Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of The Fair Harbor Fire District

Senator Owen H. Johnson presented a New York Senate Proclamation to Fair Harbor Fire Chief Scott Cherveney to commemorate the 80^th Anniversary of the Fair Harbor Fire District and to honor the past and present firefighting members for 80 years of fire protection to the citizens of Fair Harbor and its surrounding communities.  The presentation took place at the Officers’ Installation Dinner Dance at The Snapper Inn in Oakdale on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

Fair Harbor Fire District was established in 1931 and is responsible for providing fire and EMS protection in Fair Harbor.  Dunewood and Lonelyville have their own Fire Districts which contribute to the Fair Harbor Fire District in return for fire and EMS protection service.

The Fair Harbor Fire District covers a three square mile response area, serving a summer population of 2,500 and includes 600 private homes, three businesses, three docks and one mile of shoreline.  The district firehouse is located in the center of the Fair Harbor commercial district and houses its 14 emergency response vehicles.

Highlights of the History of the Fair Harbor Fire Department

In 1931, the Fair Harbor Fire District was legally established and the Fire Department was formed by 8 members of the community.

In 1936, the first electric siren was installed.

In 1940, Walter Thornbereg, who is still a Senior member of the Department, drilled 16 dry wells for $240, establishing the first water system for the Department’s use.

In 1941, land was donated by Rose Marie Pagels upon which the first Firehouse was to be built.  The value of the land was estimated to be $34.04.

In 1950, the first firehouse was built, mostly by volunteer labor.

In 1986, the back firehouse truck garage was built to house two pumpers and two fire mules to be used on the narrow wood walks.

In 2004, the Fair Harbor EMS Rescue Squad was established and certified by NY State to provide Emergency Medical Services to three communities.

Photograph:  Senator Owen H. Johnson presented Fair Harbor Fire Chief Scott Cherveney with a New York Senate Proclamation commemorating the  80^th Anniversary of the Fair Harbor Fire Department.