Monroe Fire Co. Celebrates 90 Years of Volunteer Service

By Kevin Catalano

The Monroe Volunteer Fire Department recently held its annual awards ceremony and anniversary dinner at its Route 110 fire headquarters. The organization is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

Fire Chief Bill Davin, who has been a member for almost 40 years, told members and their guests that “the ability of any organization to sustain itself and remain relevant for 90 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all current and past members.”

He also reflected on how much has changed over the years, including how well trained and well equipped Monroe volunteer firefighters are today.

The department also recognized Life Member Andy Chacho, who has been a member of the organization for 70 years. Mr. Chacho joined in 1943 and still attends every monthly business meeting. He served for many years as the department’s financial secretary and carnival raffle chairman. Mr. Chacho has witnessed tremendous change over his 70 years of membership.

“Back then, almost everyone you knew joined the fire department — that’s how I got involved,” he said.

As to what has changed the most, Mr. Chaco said members used to spend a tremendous amount of time raising funds to buy fire trucks and equipment. “If we needed something back then, we had to go out and raise the money. We held bingos, dances, and of course, the carnival,” he said.

The department was formed in 1923, which was the centennial anniversary of the town of Monroe. A number of concerned residents including farmers, laborers, the town doctor, and even a reverend, banded together 90 years ago to organize firefighting efforts to cover the Monroe district. The Stepney fire department had formed six years earlier on the west side of town.

Today, the department remains a fully volunteer organization served by a diverse group of concerned residents.

The first elected officers of the department were Robert Sinclair, Ambrose Hurd, Henry J Lord, Edwin Shelton, and Fire Chief Elmer Wakelee. The first fire house was located in near the town green in a donated cottage house that was part of the St. Peter’s property. Using the proceeds from a carnival held on the green, contributions, and a bank loan, the members pulled together enough funds to purchase a used fire truck in 1923 for just over $3,000.

The department will host its annual carnival from July 10th through the 13th at Routes 110 and 111. All residents are invited to attend the department’s open house this October to help celebrate its 90th anniversary.