" From humble beginnings as a rural fire department situated among acres and acres of farm land to a fire company that now services a vastly growing community "

Wiccopee Fire Company, the youngest fire company in the East Fishkill Fire District, celebrates its 54TH anniversary this year. The company originated with a few men talking it over at the Wiccopee General Store and around the community. The first meeting was held in Town Hall at Gayhead on September 22ND, 1953. Soon, officers were elected, the constitution and bylaws drawn up and incorporated papers applied for.

Committees were appointed to find ways and means of raising money to buy fire apparatus and land on which to build. In 1954. the company purchased a truck from the Dutchess County Airport for $1.00. The truck was put in good running order with the able assistance of Irv Mackenzie, and painted with supplies donated by Roy Ketcham. On October 27TH, 1954, the incorporation papers were received: A company with a firetruck and no place to house it. First it was Henry Hussing's yard and then Mr. Morganthau's coach barn. Finally, after raising money for two years, construction on the building started in 1956. After the walls were put up, the company members took over and put on the roof and finished the interior. In October 1956, the first meeting in the new station was held.

In 1957, a 1941 Ford from Rhinecliff was bought and put into service. Wiccopee's first call was on March 14TH, 1957: a grass fire on Shenandoah Road. Since then, there have been five additions to the building, bringing the square footage to over 8,000. In 1984, to better protect the residents of the Shenandoah area, a substation was built and dedicated. This year marks the 24TH anniversary of the Wiccopee Sub-Station.

With the continued hard work, sacrifice and dedication of its members and their families, the Wiccopee Fire Company will continue to grow and serve in the community.

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