Port Jervis' youngest fire company (135-years old this year) to lead PJFD's annual Inspection Day Parade this Saturday afternoon, July 12!

Some of the companies that comprise Port Jervis, NY's historic Fire Department date back to private formations and service by citizens, even before the City of Port Jervis or PJFD existed. Three companies served the very rural community known as Deerpark, followed by service to the newly chartered Village of Port Jervis in 1853, and then officially as part of the Port Jervis Fire Department once PJFD was chartered in 1858.

In 1858, the Port Jervis Fire Department also held the first of what became an annual parade, continuing to delight thousands each year through present. The first few PJFD companies, along every other company in the department, has each existed for well over a century and have each become part of this longstanding parade tradition.

This year's PJFD lead parade company, Tri-States Hose Co. No. 6, is the youngest in the department (chartered in 1890). Now celebrating 135-years of service to its community, Hose 6 marched in the department's annual parade in the first year it was formed; even before it had a hose cart, uniforms, or a fire house.

A newspaper article in the Tri-States Union 135-years ago, dated September 18, 1890, praised the enthusiasm and appearance of the Hose 6's members and company in that 1890 parade.

"One of the greatest hits of the day was the appearance of the newly organized hose company of Carpenter's Point in the line of march as guests of Delaware Hose No. 2. In the absence of regular fireman's uniforms they were arrayed in non descript costumes, no two alike, and looked very much like a rural military company on general training day. In place of a genuine hose cart, these burlesquing firemen dragged after them a rudely constructed imitation of one, made of a marble cart, a barrel and a big bell, all wrapped in flags and decorated with streamers and bunting," the article noted.

While the company is the youngest (135-years-old this year), its original East Main Street firehouse (circa 1892) is the department's oldest and still serving this company from its original site.

A newspaper article in the Port Jervis Union, dated March 15, 1892, notes a special meeting of the Village of Port Jervis Board of Trustees held to receive the fire department committee's certification of examination of the new hose house at what was then known as 'Carpenter's Point' and acceptance from the builders, F.S. Goble and Brother.

This original firehouse opened in 1892. In 1900, a new stable was built in the rear of the hose house -- attached to the structure -- and remains part of the fire house today. A news article of the time noted the fire service need and purpose for this addition.

"The company will keep therein a horse to draw their carriage to fires," reads a January 11, 1900 news article about Tri-States Hose Co. No. 6's firehouse stable addition.

Below is a summary of Tri-States Hose Company No. 6's proud history. Be sure to salute this century-plus company, and all of the region's dedicated firefighters this parade day. This company will be led by four company Grand Marshals with decades of service of their own. Thank you and congratulations, Grand Marshals Anthony Ziffino, Joe Klimkiewicz, Kelly Decker, and Jeff Martin!

Tri-States Hose Company No. 6: 1890

1890:  In December of 1890, the youngest of the Department’s companies came into existence with the formation of Tri-States Hose Company No. 6.  This company is housed at 257½ East Main Street, in the Tri-States section of the city.  Located at the eastern end of Port Jervis, this area is separated from the rest of the city by the Neversink River.  The Company’s early-on strategic placement was significant as it served as the primary first-response apparatus when the Tri-State Bridge was closed in the late 1970s for deck replacement. This was also the case when the bridge was closed and entirely replaced during 2019 and 2020.