ESTABLISHED 1950
This time line describes the growth of the the Fire Department through its first 50 years. These highlights are from the “Full History of the Hopkinton-Fort Jackson” written by Ron Streeeter in 2007. Ron Streeter was a member of the St Lawrence County Fire Advisory Board, member and director of the St. Lawrence County Fire Chiefs Association. and served as secretary and various chief positions including serving 20 years as the chief in the Hopkinton-Fort Jackson fire department.
1950s
- A public meeting was held at the town hall to officially organize the Hopkinton Ft. Jackson Fire Department and a total of pledges came to $445. The election of officers started with seven nominations for chief with Harris Daby becoming the Chief, Eugene Miller 1st. Assistant Chief, Clark Chittenden 2nd. Assistant Chief, Edgar Wagoner 3rd. Assistant Chief, Bernard Burgess, Treasurer and Carlton Chittenden as Secretary
- The first method of notifying the membership of a call was having the Nicholville Telephone Co. operator activate six short rings on the hand crank phone system that was being used at that time. Everyone would then pick up the telephone and listen to the location of the fire.
- In the Summer of 1954 a building for the station was purchase the old Hopkinton School from the school district for one dollar.
- In Spring 1957 a new truck was purchased the 1957 F-700 Ford
1960s
- In the fall of 1960 a 1953 REO 6×6 and the department added extensions and a bolt on top to be able to use this as a tanker.
- In June of 1965 the fire department purchased a squad car
- G.M.C. fuel truck was purchased from the army. It was painted and set up for a fire tanker.
1970s
- In October of 1971 we purchase a used 1965 Chevrolet van
- In the beginning of 1972 the department purchased a cab and chassis to be used as a tanker. The truck was a 1971 C-50 Chevrolet
1980s
- The Parishville – Hopkinton Central School gave us a 1971 Chevrolet station wagon which we made into a chiefs car.
- April of 1980 we were offered some high band home receivers and a base station for paging members for fires.
- The truck was a 1965 Seagrave with a 1000 G.P.M. Seagrave pump, 500 gallon booster tank, The official County number assigned to this engine was E-61, a number still use today on our first due engine.
- In January of 1986 a 1964 Mack with a 707 gas engine with a manual transmission, a 1000 G.P.M. Watero pump and a 500 gallon tank.
- In the summer of 1986 a monument was erected in front of the station as a memorial to our fallen comrades.
- June 1st of 1987 was the startup date of the St Lawrence County Central Dispatch system. We now had our own dispatch system.
1990s
- There was a lot of controversy concerning the new E-911 phone system.
- At this time we operated two Seagrave engines, two tankers, an equipment truck and a mini pumper.
- Finally E-911 was put on line and a new numbering system was put in place.
- In 1993 St. Lawrence County was expanding the dispatch center. It has always been under ground but they are building two stories above ground and there will be dispatch, sheriff and State Police sharing a central system.
- In April of 1995 we expanded our service to the community by extending medical assistance to Tri-Town Rescue Squad.
- The March meeting of 1996 found us looking at a 1981 Ford/King Seagrave engine tanker. This truck came from Hogansburg Fire Department.
2000s
- The Saint Lawrence County Board of Legislators presented the following Certificate of Appreciation, In recognition for excellent and outstanding achievements,
The Hopkinton Ft. Jackson Fire Department has faithfully served the community for 50 year, an achievement that stands as a testament to your hard work and dedication. Your presence is both an asset and a comfort to the citizens you serve in their time of need. You meet the demands of the job and perform them going above and beyond the call of duty in exemplary fashion by making yourself available at any time for any situation. Your commitment to excellence has earned you the respect and appreciation of the St. Lawrence County Administration.
