Bellport Fire Department
125 Years of Service
Honoring the history, sacrifice, and community service of the Bellport Fire Department from 1893 to 2018.
For more than 125 years, the Bellport Fire Department has served Bellport Village and the surrounding community with courage, dedication, and volunteer service. From its earliest days with a hand-pulled hook and ladder wagon to modern fire apparatus, marine response, rescue training, and mutual aid operations, the department’s history reflects generations of commitment to protecting life, property, and community.
Dedicated to Captain George Boyce
This anniversary history is dedicated to the memory of Captain George Boyce of the Bellport Fire Department Fire Police Company, who died in the line of duty on December 19, 1973.
The Beginning: 1893
The Bellport Fire Department traces its origins to the late 1800s, when a series of suspicious fires led local residents to organize for better fire protection. Through community fundraising efforts such as socials, fairs, and local events, residents helped establish the Bellport Hook and Ladder Company.
On September 9, 1893, thirty-two men met for the first official meeting of the Bellport Hook and Ladder Company. Officers were elected, bylaws were created, and the foundation was laid for what would become more than a century of organized fire protection in Bellport.
Building a Department
In the early decades of the department, Bellport firefighters responded with limited equipment but strong community support. The department grew from its original hook and ladder company into a more organized fire service, adding hose companies, pumpers, trucks, radios, and breathing apparatus over time.
Important milestones included the formation of the Bellport Fire Department in 1905, the purchase of early fire trucks, the construction of a new firehouse in the 1930s, and the adoption of new firefighting technology in the 1950s.
Answering the Call
Throughout its history, the Bellport Fire Department has responded to major emergencies both within the community and beyond. The department has provided mutual aid to neighboring departments during large fires, industrial incidents, brush fires, marine emergencies, and major structure fires.
Notable incidents include the 1963 Bellport High School fire, the 1972 Patchogue Lace Mill fire, the Fireworks by Grucci explosion, large regional brush fires, and multiple mutual aid responses across Long Island and Fire Island.
From Hand-Pulled Wagons to Specialized Apparatus
The department’s equipment evolved dramatically over 125 years. Early members began with hand-pulled equipment and later added chemical trucks, pumpers, hose trucks, aerial apparatus, fire police vehicles, brush trucks, rescue equipment, and marine response capabilities.
Each new piece of apparatus expanded the department’s ability to respond to fires, rescues, mutual aid assignments, and community emergencies.
More Than Firefighting
Beyond emergency response, the Bellport Fire Department has remained deeply connected to the community. Members have participated in memorial services, parades, fire prevention programs, training exercises, public events, and community traditions.
The department’s story is not only about fires fought, but also about the people who gave their time, skill, and dedication to serve their neighbors.
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
The anniversary journal highlights members recognized for bravery, leadership, and service. These honors reflect the department’s long tradition of courage, teamwork, and commitment during moments of danger and responsibility.
The Members Behind the Mission
The Bellport Fire Department is built on generations of volunteers who served in leadership roles, companies, squads, auxiliary groups, and junior programs. The anniversary journal includes department chiefs, officers, commissioners, company members, the benevolent association, fire police, dive team, ladies auxiliary, and explorers.
In Memoriam
The anniversary journal closes by remembering the members who served before. Their names represent the legacy, sacrifice, and dedication that helped shape the Bellport Fire Department across generations.