History of the Brewerton Fire Department
The Brewerton Fire Department has proudly served the residents of Brewerton and the surrounding community for more than a century. Its origins trace back to August 1920, when a group of concerned citizens led by J. Elet Milton and A. R. Merrit gathered to discuss the need for organized fire protection. Community support was overwhelming, and within weeks the Brewerton Fire Department was officially formed. Through fundraising, $1,400 was collected, of which $825 was dedicated to constructing the first firehouse at Walnut and West Washington Streets. The remainder funded two hand-drawn, 45-gallon soda-acid chemical units, marking the department’s first firefighting equipment.
The first alarm system was humble but effective: a section of railroad rail, bent into a “U” shape and struck with a sledgehammer to summon volunteers. By 1921, the department acquired two surplus steam-operated pumpers from Syracuse, and in 1922, the Brewerton Fire District was officially formed, covering a one-mile square around the south end of the Brewerton bridge. Soon, two firehouses and thousands of feet of hose were added, expanding the department’s capabilities.
Though briefly dissolved in 1929 due to internal friction, the department quickly reorganized and rebounded. A new pumper was placed into service in 1931, and the company began to establish traditions that endure to this day. Among these were the Brewerton Field Days, first held in 1932, which became known for offering free public entertainment such as talent shows, boxing and wrestling matches, road races, and more.
Innovation has long been a hallmark of the department. In 1959, Brewerton introduced New York State’s first “junior firefighter” program, allowing 15-year-olds to train extensively before joining regular firefighting operations — a model later replicated elsewhere. In 1971, the department established an area-wide ambulance service entirely funded by the company, a pioneering step in community medical response. The Brewerton Ladies Auxiliary, organized in 1956, also became an essential partner, contributing both operational support and manpower, particularly during daytime emergencies.
As Brewerton grew, so too did its fire service. New stations were built to cover an expanding district, additional apparatus were added, and specialty units — including aquatic rescue capabilities — were developed to reflect the community’s location on Oneida Lake and the Oneida River. Today, the department’s protection area spans approximately 23 square miles of land and nearly the same amount of water, encompassing residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, Interstate 81, State Route 11, Lock 23 of the NYS Canal System, marinas, manufacturing sites, and the Brewerton Speedway.
The Brewerton Fire Department of today is a modern, highly trained volunteer organization that continues to adapt to the needs of its community. Recent projects include the construction of a new Training and Storage Facility, designed to provide year-round, realistic training for current and future firefighters. Through all of its growth and progress, the department remains true to its founding spirit: neighbors helping neighbors in times of need.
Guided by the values of Courage, Commitment, and Community, the Brewerton Fire Department honors its proud history while preparing the next generation of firefighters to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
