“Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1910”

CFD members Doug Hunter and Diane Jaulus
May 7, 2010
by Paul Eiden

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1910” isn’t just a slogan for us, it is what we do. None of is paid for it, but ask the long time members of the Chappaqua Fire Department why they have been getting up in the middle of the night for more than 20 years, and the answer will be the same: They love it.  And for good reason.

It’s very difficult to describe the feeling you get when you show up at someone’s house in their time of need and see the look of relief on their face, or the faces light up as you pull into one of our schools for a fire prevention talk.

Did you ever wonder what happens when that horn goes off on the top of the fire house? Who listens to that thing anyway?  Well, we do!  We’re your neighbor, your mechanic, dentist, lawyer, real estate agent, financial services professional, highway supervisor, local business owner, contractor, police officer, architect, sales and marketing executive, advertising executive, parks department groundskeeper and many others who drop what they are doing, leave their family dinners and drive to the fire house, open up the doors, climb into our gear, and roll out our trucks and firefighters to a home or business somewhere in our 10 square mile territory.

100 years old, and still 100 percent volunteer

In May 1910 John Isadore Devoe Bristol (J.I.D. Bristol) donated a Thomas car to help form the first organized fire company in Chappaqua. Housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall (now a residence still standing next to Julio’s Bicycle Shop) the “J.I.D. Bristol Chemical Fire Company” was formed and is still going strong as the Chappaqua Volunteer Fire Department 100 years later. Shortly afterwards, the Independent Fire Company was formed and located “down the hill” in the village near the current entrance to the Saw Mill Parkway.  A third company, Chappaqua Fire Patrol, was founded in the 1937 at Senter Street, next to the Historical Society.  All three fire companies operate now from the firehouse at King Street and Bedford Road. 

As it was 100 years ago, the Chappaqua Fire Department is still a 100 percent volunteer department, whose members attend the Westchester County Fire Training Center and receive the same training as career firefighters. We continually practice, drill and train to make sure we are ready when you need us. Every Thursday night you’ll find us at the firehouse, inspecting, cleaning and inventorying our equipment as part of House Duty—making sure everything is ready when needed. 

Come celebrate 100 years of service with us

Friday May 14, 2010 will be our celebratory centennial parade, with over 1200 people including 25 fire departments, their ladies auxiliaries and bands marching down King Street to the Rec Field. Please bring the whole family to watch and cheer us on and then enjoy our “Bounce Castle Kingdom” for the children in the Bell school parking lot.

Paul Eiden is a lieutenant in Chappaqua Fire Department and Chairperson of its 100th anniversary committee.

Next Friday, May 14, STOP everything—and come to the parade!