Engine 344 West End Volunteer firefighters

HISTORY OF ENGINE COMPANY #4


Although there were still many farms in the west end of Valley Stream in the nineteen twenties, some became developments for new homes. The population nearly doubled in size. The area developed so fast that more fire protection was needed. Gilbert E. Smith and George Lindner Sr. petitioned the Fire Commissioners to authorize another fir company to be organized in this area. The petition was acted upon and approved on May 2, 1924 and a new company was formed and charted as Nassau Chemical & Hose Company No. 1.

There were twenty-six original members and five honorary members. These five had given generously of their time and talents to the new company and were awarded honorary membership. Gilbert E. Smith was elected Captain and Henry Baumann Sr. Lieutenant of the newly formed company. An old wagon shed on George Lindner’s farm served as the first firehouse for the new company. For four years it remained temporary Headquarter’s for the new company’s first piece of fire apparatus, a Seldon Hose Wagon.

In 1925 a new American LaFrance chemical and hose truck was purchased and assigned to the new company which was often referred to as West End Fire Company. The new LaFrance was a sturdy engine, complete in every detail: Siren, red lights, right hand drive, spot light and a bell. The same bell, suitably engraved is very important part of the apparatus being used today. The Fire Commissioners, in 1927 approved plans for a new firehouse to be built on Clearstream Avenue and Buscher Avenue. A year later the building was completed and dedicated, and the Nassau Chemical and Hose Co. 1 moved in to its new quarter’s. Further population growth during the next ten years (1928-1938) necessitated additional fire protection. The now ten year old La France was replaced by a 750 gallon per minute Seagrave Pumper. Sixteen years later a bigger and more powerful 1000 G.P.M. Seagrave Pumper replaced it. In 1963 a third Seagrave Pumper replaced the existing engine. In 1996 a new state-of-the-art R.D. Murray, 1500 gallon per minute pumper, was purchased and is the apparatus in service today.

By the early 1950’s both residential and industrial building were being built three and four stories high. Fighting fires at a high level presented a problem for just one Hook & Ladder Co., so an additional Ladder Company was formed and placed in the West End Firehouse. The two companies lived in crowded quarters for nearly fifteen years. In December 1966 a new modern Firehouse was built on the old site, This newer larger, modern firehouse provides ample space for both companies. Each Company has separate quarters and a large bay for their apparatus.

More than two hundred and eighty names have graced the membership of Engine Company # 4. The present roster is composed of 60 Firefighters and 2 Officers.