Edgewater Park Vol. Hose Co. No. 1
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Originally settled in 1752, the land encompassing the community was sold to several owners including George Adee in 1851 whose wife Ellen named the area “Edgewater”. Later leased and then purchased by Richard Shore in 1910, youth cadets from St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in the South Bronx neighborhood were allowed to camp on the property after which their parents later received permission to camp there as well hence the community becoming known as "Edgewater Camp".
Organized in 1922 as the Edgewater Camp Fire Company, it was rechartered as the Edgewater Park Vol. Hose Co. No. 1. when the community was reincorporated. As one of nine remaining volunteer fire departments operating within New York City, Edgewater Park holds the distinction of being the only volunteer fire department serving in the Borough of the Bronx. Present day, thirty active volunteers provide Fire and First Response EMS protection to a waterfront residential community answering an average of 125 alarms annually with the vast majority being EMS first response in conjunction with FDNY*EMS units.
"The Mansion"
Known locally as “The Mansion”, this three story structure was built in 1856 with parapets made of wood to resemble a castle in Ireland with the square portions added later on. The department's home since its' founding 100 years ago in 1922, the apparatus bays were added in the 1950’s with the brickwork done by a department member who was a bricklayer by trade and his son. The air horn which is well over 50 years old was operated alongside the electric siren until parts availability caused it to be removed from service.
The building acts not only as the firehouse but also as a hub of the community hosting social gatherings, town hall meetings for the homeowners co-op board and as a polling place for elections. It has been home to an American Legion Post honoring the memory of local resident Corporal Theodore Koroney who was killed in action in World War I, the Fife & Drum Corps (an all female unit) and even operated an ice cream parlor, general store and bakery for campers!
Following an eight year delay, the stone and brick faced structure will receive a major renovation with the acquisition of a $2.2 million dollar grant from the New York Rising community reconstruction program that was developed after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused widespread damage throughout the region. The funding will be utilized for roof/gutter replacement, installing hurricane proof windows, electrical/HVAC system upgrades, a new fire alarm system and the installation of two power generators. These enhancements will allow the building to better function as the firehouse as well as act in the capacity of an emergency shelter and charging/cooling/warming location as needed (the Red Cross and FEMA utilized the existing building as an emergency response center while coordinating support to the community following Hurricane Sandy in 2012 which left area residents with up to 5' of water in their homes).
Engine 3 - 2003 GMC/VRS Sales 350 gpm/250 gal.
While at first glance appearing to resemble a Japanese fire apparatus, this unyque little rig is specially designed for the extremely narrow, winding streets of Edgewater Park’s waterfront response area. Featuring seating for six, it is outfitted with a rear mounted pump supplying a 150’ 1-3/4” pre-connect, 450’ of 1-3/4” and 500’ of 2-1/2” attack line. It is equipped with six Scott® 45 minute SCBA, forcible entry tools, ventilation saws and BLS medical gear including an AED (career FDNY*EMS units provide BLS/ALS level care and transport). This rig assumed the role of first due response from Engine 2 (which the department still retains), a 1981 Chevy/Reading utility body with a 300 gpm pump and 200 gallon tank which is slated for replacement.
Antique - 1924 Ford Model TT/American LaFrance
Built on a Ford model TT truck chassis equipped with dual chemical tanks, this rig was found in a junk yard in 1939 and purchased for $30 along with hose for $35. Through correspondence with the Ford Motor Company, the department was able to track the rig’s origin discovering it had originally served the Rockefeller Estate in Pocantico Hills in neighboring Westchester County (a suburban county bordering New York City to the north). Apparently, the groundskeeper for the property had convinced John D. Rockefeller of the need for this rig to provide fire protection on the grounds later convincing him to donate it to the local community’s fire department. Restored for use at community events, the body work was done by a department member who worked for Canada Dry Beverage Co. performing vehicle maintenance and repair for their fleet of delivery trucks.