COLD SPRING WEATHER

In February 1969, the Organizing Committee took a bold step by holding its first public meeting in a vacant building on Route 9, just south of East Mountain Road South. Handmade signs dotted the proposed Fire District, announcing the meeting’s date, time, and location. The venue itself was furnished with picnic benches, thanks to the efforts of the Committee and supportive community members. This gathering was pivotal—had the public not endorsed the Committee's progress and future plans, the dream of establishing the Fire District could have crumbled. However, the men on the Committee delivered their presentation with such professionalism and conviction that the community not only supported their vision but also rallied behind them with vocal and financial backing. This overwhelming support from the community became the driving force that propelled the Committee to surpass even their own expectations.

With the District and Company now in possession of a brand-new fire engine, they faced the challenge of finding a home for it. Luckily, the Highland Service Station on Route 9 in North Highland had enough space in its garage to house the new pumper. The Engine Company's temporary firehouse was set up in a small building in Perk's Plaza on Route 9. As the Company took on the responsibility of providing fire protection for the newly formed Fire District, their apparatus, "firehouse," and siren all found a temporary home within Perk's Plaza.

Earlier in November, the Fire District electorate had given a resounding approval to the issuance of two bond anticipation notes totaling $142,000—$79,000 for land acquisition and building construction, and $63,000 for apparatus and equipment. During this time, the District Commissioners were actively scouting for an ideal site to build the firehouse. Their search paid off on April 21, 1970, when they secured a deed to a prime 1.25-acre parcel of land on Fishkill Road, just west of Route 9. The land was generously donated by KCOR Corporation, a subsidiary of New York Trap Rock Corporation.

Construction of the Firehouse began in May, and both firemen and district residents watched eagerly as the steel structure took shape. While the construction company handled the exterior and interior brick walls, the firemen themselves took on the monumental task of completing the entire interior. Their expertise in electrical work, plumbing, heating, carpentry, masonry, and painting transformed the building into a beautiful, modern structure. The Engine Company was fortunate to have a wealth of skilled craftsmen among its members, who all pitched in to ensure the Firehouse was completed to perfection. Even those whose professions were unrelated to construction became willing apprentices, contributing greatly to the project’s success.

The priority was to complete the "truck or engine room" to make sure it was ready to house the district’s three pieces of firefighting apparatus. On the bright, sunny morning of August 30, the Engine Company moved their engines, equipment, and other furnishings from their temporary quarters in Perk's Plaza into the new Firehouse. With perhaps a moment of sentimental reflection and a hearty thanks to Joseph Percacciolo & Sons for their temporary accommodations, the firemen proudly parked their vehicles and settled into their new quarters.

Furnishing the new firehouse with essential items like meeting room chairs, office desks, filing cabinets, and other equipment could have been a significant expense. But once again, the District and Company’s good fortune shone through when a member's employer donated a substantial amount of these furnishings. Today, the Firehouse is comfortably furnished and equipped with all the necessary furniture and office supplies.

On October 17, the Engine Company held its first dance in the new Firehouse. With the capable assistance of its Ladies Auxiliary, the event was a resounding success. The packed house dined, danced, and enjoyed themselves thoroughly—despite the evening's festivities being briefly interrupted by an alarm that required all the Company’s apparatus to roll out, with many of the firemen present responding to the call.