Allegany Fire Department History

Willard Hook & Ladder Company formed the Allegany Fire Department on February 19, 1890. The Company volunteered for 13 years before a fire destroyed the station on February 20, 1903. By March of 1909, volunteers, using hand drawn-equipment organized Allegany Hose Company #1. The Company was housed on West Main Street at the corner of North Fifth Street (currently the Catalano Plumbing Bldg.), where it remained until 1959. In 1959, the Engine Company moved to its newly built Fire Hall on North First Street, where it still remains today. In 1971, the Engine Company began building a Club House at 45 Maple Avenue which was damaged during the flood of 1972. On June 13, 1978, the Company purchased the property at 45 North First Street. This property included a residence that is currently rented to St. Bonaventure University students. The house has property behind it which is the site of the Fireman's Memorial Park. The park is open to the community.

In 1989, the Fireman's Community Center was built. It was designed to be used as a reception hall for the local community and for the firemen's new clubhouse. In 1996, the Fire Department renamed the Community Center the Robert H. Livingston Community Center. Robert H. Livingston was the Fire Department's oldest active firefighter at the time. Livingston was also instrumental in the design and construction of the building and was the caretaker for many years. (photo of Mr. Livingston on right) The Allegany Engine Company Rescue Squad was also created.

In 1990, the Town of Allegany formed a Fire District governed by a Board of Fire Commissioners. The Fire Commissioners are elected into office and handle all legal, financial and public affairs of the Fire Department.

Fundraisers
In the mid 1930's the Hose Company hosted their first carnival as part of Old Home Week. Originally the carnival and other events were celebrated behind the present location of the Wilson Farms Store and Village Car Wash. Bingo served as a major fundraiser for almost 30 years until the Company replaced it by monthly dinners and an Annual Fifty Dollar Raffle. Other major fundraisers consist of two Annual Ham and Turkey Parties, an Annual Chicken Barbecue and Old Home Week.

Related Information:

Equipment | Timeline of Important Events and Fire Chief History | Allegany Fire Department Photos