History:
On January 21, 1903 the following circular was distributed in Brevent Park and nearby vicinities:
The response was so favorable that on September 3, 1903, the Company was temporarily formed. This led to the official incorporation of the Brevent Park & Leonardo Fire Company on October 16, 1903. On that date the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, the Certificate of Incorporation signed and the offices elected.
In October of 1904, the company was accepted into the Middletown Township Firemen's Relief Assoccition and in December of 1906, William H. Brown was elected our first chief.
Mr. William Grevel was one of the most generous friends the fire company had when they first started out. He not only donated the first fire truck in 1904, but he also let the firemen use his grounds for the company's first fair. The truck he donated was a two-wheel chemical wagon that could be drawn by firemen or horses, if available. The next truck purchased was was a horse drawn hook and ladder bought for $136.25 in 1909. Our first motor driven engine, purchased in 1916 for $1400, was a Model T Ford with two 30 gallon chemical tanks and hose reel. Three years later it was agreed to station the old chemical truck in the Ocean View section for additional protection. The first Stutz fire truck was purchased late in 1922 at a cost of $700. In the Spring of 1923, the company gave Port Monmouth the Model T in response to their request. Finally in 1936, a new Stutz 350 G.P.M. truck was purchased. Along the way, the company purchased other new engines including: in 1949, a John Bean White high pressure pumper; a 1964 American LaFrance pumper; and in 1974, an International high pressure pump truck. Today, Brevent houses a 1976 Dodge brush truck, a 1988 FMC pumper, a 1993 support van, and a 1996 RD Murray that cost $220,000
The first firehouse was located on Monmouth and Roop Avenues. In 1909, a lot was purchased and it was not until 1909 that the lot was purchased on Center Avenue for $250, and the firehouse was actually moved to that site in 1910. In 1914 a new firehouse was built on that site, and in 1937 the lot to the east of the building was bought, which gave the company the southwest corner of Brevent and Center Avenues. In 1960, a new two-bay addition was built in order to house larger engines and to upgrade the overall condition of the building
With over 100 years of history, the company boasts many interesting facts, figures, and dates - too numerous to mention, but there are a few that stand out. In 1919, a new bell was purchased for $75 and placed in the tower to inform members of a fire. By buying the bell, this did away with firing six shots froma shot gun, the old way of informing members of a fire. In 1922, the members decided that the Community Fire Company was to be formed in the Ocean View Section of town. This decision was based on the facts that there were many brush fires and the lack of equipment, as well as the horses being unable to make it up steep Center Avenue. A new way of informing members of a fire came in 1923 by the telephone fire call. A great help came to firemen in 1931 with the installation of fire hydrants. Before that time, firefighters had to draw water from dams and streams. In the mid 1950's, the meeting room of the firehouse was used as a school room for local children. In the late 1970's, property was bought by the company on Highway 36 and was used as the fairgrounds. The land was leased in 1999 to make it into a miniature golf course for the citizens of Middletown to enjoy.
The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in May of 1922 for the purpose of aiding the firemen in their many endeavors. One of the first of many notable contributions of this group was the money to cover the installation of the new siren acquired in 1928. To this day, the auxiliay is most satisfactory fulfilling their initial purpose.
The present Middletown Township Fire Deptment was created under an ordinance passed by the Township Committee in October, 1928 and effective January 1, 1929. The first Chief from Brevent Park & Leonardo to be elected under this new ordinance was William Meyer in 1936.
The Chiefs elected from the company until the present Fire Department was organized are:
In 1978, the company celebrated it's 75th Anniversary. At that time, it was written "In this year, our company's 75th Anniversary Year, we reflect back on the memories, gain from the experience, and hope to serve the people of Leonardo and the surrounding area for an additional 75 years, Lord willing." - Paul A. Murphy, May 1978
The year 2003 marked 100 years for Brevent Park and Leonardo Fire Company. The feel very fortunate to have had many loyal and dedicated firemen in their company throughout the years and wish to thank them all for their service and support. They hope to serve the residents of Leonardo and the surrounding areas for another 100 years.