 4, 1902; Central Park Avenue/Yonkers Avenue – Station 7. 1931 Moved to “newly constructed” Station 7 Firehouse at 441 Central Park Avenue – Station 7 On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 307

Engine Co. 8 – Commissioned on August 15, 1907; 268 Woodworth Avenue – Station 8. 1933 moved to 583 Warburton Avenue - Station 8 (a former carriage house). On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 308. On June 1980 was moved to 573 Warburton Avenue – to the “Newly Constructed” Station 8.

Engine Co. 9 – Commissioned on December 22, 1909; Swain Street (Pondfield Road West) – Station 9. In 1922 was moved to 53 Shonnard Place - Station 5 ("Re-Designated" as Station 9 in 1942). On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 309

Engine Co. 10 – Commissioned on November 5, 1910; 485 Saw Mill River Road On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 310

Engine Co. 11 – Commissioned on January 9, 1922; 427 Bronxville Road – Station 11. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 311. "De-Commissioned" on April 19, 1982. "Re-Commissioned" on June 1983 at Station 11. "De-Commissioned"" in July 1983. "Re-Commissioned" January 2, 1984 at Station 11. "De-Commissioned" December 1, 2004 (see commissioning of “Squad 11” below).

Engine Co. 12 - Commissioned on June 17, 1930; 75 Fortfield Avenue – Station 12. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 312

Engine Co. 13 – Commissioned on August 13, 1956; 340 Kimball Avenue – Station 13. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 313

Engine Co. 14 – Commissioned on December 1, 1958; 2187 Central Park Avenue - Station 14. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Engine Co. 314

Truck/Ladder Companies

Truck Co. 1 – Commissioned on September 1, 1896; 18 Palisade Avenue - Headquarters. Moved on October 1928 to 5-7 New School Street – “Newly Constructed” Fire Headquarters/Station 1. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-Designated" as Ladder 71 (now Tower Ladder Co. 71). Temporarily moved on June 5, 2015 from YFD Fire Headquarters/Station 1 to Station 3 - 96 Vark Street.

Truck Co. 2 – Commissioned on October 1897; 7-9 Vineyard Avenue – Station 2. On March 16, 1972 was moved from Station 2 to 53 Shonnard Place - Station 9. On March 10, 1975 was "Re-designated" as Truck Co. 9. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-designated" as Ladder Co. 72

Truck Co. 3 – Commissioned on 1907; 53 Shonnard Place - Station 5. In 1922 was moved to 427 Bronxville Road - Station 11. On March 10, 1975 was "Re-designated" as Truck Co. 11. Was "De-Commissioned" on January 1, 1976. Was "Re-Commissioned" on October 19, 1979 as Ladder Co. 76 at 427 Bronxville Road; Station 11. On August 18, 1980 was moved from Station 11 to Station 3 on 96 Vark Street. Was "De-Commissioned" on April 19, 1982

Truck Co. 4 – Commissioned in late 1914; 36 Radford Street – Station 4. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-designated" as Ladder Co. 74

Truck Co. 5 – Commissioned on January 5, 1932; 441 Central Park Avenue - Station 7 Was "De-Commissioned" on February 1, 1942. Was "Re-Commissioned" on April 19, 1943. Was "De-Commissioned" between 1944-1946. Was "Re-Commissioned" on February 17, 1946. On March 31, 1961 was moved from Station 7 to 75 Fortfield Avenue - Station 12. On March 10, 1975 as "Re-designated" as Truck Co. 12. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-designated" as Ladder Co. 75 (now Tower Ladder Co. 75)

Truck Co. 6 – Commissioned on March 27, 1956; 340 Kimball Avenue – Station 13. On March 10, 1975 was "Re-designated" as Truck Co. 13. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-designated" as Ladder Co. 73

Truck Co. 7 – Commissioned on December 21, 1967; 2187 Central Park Avenue - Station 14. On March 10, 1975 was "Re-designated" as Truck Co. 14. On March 10, 1978 was "Re-designated" as Ladder Co. 70. On April 19, 1982 was "Re-assigned" to Station 11. On January 1, 1984 was "Re-assigned" back to Station 14.

Rescue/Squad 1/Squad 11/Engine Company 305

Rescue Co. 1 – Commissioned on March 3, 1930; 5-7 New School Street - Fire Headquarters/Station 1. Was "De-Commissioned" on February 1, 1942. Was "Re-Commissioned" on April 19, 1943. Was "De-Commissioned" on January 1, 1976. Was "Re-Commissioned" on March 6, 2000; Fire Headquarters/Station 1. Was Temporarily moved on June 5, 2015 from Fire Headquarters/Station 1 to Station 8 - 573 Warburton Avenue. Was Temporarily moved again on July 30, 2015 from Station 8 - 573 Warburton Avenue to Station 7 - 441 Central Park Avenue.

Engine Co. 305 - Commissioned on October 19, 1979; 5-7 Vineyard Avenue – Station 2 Functioned not as an Engine Company; but as a Front Line “Support Unit”. On September 15, 1980 was relocated from Station 2 to Fire Headquarters/Station 1. Was "De-Commissioned" on April 19, 1982

Squad Co. 1 – Commissioned on June 18, 1992; 5-7 New School Street - Fire Headquarters/Station 1 Was "De-Commissioned" on March 6, 2000 (see re-commissioning of Rescue Co. 1)

Squad Co. 11 - Commissioned on December 1, 2004; 433 Bronxville Road - Station 11 (see de-commissioning of Engine Co. 11/Engine Co. 311)

YFD Station History 1896-2017

Station Number	Original Location	Additioanl Locations	History Companies Quartered At Station	Build Year	Close Year
Station 1	18 Palisade Avenue	5-7 New School Street	Engine 1, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Engine 3, Engine 305, Engine 302, Ladder 71, Tower Ladder 71, Mask Service Unit	1852 (18 Palisades Avenue); 1927 (5-7 New School Street)	18 Palisade Avenue quarters closed 1927; 5-7 New School Street quarters closed 2015
Station 2	7-9 Vineyard Avenue		Engine 2, Truck 2, Engine 302, Engine 305	1876	7-9 Vineyard Avenue quarters closed 1980
Station 3	81 Riverdale Avenue	96 Vark Street	Engine 3, Engine 303, Ladder 76, Tower Ladder 71	1897 (81 Riverdale Avenue); 1972 (96 Vark Street)	81 Riverdale Avenue quarters closed 1971
Station 4	36 Radford Street		Engine 4, Truck 4, Engine 304, Ladder 74	1916
Station 5	53 Shonnard Place		Engine 5, Truck 3	1916	Station 5 renamed Station 9 in 1942
Station 6	81 Oak Street		Engine 6, Engine 306	1902
Station 7	Central Park Avenue	441 Central Park Avenue	Engine 7, Truck 5, Engine 307, Rescue 1	1902 (Central Park Avenue); 1931 (441 Central Park Avenue)	Original Central Park Avenue quarters closed 1931
Station 8	268 Woodworth Avenue	607 Warburton Avenue; 571 Warburton Avenue	Engine 8, Engine 308, Rescue 1, Fire Boat 1	1907 (268 Woodworth Avenue); 1933 (607 Warburton Avenue); 1980 571 Warburton Avenue)	268 Woodworth Avenue quarters closed 1933; 607 Warburton Avenue quarters closed 1980
Station 9	Swain Street (Pondfield Road West)	53 Shonnard Place	Engine 9, Engine 309, Truck 2, Truck 9, Ladder 72, Mask Service Unit	1909 (Swain Street [Pondfield Road West]); 1916 (53 Shonnard Place)	Swain Street (Pondfield Road West) quarters closed 1942
Station 10	573 Saw Mill River Road		Engine 10, Engine 310	1909
Station 11	433 Bronxville Road		Engine 11, Truck 3, Engine 311, Ladder 76, Ladder 70, Squad 11, Collapse Unit	1921
Station 12	75 Fortfield Avenue		Engine 12, Truck 5, Engine 312, Ladder 75, Tower Ladder 75	1930
Station 13	340 Kimball Avenue		Engine 13, Truck 6, Engine 313, Ladder 73, Foam Unit	1956
Station 14	2187 Central Park Avenue		Engine 14, Truck 7, Engine 314, Ladder 70	1958

Department chiefs and commissioners 1896-2017

Chief of Department

James J. Mulcahey – August 27, 1896 to December 23, 1931

Arthur Chambers – December 24, 1931 to November 20, 1936

John J. Reilly – January 31, 1937 to December 22, 1939

Daniel Carnegie – December 30, 1939 to April 30, 1942

Edward H. Siller – May 1, 1942 to January 16, 1945

William C. Garvin – January. 16, 1945 to August 18, 1958

Andrew Gerlock – July 22, 1959 to October 25, 1974

Wallace J. Brown – Oct. 25, 1974 to July 1, 1979

Fire Commissioners

Richard Smith – July 1, 1979 to July 6, 1983

William McLaughlin – June 20, 1983 to July 7, 1989

Edward T. Dunn – January 18, 1990 to January 31, 1992

Neil V. Curry – February 14, 1992 to February 9, 1995

Thomas J. Lorio – April 19, 1995 to January 13, 1999

Peter S. Guyett – April 7, 1999 to June 6, 2002

Anthony Pagano – June 7, 2002 to December 31, 2011

George Kielb – January 1, 2012 to June 28, 2012

Charles Gardner – June 29, 2012 to August 30, 2012

Robert Sweeney – August 31, 2012 to August 23, 2014

John Darcy - August 24, 2014 to June 4,2016

Robert Sweeney - June 5, 2016 to Present

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 Boat),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 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

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 3 firefighters and 1fire officer 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 ten firehouses, the YFD also operates a repair shop.^[12]

Stations and apparatus

Below is a complete listing of all YFD fire station locations and fire companies, by battalion, in the city of Yonkers. ( * Tower Ladder Company 71 is temporarily quartered at Station 3 and Rescue Company 1 is temporarily quatered at Station 7) ^[12][13] Each piece of frontline apparatus is staffed with a minimum of 4 Firefighters, including a Driver and an Officer.

Station Number	Engine Company	Ladder Company	Specialized Company/Spare or Reserve Unit/Supplimential Unit/Historical Unit	Chief	Battalion	Address	Neighborhood	Build Date
Station 3	Engine 303	* Tower Ladder 71		Battalion 1	1	96 Vark St.	Getty Square	Built 1971
Station 4	Engine 304	Ladder 74	Spare Engine 318		1	36 Radford St.	Ludlow	Built 1916
Station 6	Engine 306				1	81 Oak St.	Nodine Hill	Built 1902/Rebuilt 1962
Station 7	Engine 307		* Rescue 1		2	441 Central Park Ave.	Lincoln Park	Built 1931
Station 8	Engine 308		Fireboat 1, Spare Ladder 76, Reserve/Historical Engine 298		1	571 Warburton Ave.	Northwest Yonkers	Built 1980
Station 9	Engine 309	Ladder 72	Mask Service Unit 1		1	53 Shonnard Pl.	Northwest Yonkers	Built 1932
Station 10	Engine 310				2	573 Saw Mill River Rd.	Nepperhan	Built 1909
Station 11			Squad 11, Collapse Unit		2	433 Bronxville Rd.	Cedar Knolls	Built 1921
Station 12	Engine 312	Tower Ladder 75	Spare LDH Engine 300	Battalion 2	2	75 Fortfield Ave.	Bryn Mawr	Built 1930
Station 13	Engine 313	Ladder 73	Foam Unit		2	340 Kimball Ave.	Southeast Yonkers	Built 1956
Station 14	Engine 314	Ladder 70	Spare Engine 315		2	2187 Central Park Ave.	Northeast Yonkers	Built 1958
YFD Headquarters/ YFD Special Operations Division			USAR Unit, Haz-Mat. Unit, Mask Service Unit 2, Car 6(Fire Investigation Unit), Water Tender, Spare/Reserve Engines (316, 317, 319) Spare Reserve Ladders (77, 78, 79), Spare Reserve Tower Ladders (80, 81), Historical Truck Company 5	Car 1(Commissioner), Car 2(Deputy Chief), Car 3(Deputy Chief), Car 4(Deputy Chief)	1	YFD Headquarters - 470 Nepperhan Ave/YFD Special Operations - 460 Nepperhan Ave.	Nepperhan Valley	Remodeled 2001

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