Brief History:
April of 1924:
First recorded role call of MTFC #1. (At Brower's Store, corner of Hwy. 35 and Oak Hill Rd., now the Shell Station). Company voted to buy 20' extension ladder, firemen were to bring their own axes and buckets to fires. John Cook of Red Bank donated block #131 on Hwy. 35 for building of fire house.
February 1925:
Company bought 150' of rope. First death of member - Chester Fields died morning after being hit by car.
September: Mr. Cook agreed to trade block #131 for piece of property at corner of Hwy. 35 and DePauw Ave (Original fire house still stands, is occupied by the Sterling Thompson Agency).
November: Work started on new fire house, final cost to be $8,900. December: Company purchased an American LaFrance Firetruck, $8,500.
October of 1926:
Received LaFrance truck Mr. John Kelly was appointed driver, "as he has taken instruction on the pump and other working parts".
March of 1927:
Company signed contract with Township for fee of $l,250 in return for which the company would fight fires within the township. First recorded injury was Lester Brower, burned his hands and arms at fire. Members of company became paid firemen for short while when New Jersey State fire warden paid them 50 cents an hour for fighting woods fire in Everett.
July of 1928:
Accepted ordinance authorizing establishment of township fire department.
November of 1930:
William English donated Stevens-Duryea touring car to company for converting to a chemical truck. Accomplished later at cost
of $l,850.
April of1931:
Donated flag pole to Fairiew School
September: modifications on Stevens-Duryea were completed, became a two truck company.
November of 1932:
Commiflee formed to solicit food for the poor families in township, next month the decision to expand fire house
February of 1936:
Started custom of blowing fire sirens throughout township when school is closed because of bad weather. Started an addition on fire house.
December: Received new LaFrance ladder truck.
June of 1938:
Fire Department first discussed possibilities of radio alarm system
(idea that did not become reality until 27 years later).
August of 1950:
Committee appointed to lay out plans for new fire house built between DePauw and Longwood Avenues (Present fire
house).
September: Motion establishing a mandatory fire school in company. (This School remains in effect to this day).
March of 1951:
Signing of contract for construction of new fire house, cost $76,000.
September: First two-way radio installed in the
pumper, completed move to new fire house.
October: Held first Bingo, realized loss of $56.
March of 1954:
James Butler gave fire company a ten wheel GMC chassis to be used for tank truck. This type of equipment greatly needed at this time, water distribution in township had much to be desired. Company accepted chassis, dressed it up, mounted a tank and put it in service August.
February of 1955:
Purchase of first two Scott Air Packs (giant step in modernization of the company).
November: Formed a committee to purchase new pumper and ladder truck.
April of 1956:
Company accepted bid of Mack Fire Apparatus Company for a pumper and ladder truck, cost $37,580.
December: New Mack pumper arrived.
June of 1957:
New Ladder truck came into fire house
September of 1959:
Fire Siren Blew, members were greeted with a roaring fire therein. Quick work saved all equipment, and limited damage to firehouse.
February of 1960:
A storm removed roof from building and caused severe damage to upstairs section. During the year, members would spend a few days with firemen from Newark for extra training to benefit the company. April: the Fire house was struck by lightening, damaging the roof siren and effectively immobilizing the alarm system.
March of 1961:
Awarding of contract to extend fire house 30' back.
August: Company decided to mount pump on
tank truck to make it more versatile.
September of 1965:
Fire phone was moved from home of Arthur Soden to building.
Company went completely into police activated alarm system.
May of 1969:
Committee was appointed to draw up specifications
for new equipment replacing pumper and ladder trucks. Committee recommended a 1000 gallon pumper, an 85' aerial
combination (quint) and a brush truck, cost $125,000.
February of 1970:
Received new Brush truck.
March of 1972:
Accepted new pumper.
January of 1971:
Ladder truck delivered.
1974:
50 year anniversary!
1976:
In cooperation with the Fairview First Aid Squad constructed trailer mounted compressor/cascade unit for filling air bottles at emergency scene.
October 1977:
After many years of planning erected firemens memorial and flag pole at front of fire house.
1999:
Middletown Fire Company No. 1 celebrated it's 75 year anniversary with appropriate ceremonies.