February 14th Anniversary
History in the Making
On February 14th, 1923, 25 men gathered and organized the Sodus Center Fire Department. The meeting was held at the blacksmith shop owned by F. W. Klumpp, and was called to order by Commissioner C. M. Smith. Mr. C. T. Bennett was appointed as chairman and H. E. Lockner as clerk. Election of officers by ballot resulted with C. T. Bennett as President, W. H. Webler as Vice President, and H. E. Lockner as Secretary/Treasurer all for a one-year term. F. J. Smith, a local shop keeper, was elected the first Chief of the Company.
Some interesting notes from the Secretary:
6/4/1923: M. C. Beckwith was approved to saw a piece out of a locomotive shoe to use as a fire bell
4/7/1924: A new fire bell was attained and a roof was to be constructed over it
10/6/1924: Members voted 16 to 2 in favor of purchasing an American LaFrance Chemical Fire Engine. It cost $498.
New Truck
On March 4, 1936, a committee traveled to West Webster Fire Department to look at a truck with a cost not to exceed $2,000. On May 11, 1936, a contract was signed for a new fire truck (pictured above). On October 12, 1936, the old chemical fire truck was sold to William Tack for $15.
New Building
At the meeting on October 7, 1929, it was noted that the new fire hall was completed after several months of work by members of the company. This building was moved in 1970 to the property now owned by Shirley Wren, and the current fire station was dedicated on July 28, 1970 after more months of work by volunteers.
State Recognition
The Department received this certificate from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York in recognition of its 100 Years of Service.
Record Keeping
Members of the Department and the community were able to look at the old SCFD records and meeting minutes from 1923-1948.
Honorary Member Jim Jones Inducted
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Department, craftsman Jim Jones dedicated the eagle shown in the picture to the left. Inscribed on the wood are the words Fire House 730, Sodus Center N.Y., 1923-2023. For this project and his numerous other contributions to the Department over the years, Jim was inducted into the SCFD as an honorary member.
Thank you, Jim!
Community Celebration
Members of the community and the Department gathered for this momentous occasion led by our Chief Jim Pettit.
