While people across the U.S. were celebrating the country’s 250th birthday, a rural fire department in the Finger Lakes was celebrating 111 years of service.
The North Rose Fire Department marked its anniversary July 4, recognizing more than a century of volunteer firefighting built on community support, local leadership and sacrifice.
The department traces its beginning to May 1915, when a meeting was held in the office of H.C. Miner. Miner and his father were among the early supporters working to form a volunteer fire department in North Rose. Eight men attended that first meeting, electing R.D. Dickinson as chief, Clare Peterson as assistant chief, and H.C. Miner as secretary and treasurer.
One week later, 32 men signed the organization’s roll, and the group became known as the North Rose Chemical Company.
The department’s early momentum grew quickly. On July 4, 1915, a community celebration was held to support the new fire company. The event raised $500 after expenses, putting the organization on solid financial footing and helping establish the department as a lasting part of the North Rose community.
Two years later, on May 4, 1917, a Hook and Ladder Company was organized with 27 men. H.E. Patrick was elected president, and Seth C. Oaks was elected secretary.
The new company was welcomed into the North Rose Fire Department by Chief Dickinson and members of the original company. Because of conditions during World War I, the two companies later consolidated.
The department eventually grew to 50 members and operated out of club rooms on the second floor of a local building. Its officers included Chief H.E. Patrick, First Assistant Chief R.D. Dickinson, Second Assistant Chief Ross McOmber, President H.A. Tellier, Vice President C.D. Dillingham, Recording Secretary Charles Dean, Financial Secretary Ray Harris and Treasurer Lloyd Marshall.
Trustees included B.V. Drury and James Lundergan, while the Rev. O.D. Dutcher served as drill master.
The department’s early history also includes members who served in the U.S. armed forces. Its honor roll included George Ball Jr., L.K. Boyd, S.C. Oaks, Hayes Catchpole, Edwin Catchpole, Lt. Dr. F.F. Froney and Lt. H.C. Miner.
One member, Orrin Thompson, died while serving at the United States Naval Hospital in Brooklyn.
More than a century later, the North Rose Fire Department remains part of the volunteer tradition that shaped its founding in 1915. What began with a small group of residents and a community fundraiser has continued for generations in Wayne County.
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