Bedford Hills Fire Department "Soaring Above the Rest for 120 Years"

The Bedford Hills Fire Department was formed on February 4, 1903. We are "Professionally Staffed" by volunteers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department has over one hundred volunteers who are led by three chiefs. We respond to a multitude calls for service from the public including but not limited to: fire alarms, motor vehicle fires and accidents, smoke investigations, and specialized rescue operations. Bedford Hills Fire Department also provides a FAST Team (Firefighter Assist Search Team) to our neighboring communities as a part of the Mutual Aid system. The members of this team have advanced training that is used to rescue a fallen fighter if the need arises. In addition to responding to calls for service, we provide Fire Prevention education to all schools and organizations in the Bedford Hills Fire District and spend numerous hours keeping our skills and education up to current standards.

Calendar year 2001 saw the creation of our first ever Junior Corp. These young men and women are 15 to 17 years of age. The mission of the program is to groom the youth of our community for future service to the district and provide an alternative to the streets. Members of the Junior Corp train bi-monthly to acquire the skills needed to provide support to the department.

The Bedford Hills Fire Department proudly supports the Bedford Hills Little League, Bedford Hills Swim Team and the Fox Lane Freshman Football Team by sponsoring theses organizations on an annual basis.

We thank the community for their ongoing support and always welcome volunteers. Stop by the fire department on any Monday night to speak with us about how you can help serve your neighbors by volunteering with the Bedford Hills Fire Department.

Our Department was organized on February 4, 1903. The Department was then known as the Bedford Station Fire Department. The original incorporation papers are filed in Liber, page 139.

The name was later changed, effective May 22, 1911, to the Bedford Hills Fire Department pursuant to an order of the Supreme Court of Westchester County made on April 21, 1911 by Judge Issac N. Mills.

The Fire Department started with nothing but good will and a bucket brigade of 27 men and one boy not old enough to be a member.

On February 3^rd, 1903 a group of men met in the George W. Gardner’s Shoe Shop and organized the Bedford Station Fire Department. Fire equipment at the time consisted of four buckets. As a fire alarm system had not yet been developed, one of the members would travel throughout town yelling “FIRE”. The Department members than responded to the shoe store, which acted as their fire headquarters in the event of a blaze. Members would pick up their buckets and hurry to the scene of the fire. Crude as this system was, many houses and other buildings were saved by the bucket brigade.

In 1904, a parcel of land was bought from Mrs. Parks for $300, and construction started that same year. The building was constructed costing a total of $1,960.69 on what would be the Bedford Station Firehouse. Costs were covered as follows: Subscriptions $577.84, entertainment given by the inmates of the Montefiore Home $163.69, donations from the members of the Bedford Station Fire Department $219.16, and finally a $1,000 mortgage.

In 1905, the Department purchased its first hand pump, which was drawn by hand and horses. While this was a great improvement over the bucket brigade, it was still a crude piece of apparatus in comparison to the pumps of later years.

At the February 1906 meeting, two apparatus companies were formed and the members were given their choice of enrolling in either the Engine Company or the Hook & Ladder Company. The Secretary was ordered to enroll the members of both companies. Sixteen enrolled in the Engine Company, as follows: W.W. Snyder, George Miller, A.M. Cornell, George Lovejoy, H.J. Barrett, J.D. Reynolds, S.J. Higgins, Ernest Knapp, J.P. Dexheimer Sr., H. Desheimer Jr., Harry Brooks, Fred Cummings, Robert Moseman, W.C. Hines, Albert Schenck (Vanderroef), Edward Simmons, John F. Reynolds. Members not present were enrolled at the following meeting. A motion was passed to have members pay the treasurer $3.00 per year in dues.

In March 1906, the treasurer’s annual report showed a balance on hand of $339.14, and the Annual Ball Committee reported a net of $81.80, which was credited to the building fund. In May 1906, a contract was signed with the Lighting Company for one 16 candle power light for the front of the fire hall (which would be the only electric light at the fire house) at the cost of $20 per year. For the next five years, the department paid $3 annually to Irving Flewelin, this started after hauling the Engine to the Edward Simmons Barn fire on June 26^th, 1906. It was customary to pay for the team hauling the engine to and from a fire.

The first major parade in which the Bedford Station Fire Department took part was on September 12^th, 1906 in White Plains, NY. In November of 1906 and additional 12-foot lot was purchased for $281 and in December of that year another four-foot lot wad bought for $12.

The first official Chief’s report was made by Chief Mills at the June 1907 meeting. The report outlined two fires including the fire at Van De Emde House on May 20th, and the John Young Greenhouse packing shed fire. During this year, Harry Brooks was suspended for using indecent language at a drill and for disobeying orders.

In 1907, $85 was donated by Mr. Weiler and the money was used to buy a wagon, which would transport members to and from fires. Marting Roughin assembled a team of members whose job it was to perform this task. A hose tower, and stage dressing room was built in 1907.

At a February 1908 meeting, a committee was appointed to assist in the purchase of a new gas engine and pump. The first house was wired for electricity by G.E. Ganum for $106.34. On Meeting night in 1908 the fire alarm was struck as follows: three slow stroked a pause followed by three more slow strokes. Also, in 1908 the department voted that any member of the department taking any non-member in the hall for social activities would be fined $5 and if the fine was not paid within 30 days, the member could be suspended by the Chief.

The Fire Patrol was organized in 1908 and the Patrol Wagon was stored in a church shed. John P. Dexheimer was put in charge of the fire patrol, and was empowered to select six men to act as patrolmen and have a team to haul the wagon.

In 1909, a committee was appointed to get an option on the property adjoining the firehouse. In addition, the office of Second Assistant Chief was declared vacant as the present officer was without uniform (N. Cooms). W.B. Adams was duly elected Second Assistant Chief in April 1909. Meetings were held on the first Wednesday night every month, until February 1910, at which time it was changed by vote to the first Tuesday night of each month.

In June 1909, a committee was sent to Superintendent E.P. Barrett with regards to having the Town Board appropriate a certain sum of money towards the support of the Bedford Station Fire Department. The results of this meeting are not available. In the minutes of the December 6^th, 1910 meeting there is a motion, which reads “Motion duly moved and carried that we dispose of the Fire Patrol to the highest bidder. Carried.” The new Howe gasoline Engine & Pump arrived on December 19^th, 1910. Tests were made on December 21^st, 23^rd and 26^th to complete satisfaction of the testers. Financial Records for the department at that time indicated that it was still short $100 in donations.

In January 1911, a petition was sent to Albany requesting that the Departments name be changed from Bedford Station to Bedford Hills Fire Department. The request was quickly granted. Report of the new gasoline fire engine committee as filed by Treasurer W.B. Adams in December, 1911 read as follows: funds received from subscribers $1,583.23, from interest $33.40, from the sale of a hand pump $500 totaling $2,111.63. Disbursements were as follows: Howe Engine Company $1,850, Fabric Hose Company $150, Phoenix Hose Company $9, Freight on Engine $61.20 totaling $2,070.20 leaving a balance of $48.42 on hand.

The Howe Engine had a 250-gallon pump, and had 1,000 feet of 2 ½ & 2-inch hose. With the proper connections, this engine could operate four streams of water at the same time, which at the time was considered one of the best firefighting units in all of Northern Westchester. Property owners in the Bedford Hills vicinity were requested to build larger cisterns or reservoirs at least 100 feet from the nearest building to hold between ten and twelve thousand gallons of water in the case of a fire. This amount would keep the new pump supplied with water for an hour, which was longer than the average fire nationwide at the time. The Department’s net worth in 1911 was as follows: One Howe gasoline engine and pump valued at $1,500 and the firehouse (which still has the only hall in the village) valued at $5,000. The firehouse property was paid in full with the exception of $1,000 mortgage.

Since the start of the Department in 1903, and until the purchase of the Howe Pump in 1910, the Department answered 30 fire calls and never failed to answer an alarm. Members would go out in all kinds of weather conditions both day and night. It was estimated that to respond to a fire call in 1911, the actual expense to the Department was between $25 and $50 to say nothing of the physical labor that was involved.

In December 1911, E.P. Barrett gave permission to the Department to use a Lighting Company Powerhouse whistle as a fire alarm.

Meeting nights were again changed in December 1912 from Tuesday to Monday night. This change was made so the new YMCA could have a game night on Tuesdays for basketball, indoor baseball, and other activities. At the December Meeting, a contract for another addition to the firehouse was awarded to B.G. Sutton for $90.50.

A motion from the August 4, 1913 meeting accepted the bid of Fowler A. Loose for a band at their price of $1.50 per man, and this expense was paid for by the members of the department. The first motor truck, a 3 ½ ton Packard, was purchased in July of 1918 for $1,000. The truck had a hose body and chemical equipment mounted to it. The Packard was used to tow the Howe pump to and from fires.

A ford with two chemical tanks was put in service in 1919. It seemed that every time there was a call in the Bedford Village area, members would have to stop on the way back to pick up the hood from one of the trucks as it would flip off.

In April 1921, Tony Polinski donated a Packard truck to the Department. It was converted into a chemical engine and was one of the fastest apparatus for miles around. This Packard replaced one of the Ford Chemical trucks. In December 1921, Chief Jackson and the Board of Directors were selected to handle the matter of getting a new chassis bought from New York City and taken to Jones Garage for repairs. Unfortunately, repairs were stopped by a motion at the January 1922 meeting and the truck was taken to Marsh’s Garage for storage.

In April 1922, a new Dodge Chassis equipped with a 250-gallon rotary pump and hose body was delivered to the firehouse for $2,706.50. Chief Weber was empowered at the June 5, 1922 meeting to sell the Packard 3 ½ ton truck. At this meeting they also decided to hire a car from Mr. Vandereof to carry firemen to and from fires.

The first electric siren was installed in June 1923, replacing the ring & hammer fire alarm and in September of that year was connected to Police Headquarters. In May 1923, the Hook & Ladder trucks stored at Marsh’s Garage was given to Bedford Village to be used for fire department purposes only and to be returned to the department when no longer needed.

In 1924, Accident Insurance Fund was created by the department with an initiation fee of $1 along with 10 cents per month dues. In October of 1923 the last mortgage payment and other debts were paid. To celebrate, the mortgage paper and other papers of indebtedness were burnt to a smoker held in the firehouse. At the time, it was estimated that the department owned $20,000 worth of equipment and a building that was cleared of debt.

The Howe gas engine pump was sold in 1924, and a new Dodge Hook & Ladder Truck with a hose body and other equipment was purchased for $2,726.34. On April 27^th, 1924 while fighting a large brush and grass fire at the Bedford Flower Company, the Chemical Engine was surrounded by six-foot flames when a change of wind direction fanned the fire. The truck was badly damaged, and three firemen were severely burned. A Locomobile, two chemical tanks, a hose reel and equipment mounted to the chassis were purchased to replace the Packard Chemical Engine.

After much discussion, map drawing and a meeting with the County Board of Supervisors, it was voted by the taxpayers to form the Bedford Hills Fire District in 1925. The Fire Commissioners at the time were W.B. Adams, H.T. White, Willard S. Simpkins, Leo Hunt and William H. Sanders.

At the February 4^th, 1929 meeting of the Board of Directors were empowered to enter into an agreement with the Fire Commissioners to lease the apparatus room for a period of ten years. The cost of the rental was at a rate of $1 per year. At this time the department was entirely supported by volunteer subscriptions, and money from social events. Some social events included an Annual Ball held in February, lawn Parties, Fairs held in June, Dances held at lease once per month, and lastly by dues.

The first meeting of the Fire Chiefs of Northern Westchester was held at the Fire House in 1928 for the purpose of organizing a Westchester Fire Chiefs Association or Plan.

On July 25^th, 1929 a new Dodge pumper arrived at the Bedford Hills Fire House equipped with a 500-gallon Hale rotary pump, a booster tank with hose reel and 1,000 feet of hose. During the Underwriters test, it pumped 509 gallons per minute through six lengths of house with 1 1/8-inch nozzle at the speed of 33 mph, pumped 586 gallons through the same hose with 1” nozzle at 38mph, and 643 gallons through the same hose with a 1 ½ inch nozzle at 38mph.

An Initiation Ceremony Committee was appointed to initiate all new members. Initiation involved a simulation of going into a burning building, moving from ground floor to upper floor by elevator. On the first floor the member was met with fire, on the second floor – water, in the third floor – smoke and forth floor the member would have to jump into a life net. All this while remaining blindfolded, and not raising above twelve inches from the floor.  The simulators included a 10-inch plank with two handles for the elevator, fire from an electric heater, water from a squirt gun, and smoke was from a bee hive smoker. There were also many shocks and surprises these new members would receive during their initiation.

A new White Chemical apparatus was delivered on February 6, 1930 (gross weight 9,700 pounds). Chemical had four 50-gallon tanks, two 300-foot hose reels, ladders and other equipment. The cost of this apparatus was $8,000. The same year, this apparatus one first prize (Silver Cup) at the National Firemen’s Association Labor Day Parade held in Washington, D.C. The old Locomobile Chemical was given to the Armonk Fire Department to aid them in starting their organization.

In 1930, the Bedford Hills Water District was created. The water system cost $150,000 and included a 300,000-gallon reservoir, 75 hydrants, 7 miles of pipe ranging from twelve to six inches in diameter and forty foot well. On December 7^th, before the water system was completed, a section and fire hydrants were used. After closing the necessary valves, the Dodge 500 Gallon pumper pumped water into the hydrant at the intersection of Harris Road and North Bedford Road, through the main up Harris Road, then to the hydrant near the Weinsteins House. This water was used to help put out the fire in the Weinstein’s house. Prior to the installation of the town water systems, it the Department has a fire in that section of town; it was necessary to pump water from a reservoir located in the middle of a very steep hill facing the reformatory.

In 1931, it was voted that the Secretary and Treasurer be paid a salary of $12 per year and be exempt from dues.

In 1932, the Department purchased its first full regulation uniforms ($22.50 each). Members to whom the uniforms were assigned made a deposit of $5. Prior to this, members had to buy their own uniforms, which consisted of black shoes and socks, dark blue pants, white shirts, black ties, and a regulation fire hat.

A twenty-five-year lease was approved by the Department in autumn of 1932 and given to the fire district. It was the same lease as the original, but had one additional clause; should the fire district cease to use the building for storage of fire apparatus, it would revert back to the fire department. At this time, it was voted on to have all department checks signed by both the Financial Secretary and the Treasurer.

A new siren was tested and put in use on May 1^st, 1933 replacing the previous ten-year old sirens. The rim and hammer alarm was given to Lake Putnam to be used as their fire alarm.

In 1935, a booster outfit was placed on the front door of the firehouse, as well as a plaque in memory of Mrs. James Sutton who remembered the Department generously in her will. A talent show by the department members made a profit of $55.55. The bylaws were again changed in 1935 electing the Department’s first President and Vice President and took effect January 1^st, 1936. The first President was George F. Rogers and the first Vice President was William H. Sarles. A Terraplane and Emergency Car was bought from Burbank Garage at the cost of $700 ($50 of which was donated by A.P. Hinckley), and was put in service February 15, 1936.

A Ward LaFrance Hook & Ladder truck with a 200 Gallon pump, a booster tank & reel, 1,000-foot hose body, 256 feet of ground ladders and other equipment was put into service in 1937. On July 20, 1938 the truck won Best Appearing Truck at the Somers Parade.

In 1939, the White Chemical was converted into a pumper, with a 450-gallon pump, booster tank and reel, hose body, deck pipe and other equipment.

A new department banner was bought in 1939 and replaced the original which had been sealed (or stored) in a suitable glass case at the firehouse. This same year, a new ten-year lease was signed by the Department and Fire Commissioners.

Clifford Osterhoudt was appointed the first Chaplin to the Department in 1941.

A new federal Chassis was bought and the hose body, booster tank, pump and other equipment from the small Dodge was placed on the Federal in February of 1942.

The Annual Ball was discontinued in 1942, as the expenses were too great, almost twice the amount of revenue as a result of financial burdens caused by World War II. The net profit for the Department in 1939 was $571.28, in 1940 $423.38, in 1941 $341.72. In the future money would be raised by subscriptions with very little expense involved. A water district map was given to the Department by Magnus Rosberg, showing location of water hydrants and all valves in detail.

During World War II, the Department was without a Second Assistant Chief as a result of the draft on three separate occasions called to duty the First, and Second Assistant Chiefs.

At the July 4^th 1942 Patriotic rally in Bedford, the Department was awarded first prize for the Best Demonstration of Combat Defense or Preparedness Activity.

A World War II Honor Roll was purchased by the Department and placed in the firehouse November 1942.

The First annual Inspection of the Department was held on June 14^th, 1943 in Depot Plaza. In October 1942, the first edition of the Smokeeaters Digest was printed and sent to the Department Servicemen. Copies were sent out once a month.

In 1944, the Fire District bought the Department’s Emergency Car after leasing it for eight years. On March 14 of the same year, the Department’s first active member was killed in action. A Department Memorial Service was held for Abram Garvis at the Community House on May 30^th, 1944 at 2:00pm.

In February 1945, the 1^st Annual Old Timers Night Meeting & Dinner was held in the firehouse with 76 members present. In 1945, the Treasurer reported that $3,000 worth of War Bonds had been purchased by the Department up until that time. A committee was appointed to ask the Town Board to help having roadways made into ponds and lakes outside of the water district so they could be used for fire purposes. The Board was unable to help.

The first Annual Picnic & Field Day was held on Labor Day in 1945. This same year the 200-gallon pump on the Hook & Ladder truck blew and was replaced with a 500-gallon centrifugal pump.

In 1950, the Federal Pump was completely remodeled and put in to service on April 2, 1950 with a new 150 gallon front end pump and a 300-gallon booster tank with a foamite and wetter mixing units.

At a special meeting of the Fire District taxpayers in June of 1951, the purchase of a 5hp siren and a 4-wheel drive pumper was approved. The truck was delivered to the department in 1952 and had a 750-gallon centrifugal pump, 250-gallon booster tank and enclosed cab (Engine 110 later Engine 197).

In 1962 there was a fire at the R. Strauss residence on Croton Lake Road, which was started by the workers at the mansion. The fire burned for sixteen hours. Mutual Aid was provided by Mount Kisco, Katonah, Bedford, Chappaqua, Ossining and Millwood.

On December 20^th, 1963, a house fire at the T. Ford residence was fought in freezing temperatures. The fire started behind the aluminum siding, Katonah assisted at the scene.

February 23, 1969, Snorkel 1 a 1968 FWD Pitman/Young 85’ articulating platform was placed into service.

The following is a time line to present day:

1970’s:

July 14, 1972 – Bedford Hills Fire Department assisted Mount Kisco Fire Department at Suburban Propane Plant. Chief Lynn Pike was in charge.

1980’s:

February 2, 1982 – structure fire at 43 Broad Brook Road, Chief Joseph Liburdi Jr. in charge.

January 1983 – working structure fire on Winding Lane. Asst. Chief Richard Bassett in charge.

April 19, 1984 – Structure Fire at Lakeover Country Club. Mutual Aid provided by Bedford. Chief Willis Goodrow in charge.

May 14, 1984 – Engine 197 was transferred from the Hook & Ladder Company to the Engine Company.

June 15, 1984 – Structure Fire at 32 Rome Avenue. A male perished in the fire due to an apparent heart attack. Chief Willis Goodrow in charge.

June 18, 1984 – Structure Fire at 10 Robinson Avenue, 2^nd Assistant Chief Richard Megna in charge.

September 1984 – Mike Mitchell reported to the membership that our softball team won 1^st place in that year’s tournament.

November 30, 1984 – Responded to a Kitchen fire at Fellowship Hall

January 2, 1985 – Structure Fire at 33 Springhurst Road, Chief Willis Goodrow in charge.

January 16, 1985 – Structure Fire on McLain Street & Guard Hill Road it was the Gatehouse at the intersection. The fire started due to poor insulation around a wood stove. Chief Willis Goodrow in charge.

January 22, 1985 – 33 Springhurst Road structure fire near the chimney, the temperature was six degrees and one firefighter received a minor injury fighting the fire. Chief Willis Goodrow was in charge.

January 30, 1985 – A working structure fire on Stanwood Road, it was started by a child who was smoking. The basement, first and second floors were involved. Chief Willis Goodrow was in charge. 

February 1, 1985 – Structure Fire at 17 Wood Road. Mutual Aid was provided from Katonah Fire Department. Chief Willis Goodrow was in charge.

September 15, 1985 – Structure Fire in the main building at Lakeover Country Club. At the time of the fire two wedding receptions were in progress. Chief Willis Goodrow was in charge.

January 29, 1986 – Two back to back working structure fires. The first was at Austin Steak House. The fire was reported at 1:56am, as clean-up efforts were in progress, a call came in for a structure fire at the Bedford Hills Deli reported at 4:36am. Mutual aid was provided by Katonah, Mount Kisco and Bedford. Chief Richard Megna was in charge.

March 4, 1986 – Structure Fire at 5 Milan Avenue. Mutual aid provided by Mount Kisco and Katonah. Chief Richard Megna was in charge.

January 1987 – Sam Pennessi was honored for 53 years of service. Sam was moving out of the Fire District.

July 8, 1987 – The Department honored George Sarles for being the first sixty-year member of the Bedford Hills Fire Department.

September 1988 – a committee was formed to replace the old Engine 199

January 1^st, 1989 – Richard Megna was elected the first Deputy Chief of the Fire Department. At this time the first mandatory OSHA training required by the state was held.

January 21, 1989 – Structure fire at 555 Bedford Road (Weldon Tire). Mutual Aid was provided by Mount Kisco, Katonah, Bedford and Ossining. Chief Thomas Krouch was in charge.

September 22, 1989 – a Wet Down for the new 1989 International Harvester Attack truck (Mini Attack 9) which had a front mounted pump was held.

1990’s:

March 28, 1990 – the 1^st Annual Ham Night for the Bedford Hills Fire Department was held to raise funds for the Department.

March 29, 1990 – Structure fire at 33 Rome Avenue – Apartment 1A. Chief Thomas Krouch in charge.

April 1990 – Apparatus Replacement Committee was formed.

May 25, 1990 – Structure Fire at 307 Railroad Avenue (Farmers Pride). The fully involved structure fire resulted in the loss of the building. Mutual aid was provided by Mount Kisco, Katonah, Bedford and Croton Falls. Chief Thomas Krouch was in charge.

July 15, 1990 – Structure Fire at 16 Turin Avenue. A man was rescued from the bedroom. Asst. Chief Wallace Guest was in charge.

June 17, 1991 – A major rain storm floods the Town’s Depot Plaza, during the reconstruction of the downtown area. Chief Wallace Guest was in charge.

September 18, 1991 – the new Pierce Engine 199 arrived at the Department.

December 2, 1991 – Structure Fire at 3 Burbank Avenue. Mutual aid was provided by Mount Kisco and Katonah. Chief Wallace Guest was in charge.

December 10, 1991 – Structure Fire at 20 Rome Avenue. Mutual Aid provided by Bedford and Katonah. Chief Wallace Guest was in charge.

August 26, 1992 – Structure Fire at 71 Broad Brook Road. Tankers from Armonk and Katonah assisted in putting out the fire. Chief Wallace Guest was in charge.

October 1992 – A committee was formed to replace the old Utility 6 with a Rescue Truck.

May 1993 – the Bedford Hills Fire Department celebrated its 90^th Anniversary with a Parade.

July 12, 1993 – Structure Fire at 76 Lakeside Road. Chief William Nickson was in charge.

December 31, 1993 – Structure Fire at 109 Babbitt Road (St. Matthias Church). Mutual Aid provided by Bedford, Millwood and Mount Kisco. Chief William Nickson was in charge.

January 1994 – This was the first time that the Department had a change of President since 1963. Alfred Zottola resigned as President of the Department after serving for 32 years.

September 1994 – a committee was formed to replace Engine 196

November 1994 – the pager-activated (alerting) system was started.

December 1995 – our primary dispatch agency was switched from Bedford Police to 60 Control – the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.

September 10, 1996 – the Department honored George Sarles after 69 years of service. He retired to Florida.

November 25, 1996 – Mutual aid was provided to Mount Kisco for a working structure fire at the Mt. Kisco Bookstore.

December 9, 1996 – Car vs. Train accident occurred at the grade crossing on Green Lane and the Saw Mill River Parkway. Chief David Liburdi was in charge.

October 17, 1997 – Structure Fire at 60 Darlington Road. Chief David Librudi was in charge.

January 7, 1998 – Structure Fire at the Deer Ridge Condominiums. Chief David Liburdi was in charge.

January 8, 1998 – Mini-Attack 9 along with a Westchester County Task-Force responded to Plattsburg, NY for a major Ice Storm.

August 7, 1998 – Mutual Aid was provided to Bedford for a working structure fire at the Fox Lane Middle School.

May 21, 1999 – First time that BHFD held the Inspection Dinner outside of the Firehouse. The dinner was held at the Canyon Club in Armonk.

July 1999 – Snorkel 1 was taken out of service, sold and replaced by Tower Ladder 57.

November 5, 1999 – Structure Fire at 7 Railroad Avenue. Chief Robert Dolan was in charge.

December 18, 1999 – Mutual aid provided to Mount Kisco at 262 Sarles Street, the mansion owner at the time of the fire was Nelson Peltz. The original owners were Mariah Cary and her now ex-husband Tommy Mattola. The property was a total loss.

2000’s:

April 11, 2001 – Structure Fire at 13 Adams Street (Tap House). Mutual aid provided by Bedford, Golden’s Bridge, Katonah, Millwood, Mohegan Lake, Mount Kisco and Yorktown. Chief George Graniero was in charge.  

September 11, 2001 – Tower Ladder 57 responds, along with apparatus from other Westchester County Fire Departments, to assist FDNY after terrorist crash two jetliners into the World Trade Center. Following the initial mobilization in Valhalla at the Westchester County Fire Training Center, Tower Ladder 57 reported to the quarters of FDNY Engine 68/Ladder 49. Chief George Graniero in charge.

October 2001 – BHFD starts first ever Junior Corps. allowing fire district youths to join the Fire Department at 15 years of age.

April 2002 – Structure Fire at 720 Bedford Road. Chief Joseph Liburdi in charge.

April 19, 2003 – Engine 196 the 1929 Dodge Pumper was returned to BHFD after a complete restoration.  

May 18, 2003 - the Bedford Hills Fire Department celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a Parade.

May 21, 2004 – Structure Fire at 111 Bedford Center Road. A large barn fire caused by a lightning strike. 40 Horses were in the barn at the time of the fire, 36 were saved – 4 perished. Chief Santo Curro in charge.

September 14, 2004 – Mutual aid provided to Katonah at 175 Mt. Holly Road. Chief Santo Curro in charge.

September 21, 2004 – Tractor Trailer vs. Train accident at the Green Lane grade crossing. Major MCI declared. Captain Brian McGill was in charge.

November 18, 2004 – Structure Fire at 411 Bedford Road. Mutual aid provided by Katonah and Mount Kisco. Chief Santo Curro in charge.

March 24, 2005 – Structure Fire at 56 Buxton Road. Chief Santo Curro in charge.

May 26, 2005 – Mutual aid provided with Tower Ladder 57 to Ridgefield, CT for a major structure fire.

October 26, 2005 – Structure Fire at 126 Mclain Street. Mutual aid provided by Banksville, Golden’s Bridge, Katonah, Mount Kisco and Pound Ridge. Chief Santo Curro in charge.

March 7, 2006 – Structure Fire at 68 Robinson Avenue. Mutual aid provided by Katonah and Mount Kisco. Chief Joseph Lombardo in charge.

April 15, 2007 – Mutual aid to Mamaroneck Village during major flooding event. Tower Ladder 57 operated as the first due Truck Company at a fatal structure fire. Asst. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge.

December 22, 2007 – Structure Fire at 3 Wesley Street. Mutual aid provided by Katonah and Mount Kisco. Chief George Graniero in charge.

January 3, 2008 – GPS malfunction causes Car vs. Train Accident at Green Lane Crossing. Chief George Graniero in charge.

December 30, 2008 – Structure Fire at 411 Bedford Road. Wind driven flames leads to fully involved structure fire on arrival. Chief George Graniero in charge.

May 21, 2009 – Structure Fire at 77 Chestnut Ridge Road. A second alarm was transmitted for a well involved fire in 3000 square foot mansion. Chief Brian McGill in charge.

2010’s:

January 26, 2010 – Mutual aid to Katonah, Deer Park Tavern. Chief Brian McGill in charge.

August 2010 – Construction begins on 7,168 square foot addition and renovation to Headquarters.

August 16, 2011 – 2011 Seagrave Rescue-Pumper Engine 199 – enters into service

September 3, 2011 – Hurricane Irene strikes the area, working structure fire at 126 Babbitt Road. Asst. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge.

March 30, 2012 – Structure Fire at 8 Milan Avenue. Mutual aid provided by Katonah and Mount Kisco. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge.

May 7, 2012 – Structure Fire at 135 Broad Brook Road. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge.

May 29, 2012 – Structure Fire at 420 Bedford Road. Mutual aid provided by Mount Kisco. Asst. Chief Lombardo in charge.

October 2012 – Hurricane Sandy strikes the area. BHFD responds to nearly one hundred calls for service during the state of emergency.

January 8, 2013 – Third Alarm Structure Fire - 109 Stone Bridge Lane. Multiple mutual aid companies assisted. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge.

May 16^th, 2013 – 2013 Chevrolet Utility 6 – placed into service.

May 18^th, 2013 - the Bedford Hills Fire Department celebrated its 110th Anniversary with a Parade.

February 25, 2014 – Mutual aid to Golden’s Bridge. A devastating electrical fire badly damaged their Fire Headquarters and Apparatus.

February 28, 2014 – Working Structure Fire with entrapment at Fellowship Hall. A resident unfortunately perished as a result of his injuries. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge. 

March 15, 2014 – Structure Fire at 27 Bisbee Lane. During the incident the roof collapsed trapping eight BHFD firefighters. Luckily all members were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals for evaluation. Asst. Chief Lombardo in charge.

March 25, 2014 – Structure Fire at 234 Bedford Center Road (Glen Arbor). Multiple mutual aid companies assisted. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge.

May 17, 2014 – Structure Fire at 57 Plainfield Avenue. Mutual aid provided by Katonah and Mount Kisco. Chief Dominick Bueti in charge.

September 22, 2014 - 2014 Seagrave Pumper Engine 198 – enters into service

February 17, 2015 – Two Structure Fires in twelve hours. 98 Buxton Road and 270 Guard Hill Road. Multiple mutual aid companies assisted at both incidents. Chief Joseph Lombardo in charge.

February 28, 2015 – Structure Fire at 135 Broad Brook Road. Chief Joseph Lombardo in charge.

May 9, 2015 – Structure Fire at 165 Haines Road (Kasho). Chief Joseph Lombardo in charge.

November 12, 2016 – Structure Fire at 5 Friars Close. Mutual aid provided by Katonah and Mount Kisco. Asst. Chief Jason Nickson in charge.

February 20, 2017 – Mutual aid to Mount Kisco. Third Alarm fire at yeshiva of Nitra.

December 26, 2017 – Structure Fire at 318 Bedford Road. Mutual aid provided by Bedford, Katonah and Mount Kisco. Chief Joseph Lombardo in charge.

January 8, 2018 – Structure Fire at 69 Wood Road. Asst. Chief Patierno in charge.

June 4, 2018 - 2018 Seagrave Heavy Rescue - Rescue 10 – enters into service

November 4, 2018 – Structure Fire at 25 Griffin Avenue. Asst. Chief Patierno in charge.

January 30, 2019 – BHFD Ski Team wins first place at the Annual East Coast Firefighter Ski Race.

February 5, 2019 – Structure Fire at 133 Railroad Avenue. Mutual aid provided by Bedford, Katonah and Mount Kisco. Asst. Chief Alexander Dennett in charge.

April 26, 2019 – Bedford Hills celebrates hosting 30^th Annual Ham Night Fund Raiser.

May 11, 2019 – Structure Fire 25 Rome Avenue. Mutual aid provided by Katonah and Mount Kisco. Chief Jason Nickson in charge.

August 24, 2019 – FAS Team responds - two Multi-Alarm Working Fires in Croton on Hudson with hours of each other. Chief Jason Nickson in charge.

2020’s:

January 25, 2020 – Tower Ladder 57 – 2000 Seagrave placed out of service, sold to Port Norris (NJ) Fire Department

March 2020 – Global Pandemic COVID 19, completely changes the way the Department responded to routine and complex incident. BHFD must implement and adapt to new response guidelines.

October 4, 2021 - 2021 Seagrave Tower Ladder – Tower Ladder 57 – enters into service.

November 4, 2021 - The Department honored George Graniero Sr. for being the first seventy-five-year member of the Bedford Hills Fire Department.

January 3, 2022 – Structure Fire at 7 Dickson Lane. Chief Alexander Dennett in charge.