Lynbrook's Vulcan Fire Department turns 100

On Sept. 12, the Vulcan Chemical & Hose Company Engine #2 revved up to commemorate ten decades of service to the community. With honoring their past, company’s volunteer firefighters and members engulfed themselves in remembering many fond moments, memories, and mementos over the years in Lynbrook.

During the outdoor ceremony, the company celebrated their commitment to protect residents with the help of several guest speakers. Many people gathered together to reflect on Vulcan’s history, which the company was honored with a dedication plaque unveiled in front of the firehouse.

“I feel great about the anniversary,” said Lt. Timothy Ambrosio, a nine year veteran. “It is a great achievement. We had a good day.”

Ambrosio noted that he looks forward to selling Christmas trees each year with his colleagues, which is a fond memory for him. Though it is difficult for him to choose just one memory out of hundreds, he said the tree sale is a good time to be together.

And the company has been letting the good times roll since Sept. 10, 1910, when they first began their mission to save lives and fight fires. Their first home was the rear of a shop on Vincent Avenue. And back in those days, their primary concern was fire protection east of Earle Avenue to the village line and north of the East Rockaway border to Lakeview Avenue. Though their mission remains the same, they have gone through a lot of changes since being re-incorporated as the Vulcan company in 1916.

The story behind their name change from the original Lynbrook Chemical Engine Company #1 to their current name stems from the company’s difficulty in obtaining village funds for the purchase of a chemical truck in their early years. With the change, the company was able to buy a truck before moving onto another site with the Rescue Hook, Ladder, and Bucket Company #1 on Earle Avenue in 1918. One notable achievement for the company was that purchase of their first piece of motorized firefighting equipment, a 250 gallon Mack Pumper truck in 1920, which replaced their two wheel jumper vehicle.