Richmond Engine Co. No. 1
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Established in 1903 prior to the extension of fire protection by FDNY into Staten Island, Richmond Engine Co. No. 1 was incorporated and granted a New York City charter in 1905 after proving their merit to the FDNY Commissioner. Provided with a stipend from New York City, Richmond was granted permission to respond to fires "in the vicinity" of a four mile area in Southwest Staten Island in the Richmondtown section. Present day, they are one of two volunteer fire companies operating in the Borough of Staten Island which both retain their longstanding charter and as such are alerted by FDNY's Staten Island communications office via pager, text message and house siren. Fifteen active volunteers certified to Firefighter 1 standards provide Fire and EMS First Response protection to the historic Richmondtown neighborhood.
Built upon the company's organization, this firehouse has been the only home to Richmond Engine Co. No. 1 for over 100 years of their operation. When FDNY expanded fire protection to Staten Island, Hose 7 (present day Engine 159) was established in 1913 two miles east of Richmond's location, Engine 162 followed in 1928 located two miles southwest and upon the organization of Engine 165/Ladder 85 in 1960 one mile to the East, the FDNY Commissioner ordered Richmond Engine Co. No. 1 to disband (which did not occur due to community opposition). Present day, the firehouse houses Richmond's sole apparatus as well as their original 1905 horse drawn pumper with 500 gpm gasoline powered pump.
Richmond Engine 1 - 2005 American LaFrance Metropolitan 1000 gpm/750 gal.
Originally established with a hand drawn pumper and hose reel, Richmond Engine Co. No. 1 upon their incorporation in 1905 received a Waterous horse drawn pumper with a 500 gpm gasoline driven engine (which they still retain to this day). They have operated numerous second hand apparatus over the years including a former FDNY 1980 American LaFrance Century Series 1000/500 engine that served Engine 70 on City Island. Painted a striking Dark Maroon and White paint scheme in a slanted design, this rig operated from 1994 until 2004 when replaced with another 1983 American LaFrance Century Series engine that served the FDNY Chauffeur Training School (driver training). Prior to this apparatus being refurbished, a federal grant was awarded to Richmond which allowed for the purchase of the new rig shown above. With the company's 100th anniversary approaching, the construction of this rig was expedited in order to have it in time for the anniversary celebration. As Richmond's sole apparatus, it responds to all fire and EMS first response alarms.