Belford Independent Fire Company came into being on August 12, 1924. At that time, the larger part of Middletown Township was sparsely populated and had few of the modern conveniences of today. The new Fire Company, having virtually no funds, saw little hope at that time of becoming a modern, scientific, fire fighting unit. However, with the spunk and backbone of her members, she steadily began her development.
Under the direction of the first president, Paul Tarnow, Sr., the members were allowed to rent the back room of the grocery store of Albert E. Langford, on Main St. With second hand lumber from the horse and buggy sheds of St. Mary's Church (New Monmouth), from Ed Bennett, Sr., and from the old barns of George Sherman of Leonardville, the members built themselves a garage to house their new 350 gallon pumper, purchased from McFadden Motors, of Long Branch.
The new pumper, a Reo, had two 25 gallon chemical tanks and virtually none of today's fire fighting equipment. The modern siren method of summoning members to duty was an expensive item in the '20's. So,in the time of emergency, the rapid ringing of the church bells of the old Methodist Church would bring the men a-running to their posts. With the help of a strong Ladies' Auxiliary and the hard work of the charter members, the new company was nurtured into a fat growing organization. Soon after, on October 20, 1927, a $500 donation from the Ladies' Auxiliary gave the men the necessary down payment for the purchase of the old school house on Main Street. Then came the purchase of new equipment and apparatus. Slowly but steadily, the growth of the organization continued and a fine fire fighting record has always followed.
A Diamond T with a front mounted 350 gpm pump as the next piece of equipment purchased. Following that, a Federai chassis was purchased and a body, 500 gpm Hale pump with a 500 gallon booster tank was built and installed by Trautwein & Son, Woodbridge. This truck also contained foam and wet water tanks, generator, lights, l000 feet 2½ inch hose, 500 feet 1½ inch hose, 300 feet capacity booster reel.
On September 1,1956, the Independent Fire Company of Belford held the "wetting down" ceremony, dedicating its current Fire House on Highway No.36 in Belford.
A giant step was taken in the latter part of 1963. An order was placed with American LaFrance for two 1000 gallon pumpers which were delivered in 1964.
Both trucks carried 500 gallons of water. Each truck was equipped with two booster reels. Each carried 1000 feet of 2½ inch hose, 500 feet 1½ inch hose. One truck was equipped with a four stage high pressure pump, capable of pumping 100 psi. A few of the pieces of equipment on the trucks were smoke ejectors, Detroit door opener, Halligan tools, Scott air packs, generators and lights.
After several years of discussion and planning, because of the need of larger facilities, the company entered their expansion program. The results of which culminated in a more than 9000 square foot building. The large hall has been named Independence Hall.
Indeed it has been a long way from the infant years of the Independent Fire Company to today's powerful fire fighting unit.
The company would like to send many thanks to their founding brothers and all members, past and present who have labored so diligently in making the Company "The Big I."