The Ellenville Fire District was formed in 1982.

Prior to 1982 the three fire departments were under the control of the village of Ellenville.
The three individual companies (Kimble Hose Co. No.2, Pioneer Engine Co., No.1, Scoresby Hose Hook & Ladder Co.) were all out for the same cause, the extinguishment of fire and the protection of life and property.

The Ellenville Fire District protects a 53 square mile fire district, Answering an average more than 450 calls a year.

We operate out of our Central Station at 218 Canal Street, Scoresby Hose ( Maple Ave.), and the Greenfield Park station (West Route 52).

Through the Years

The Village of Ellenville was formally incorporated in March 1856, prompting the

community to establish a fire department for organized fire protection. During its first meeting

in April 1856, the Village Board passed a resolution which led to the founding of the Ellenville

Fire Department and the formation of Pioneer Engine Company No. 1. A petition from

citizens highlighted the need for this organization, and on March 13, 1856, a special Board of

Trustees meeting resulted in the adoption of a resolution for the Fire Company. Members were

officially appointed, and the company was established with an organizational meeting taking

place on March 16, 1857, at the Terwilliger House, led by Abram F. Carling with Nial T. Childs as

Secretary.

Following the initial organization, By-Laws were adopted, and by July 1857, a confirmed list of

officers and members was presented to the Village Board, officially launching the company

with governmental endorsement. Pioneers were initially responsible for a hose and cart, which

marked the beginning of their crucial work in fire protection. With limited public financial

support, company members invested their own funds to purchase equipment and soon

donned smart uniforms that became a symbol of community pride. The first engine, a

hand-bar pumper bought in September 1857, was a significant acquisition as it was designed

to draw water from local sources, though operating it required substantial manpower.

Pioneer Engine Company No. 1 continued to grow as it attracted strong young men from

Ellenville, developing a tight-knit community by renting quarters along Canal Street. The

company played an integral role in civic life, celebrating Decoration Day in honor of Civil War

heroes and fostering social ties among members. By 1870, the Village constructed a Firemen's

Hall on Canal Street, which became the headquarters for fire apparatus and community

gatherings. This hall featured a fire bell that summoned volunteers during emergencies. The

community's historic prints of firemen and the hall's bell—displayed prominently—testify to

the enduring respect for volunteer firemen.

As Ellenville expanded, the need for additional fire companies became apparent. Scoresby

Hose Company was formed in 1872 to manage fire hoses and equipment after the

introduction of the village's first reservoir system with hydrants in 1871. This development

enhanced firefighting efficiency, leading to a formal acknowledgment of Scoresby Hose

Company No. 1 by the Village Trustees, allowing it to establish a maximum of twenty-five

members. The company was named in honor of Dr. William F. Scoresby, a local physician

and civic leader.

Scoresby Hose Company quickly proved its worth by responding to fires shortly after its

formation, including a significant incident at the Morse plaster mill in 1872. The Kimble

Hose Company was later established in 1889 in response to residents' requests for more

effective fire response in the eastern section of the Village. The advancements in the water

supply fostered healthy competition between Pioneer Engine Company and Scoresby Hose,

further motivating both groups to improve their equipment and operational practices. By

1888, Pioneer Engine Company transitioned from the hand-bar pumper to a more modern

apparatus, and their rivalry pushed both companies to strive for excellence in firefighting.

Following renovations in response to changing needs, Pioneer Engine Company purchased a

jumper in 1888, while Scoresby Hose continuously sought better equipment and

accommodations for its operations. Each company established its headquarters for social

events, although Pioneer Engine Company increasingly envisioned a dedicated building. In

1904, this aspiration materialized with the creation of Norbury Hall, offering permanent

facilities for both apparatus storage and community events. Financial support from local

benefactor Sarah Stoddard Norbury aided in its establishment.

Scoresby Hose Company also aspired to have its own headquarters, with the Scoresby

Building Association formed in 1910 leading to a dedicated clubhouse designed by local

architect George Young. This building symbolized the evolution of the company and hosted

numerous public and internal events. During this time, the former Excelsior Hook and

Ladder Company disbanded unsuccessfully several times, eventually passing its apparatus

to Scoresby after it could no longer maintain its operations. The merger allowed for

organized firefighting resources across the companies, with Scoresby adapting to manage

both hose and ladder services as the need arose.

Continued advancements in firefighting technology prompted significant organizational

changes. At a local level, the creation of fire police in 1939 illustrated an expansion of

responsibilities, while state-wide affiliations offered volunteer firemen greater support and

resources. By 1946, the Ellenville Fire Council was formed, representing all three fire

companies to enhance coordination and response capabilities.

As the 1940s progressed, aging fire apparatus led to the procurement of newer equipment,

including a 1948 American La France pumper, which replaced Pioneer's first motorized unit.

Scenarios necessitated continuous improvement in apparatus, leading to an ongoing cycle of

upgrading vehicles to serve the growing needs of the community. By the late 1970s, Pioneer

Engine Company undertook a project to expand their garage space, allowing for housing of

further advanced equipment to ensure efficient service.

In 1982, the fire department transitioned from village governance to form the Ellenville

Fire District, creating a new framework for operation. Noteworthy is the inclusion of

female firefighters, showcasing a commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the ranks of

the service. Over the years, scores of volunteers dedicated time and effort to maintain high

standards of firefighting and safety education for the public, including establishing a Junior

Firefighters Program.

Commemorating 150 years of service in 2022, Scoresby Hose and its sister companies

reflect a profound dedication to community safety, sharing camaraderie built on shared goals.

This milestone represents the continuance of volunteer service that began modestly in the

mid-19th century while adapting to meet modern demands. Together, the companies form

a vital component of Ellenville’s identity, often celebrating successes through

community events like parades, balls, and other observances that unite the town while

honoring the legacy and contributions of the volunteer firemen.

From its inception, the Ellenville Fire Department has fostered a spirit of service and

dedication, infused with pride and a sense of responsibility. Through the cooperative efforts of

its members, it illustrates the community values and historical significance of volunteer

firefighting in Ellenville, carrying forth a legacy that will likely endure for generations to come.