History of the Oxford Village Fire Department
The Oxford Fire Department was formed in 1823. To hear more about our department, click on the tabs below to learn more about that specific time period.
The Oxford Fire Department was started in July 1823 with the signing of a charter by the Village Board of Trustees. At the same meeting the Board of Trustees it was resolved that every dwelling should have at least one or more "leather fire buckets" for the benefit of the Village in care of a fire and could be used for no other purpose. In case of a lease, a tenant could purchase a fire bucket and charge the expense of the bucket or buckets to the landlord or deduct the amount of the cost of the buckets from the rent.
On October 15, 1824, when the tax was levied, it was resolved that Ganett H. Van Wagenen and Ronsom Rathobone be empowered to purchase, in New York or elsewhere, a fire engine on the credit of the Village of Oxford at a price not to exceed $325.00. On March 5, 1824, a resolution was passed by the board of trustees levying a tax of $500.00 for the purchase of the fire engine. On March 8, 1824, the first fire company was organized by the appointment of 21 firemen.
On April 16, 1836, a resolution was voted on by the free holders and inhabitants of the Village authorizing the trustees of the Village to build a reservoir and to repair the engine. The reservoir was to be 30 feet long, 10 feet wide and 7 feet deep. It was to be built out of timers, lathed and plastered, however it proved a failure.
On May 21, 1837, the Village voted on raising $500.00 for repairing the old engine or buying a new one, procuring two poles for carrying fire buckets, and for repairing the ladders. All evidence indicated, however, that the vote was against the proposal. The records from May 21, 1837, to August 9, 1845 cannot be found.
On August 9, 1845, at a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of the Village it was resolved that "It is expedient to reorganize the Fire Department of the Village of Oxford, that the fire ending belonging to the Village of Oxford is unfit for use and is entirely inadequate for the preservation of property of said Village against the ravaged of fire". A committee of 10 was appointed to decide what action to take on the subject. They were given two weeks to study the problem and arrive at a decision. At a meeting on August 23, 1845, they turned in their request for an additional two weeks to study the problem, the request was granted.
On Saturday September 6, 1845, they turned in their decision at a meeting of the fire holders and inhabitants, of the Village of Oxford, the committee reported through their chairman, John Tracy, that they were unable to arrive at a decision because of a lack of information and requested to be dissolved as a committee. In a motion H. Vanvrlyn it was resolved that the Village of Oxford levy a tax in the amount of $600.00 for the purchase of a new fire engine with needful hose and apparatus.
On October 13, 1845, the hotel of Thomas Morris was "Set on Fire" and on October 4th, the trustees offered a reward of $100.00 to be paid on the conviction of the person "who last night set fire to said hotel. To be paid to the person who shall discover the offender, and that the secretary sign and cause to be posted and posted 50 copies of a notice of said reward and draw on the treasurer for the expense of printing and posted of the same". Also it was "resolved that committee of three purchase the fire engine and hose of the previous meeting of the trustees".
At a meeting of the trustees held April 25, 1846, it was stated that "Henry Waterman of Hudson, New York would furnish this corporation with a engine to be delivered in Albany in October, 1846 for $700.00. The engine was to have 7 1/2 inch cylinders, man 18 men and weigh 1900 pounds, throw one inch stream of water 170 feet at near 400 gallons per minute (GFM). It was to be built of St. Domingo Mahogany, well-polished, with brass mountings, with wrenches, pipes, and all the other apparatus complete".
The engine was accepted by the Village trustees.
At a meeting of the trustees held August 1846 the new fire apparatus was received by the Village and put into the hands of the Oxford Fire Company, but the Village still owned it.
On October 15, 1846, at a meeting of the board of trustees, a committee of three was appointed to the then present fire station and decide on a better site if necessary.
In 1855 the board approved the formation of the Niagara Fire Company No. 1 comprised of some 50 men.
The Niagara Company has grown in membership to run such numbers that in April 1859 the company was divided, and two companies were formed. Niagara Company No. 1 had 27 members, and Niagara Company No. 2 had 44 members. On April 4, 1859, the following department officers were elected, Chief Engineer, John P. Clark, Assistant Chief Engineer, William S. Thompson, Clerk, N. B. Eccleston and Treasurer, William Balcom. On the 24th of the same month, the same building now used as the fire station was rented and all the apparatus were housed there. On May 6, of the same year, the Lady Washington Company was duly organized.
The people of Oxford were proud of their Department, men and apparatus, at this time it was shown by the fact that on the 4th of July of the same year, a contest was arranged between a company from Norwich, The Lady Washington and the Niagara companies to determine which could throw a stream of water the highest over the liberty pole which stood 150 feet from the canal dock, the Niagara was manned by the heaviest men in town and just as the stream reached the brush on the top of the pole, "BANG" her air chamber burst.
On March 27, 1867, the present fire house was purchased for the sum of $1500.00. The Sappho Hose Company was organized February 27, 1873, with fifteen members. An interesting note taken from the minute books of this company shows that on the evening of December 31, 1874, a handsome silk banner was presented to the Company by Mrs. Charlotte Mulligan of Buffalo as a reward for the company abstaining from the use of intoxicating liquor for one year.
On April 13, 1887, the Niagara Company was reorganized as the Niagara Hose Company, and became a separate company, on June 25, 1888, the Hook and Ladder Company was organized. The Charter members were L.R. Coville, F.P. Newkirk, A.H. Brill, C.M. Gray, E.C. Develan, Geo. T. Gillman, H.A. Curtis, L.A. Knott, F.E. Billings, Ira W. June, N.B. Eccleston, and O.M. Westover. The Fire Department then consisted of The Niagara Host, The Lady Washington Hose, The Hook and Ladder Company, The Sappho Hose and The Engine Company, 122 men in all.
On April 20, 1888, the Village voted to raise $3000.00 for the purchase of a new fire engine and this was delivered in November of the same year. In 1889, after 30 years of faithful service, the Lady Washington was disbanded and a new steamer company was formed, this company was in active service until the city water works were installed in 1897. At this time the Steamer Company changed their name to the Independent Hose Company, purchased a hose cart and took their place with the Sappho and Niagara Hose Company.
During the years of 1897 to 1918 there were few changes in equipment, the Department being composed of the Sappho, Niagara, and Independent Hose Companies, On April 9, 1918, the Hook and Ladder Company purchased a new truck from the Norwich Fire Department and later sold the old Oxford truck to the South Otselic Fire Department. In 1920, the Village voted to buy a combination chemical motor truck from the Ontario Hose Company of Norwich for $1500.00, to be paid in three annual installments. This truck saved the amount of her cost at the first fire after her delivery.
During the years of 1897 to 1920 there were relatively few changes in the companies and equipment. The department at that time consisted of the Niagara Hose Company, Sappho Hose Company, Independent Hose Company, and the Hook and Ladder Company. The basic equipment consisted of three hand drawn hose carts, the Hook and Ladder and the Steamer.
The first piece of motor powered apparatus was purchased in 1920. This vehicle, a combination two-tank chemical and hose truck, was a valuable piece of apparatus because it cut the time required to answer alarms.
Two more motor vehicles were purchased in 1924, both were Knox Trucks, and each had a tank and hose.
In 1929 the three above trucks were added to by the purchase of a triple combination pumpers with a booster tank. The truck had a Seldon Chassis with Buffalo Fire Apparatus Equipment. This truck was purchased by the Independent Hose Company, it was sold in 1963.
Another truck was added to the Department in 1930 by the purchase of a Reo Chassis carrying two tanks. It was equipped with a pump after it was purchased.
Today, (1929) the Village of Oxford has as complete and efficient equipment as may be found in any other Village of its class in the State. There are three pieces of motor apparatus on Federal Chassis, equipped by the Foamite Childs Corporation of Utica and the other two Knox Chemical motor trucks, a Hook and Ladder truck now drawn as a trailer but soon to be motorized and a Silsby Steamer which is seldom used except in congested area of wooden risks in the business section. The Independent Hose Company had just purchased a Triple Combination truck, delivery to be made soon. The Village Water system, supplied by springs with a gravity system, a large reservoir with a storage capacity of 250,000 gallons and a steady four inch supply stream, gives the fire department very efficient aid in getting stream to any spot in the Village without the use of the steamer. The water system gives pressure from 95-100 pounds, for fire purposes, a new 450,000 gallon reservoir is to be added to the water system this year.
Three thousand feet of first class hose is always kept in the best of condition for service on the trucks and other equipment which includes: forty rubber coats, gas and ammonia masks, smoke helmets, first aid kits, rubber gloves, all essential forms of nozzles and, in fact everything that will be found on a modern city fire department truck. The drivers sleep in both station and are always on call.
The Oxford Fire Department was honored this year (1929) for the fourth time, by the election of its Chief Engineer H.C. Bartlett to the office of president of the Chenango County Firemen's Association, a well maintained promotion for Chief Bartlett after faithful an energetic work, Much of the present efficiency of the equipment of the Oxford Department is due to the persistent and intelligent work of Chief Bartlett's ability assisted by his officers and men. It is with justified pride that the citizens of Oxford can point out their Fire Department to visitors and the citizenry at large have always shown an appreciation of the work of the department in keeping down the fire losses in the Village and Vicinity.
Credit is also given to the Chenango County Firemen's Association for its helpful work in creating public interest and the securing of the better equipment for the Oxford Fire Department. Rev, O. Meyer, the founder of the County Association, was a resident of the Oxford Department at the time of the formation of the County Association. Also giving credit to him for his personal efforts in the betterment of the Oxford Department, as well as the other Departments of the County Association.
In 1931 the apparatus consisted of five trucks, a Hook and Ladder and the Steamer which was kept in reserve for the "Big Ones" when and if they came. Along with the trucks there was 3400 feet of hose on the trucks. All trucks were equipped with all the necessary equipment needed.
The next important change and addition to the equipment was the replacement of our old Hook and Ladder truck. This former piece of equipment was built here locally by Charles M. Dodge, a member of the Hooks and a famous wagon builder, the running gear came from a Democrat Wagon, which in those days was a pleasure and business vehicle and was used by our rural people. The Ladders were handmade , rather heavy, and were very efficient. After many years of service, the old rig was sold to the Village of South Otselic and our local Hook and Ladder Company purchased from the George Rider Hook and Ladder Company of Norwich a ladder truck which was horse and hand drawn.
After a few years of service in Oxford, the Hook and Ladder Company wanted to motorize their equipment. A Ford tractor was purchased, the front end of a truck mounted on a fifth wheel. Rubber tires and a tiller were placed under the trailer so that the trailer could be steered. After a few years the truck was completely rebuilt out of steel. A 500 gpm pump was purchased and mounted on the front of the tractor. This truck is still in service in the Department. It is the only one in the Country of its design as it was built here in Oxford New York by the Firemen.
The next addition to the equipment of the department acquired from the Government Surplus, a Chevrolet four wheel drive fire truck to be used for rural work. This truck has a front mounted 500 gpm centrifugal pump with a 500 gallon booster tank. This truck was in use until 1967 when the purchase of a new Fire Truck was made. The four wheel drive truck was then sold to the Triangle Fire Department and is still in service there.
The Fire Insurance Underwriters Association passed out the information that it would not be long before we would have to purchase a truck with a 750 gpm, pump and a 1000 gallon water tank. After several meeting of the members of the Fire Department a set of specifications was drawn up and presented to the Village Board for approval. The board accepted the specifications, and they were brought up for a vote by the Village taxpayers. The taxpayers approved the purchase of the truck and specifications went out to bid. The low bid was received from Howe Fire Apparatus Mfg, of Anderson, Indiana. The bid was accepted and the order was placed.
The New Ford truck was delivered to the Oxford Fire Department in 1962. Waterous pump, two stage centrifugal pump mounted under the main pump with power takeoff drive and a 1000 gallon capacity booster tank.
To further modernize the department equipment, in 1966 specifications were drawn up for a new 750 gpm pumper. Specifications were completed and presented to the Village Board for their approval. Upon the board’s approval, a truck was purchased through Sanford Fire Apparatus Corporation. The low bidder for the truck chassis was Smith Ford of Norwich, New York. A Ford C-850, 534 cu inch engine. The pump equipment was purchased through Sanford Fire Apparatus Corp. hale pump-Series Parallel Centrifugal with a 750 gallon booster tank. This truck was equipped for rural fires with a canvas drop tank, generator, lights, portable pump, C02 and Dry powder extinguishers for car and truck fires.
The latest three new trucks were made possible through taxation from the Fire Protection District. This Fire Protections District being established in 1952 by the guidance of our Late Chief Howard C. Bartlett.
The year 1966 through 1968 were the time of reorganization in the Oxford Fire Department. During this time, and with the approval of the Village Board, the four Companies (Niagara, Sappho, Independent, and Hooks and Ladder Companies) dissolved their corporations and merged into one Department. At the annual meeting on April 4, 1968, the Department became known as the Oxford Fire Department, Inc.
The Oxford Fire Department, under competent officers in the Department along with a Fire police organization and an active Emergency Squad, all back up by an active Ladies Auxiliary, are a force of which every citizen in the Fire Protection District can be proud.
From 1968 to 1970 it was a relatively calm period for inhouse operations of the Fire Department, January 8, 1970 the membership voted to purchase a french fryer and stove along with bedding for night fireman who would stay at the station for a quicker response. During this time the Fire Department was actively seeking new facilities for the fire equipment and its members. On September 3, 1970 the Fire Council had gone on record supporting the Village Board making it known both entities were seeking new facilities for its fire equipment and members.
On January 7, 1971 the Village hired an Architect for the building of a new fire station.
On October 5, 1972 updates were presented to the department membership of three problems in building a new fire station on its present site, these were the strip of land that it was on, the relocation of Mrs. Coe and her house and a bond limit.
December 7, 1972 the department purchased a 25’x40’ tent for $390.00 to be used at department events within the community, setting the stage for new avenues for donations in setting tents for events outside fire department activities.
April 19, 1973 the Council went on record to purchase the old feed store on Merchant Street for storage, on May 3, 1973 a motion was made and seconded to purchase the feed store location for $2,500.00 plus all legal fees.
April 1974 saw the first signs of the new station, what we are in now, being built with temporary fencing put in place to keep pedestrians safe. The work performed on the station was by Nelson Contracting company. By June of 1974 a great deal had been accomplished, footers had been poured and brick walls were getting put up. Since the new fire station was being built on the existing site of the old station, trucks were posted throughout the Village during this time. By 1975 much of the station was built and just finishing touches remained. The station was completed and dedicated May 24, 1975 the old clock from the previous station was saved and a special bond issue was voted to provide a suitable clock tower for the old town clock. (Photo Right) In 1850, a number of citizens raised $265 for the purchase of a town clock which was placed in the tower of the old Episcopal Church on Fort Hill. It remained there until 1864 when the church was taken down, and the clock was placed in a tower in the Fort Hill block. In 1887 the clock ceased running. The Ladies’ Village Improvement Society purchased a new clock manufactured by the famous Seth Thomas Clockworks at a cost of $650. It was presented to the village at a lawn fete on Fort Hill on August 8, 1902. Nathan P. Stanton made the presentation on behalf of the Ladies and the Hon. S. S. Stafford accepted the gift on behalf of the Village.
Progress on the new fire station. This picture was taken from the Fort Hill side of the new site, looking toward the river and the business section. The work is no on the meeting rooms and kitchen. Work on the truck area will follow along.
The Oxford Fire Department’s new fire station built in 1974-75 and dedicated May 24, 1975. A special bond issue was voted to provide a suitable tower for the old town clock.
June 6, 1974 Chief Chuck Ross anticipated ordering individual gear for members and on September 5, 1974, 18 complete sets of turn-out gear were purchased.
December 19, 1974 the purchase of propane gas hose dryer was approved at a cost of $2,885.00. Near this same time the Lion’s Club donated two beds, night stands and lamps along with 12 tables and 100 chairs for the new station.
In May of 1975 holding BINGO games was introduced, Louis Frair was to Chair and get the license to run the games.
In October of 1975 Oxford hosted the Chenango County Fireman’s Convention where demonstrations were shown on the use of the new hose dryer.
BINGO was to start after the license is approved by the NYS wagering Board, with an estimated start date of March 19, 1976 for BINGO. It was authorized to take $500.00 from the departments regular department account to cover game start-up and be paid back by BINGO as it progresses.
A second ambulance was discussed in June of 1976 and the Fire Council went on record in support for a second ambulance.
October 7, 1976 it was agreed that the BINGO committee set aside 75% of earnings and put it towards a purchase of a new tanker – a first for Oxford. March 3, 1977 a new truck committee was formed to draw specs for the new tanker. In April of 1977 BINGO was performing very well, in addition to putting money away for a new tanker the BINGO committee also purchased 20 additional tables and 160 more chairs.
October 6, 1977 the approval was given to the tanker committee to purchase the tanker as spec’d by Saulsbury. A 1600-gallon international chassis with a rear dump was ordered.
January 1978 brought big changes to Chenango County as Fire District maps were drawn and approved.
April 13, 1978 the Oxford Fire Department started a scholarship program for children of members and was administered by Richard Hoke and Greg Ross as the screening committee.
During this time the department had approached the Village Board about purchasing a new pumper truck and brush truck, then on May 4, 1978 the Village Board approved a budget of $68,000.00 for the purchase.
October 19, 1978 the new taker was delivered and the new brush truck would arrive in October. Seatbelts were installed in all trucks after an accident had occurred with a firetruck.
November 1972 the new brush truck was delivered to the fire station. It was moved to offer $10,000.00 to buy the Coe house for a BINGO project and in December the COE house was purchased for $10,500.00.
Motorola pagers were introduced for alarm response notification, an itemized estimate was sent to the Village for $28,255.00 to be incorporated into the budget.
October 5, 1979 BINGO was used to make up the difference of an ambulance purchase and to pay $5,000.00 towards new Motorola pagers.
The Cadilac ambulance was sold to Marathon for $2,000.00
July 7, 1980 BINGO authorized the purchase of 1 mobile radio for $1,684.00 to include installation.
In January of 1981 fire strikes one of the departments own members, a fund-raising dinner was planned and a donation fund started at the bank.
January 1981 a special meeting was held regarding the funding of a new engine. Department to contribute $35,000.00 to be raised from BINGO funds. In February the referendum on the purchase was defeated. A capital reserve was started to purchase trucks out of. June 16th a new referendum would be presented for consideration. On September 3, 1981 $14,000.00 was given by BINGO to move ahead and purchase a truck chassis. An additional $1,415.00 was allocated from BINGO towards additional items for the new engine. The Village will sell the 1962 Ford cabover pumper by sealed bid. This truck was purchased by Pittsfield fire department for $7,996.00.
In March of 1983 it was moved to sponsor a Firematics Explorer Post and the Explorer Post was born. Advisors to the Explorer Post were Ron Giovanone, Father Richard Humprey, Robert Eldred and Joe Loscavio. In March, the Explorer Post and new explorers were introduced to the department membership.
BINGO purchased a new V-bottom boat to be used as a rescue boat.
August 19, 1985 a special meeting was called to send a sealed bid of $35,001.00 for the purchase of a used 1962 Seagraves 85’ aerial ladder truck. September 19, 1985 sealed the bid was accepted and BINGO paid $30,000.00 for the purchase of the 1962 ladder truck. September 4, 1986 it was moved to enclose the cab of the ladder truck. Donations from various sources paid the $33,263.00 cost to cab the ladder truck.
BINGO authorized $15,000.00 towards the purchase of AMKUS rescue tools and airbag kits.
October 6, 1988 proposal to have BINGO purchase a chassis for a new pumper truck, in November 1989 BINGO paid $42,000.00 for the chassis of a new pumper and the Village would pay for body.
A new cascade system was installed in June of 1990.
September 5, 1991 a new 265 was purchased to be used for brush fire response, with BINGO paying $5,000.00 towards 265. A new industrial washing machine to be purchased, and BINGO donated the start-up money for a Boy Scout troop in McDonough.
BINGO donated $600.00 to the Rotary Bicycle Rodeo in March of 1994, and the Village Police moved into the fire station in August 1994.
Chief Bill Harvey and Village trustee Bud Ross participate in the burning of the bank note for 265 which was paid off a year and a half ahead of time with BINGO funds on April 6, 1995.
Pull-tabs were introduced during BINGO in February 1996.
The old GLF building that was purchased for storage was burned on January 4, 1997. BINGO purchased 50 new tables for $5,507.25.
April 13, 2000 Arson background checks were now mandatory for all who would join the fire service. A new roof will be installed on the station in the fall with the project nearing completion on November 2, 2000.
In February of 2002 Dress Blues were introduced to the department membership. In June of 2002, BINGO donated $45,000.00 towards the purchase of a replacement used Ladder truck and the Auxiliary agreed to pay the balance of the ladder truck out of the pull tab account.
Motion passed on October 17, 2002 to purchase a Rivercraft airboat, and the department received a $10,000.00 check from then Senator Libous to be used for the purchase of a thermal imager.
March 6, 2003 Ron Martin receives word of an award of a State grant he wrote for the purchase of turnout gear totaling $37,500.00.
Former firefighter and deceased member Ralph Oralls is inducted to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial on October 4th 2003.
Firefighter Ed Ulfik initiates a dry hydrant project to add 21 dry hydrants throughout the fire district.
Assistant Chief Martin writes and is awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $142,620.00 to be used towards the replacement and addition of new communications equipment. BINGO agrees to pay the 5% grant match, communications and call notifications improve dramatically.
January 22, 2004 Past Chief Greg Ross head of maintenance of the Veterans Home announces to the department that a new $60 million dollar 252 bed skilled nursing facility to replace the old Veteran’s Home has been approved.
New website introduced and created in March 2005 at oxfordfd.com
May 2005, Vets Home project increased to $65 million and to be completed in three years.
BINGO on May 4th 2006 pays the balance of $9,459.00 for a new ambulance.
Assistant Chief Martin writes and is awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant award of $65,000.00 for the purchase of a Scotty Fire Prevention education trailer. $4,000 additional dollars donated by Assemblyman Crouch is received. Anotherm$25,000.00 dollars was secured from State Senator Libous for fire equipment in February 2006.
Fire prevention trailer was delivered on February 1, 2007 forever changing how our fire prevention education is taught in Oxford and beyond.
Assistant Chief Martin secures another AFG Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for $152,418.00 for 50 sets of turnout gear, new nozzles and 44 lengths of various hoses in March 2007.
November 15, 2007 Village engineer voluntarily visits the station and provides feedback and 6 pages of deficiencies needing attention, list was presented to the Village Board in December 2007.
New tanker was ordered and on September 4, 2008 BINGO agrees to buy 50% of any additional equipment needed for the new tanker.
September 24, 2008 USGS moves river and weather monitoring equipment into the station. The equipment valued at $56,000.00 will be at no cost of the department and covered by the USGS.
New tanker set for pick up on October 24, 2008. Nornew does a presentation of gas well drilling in our area.
New law passes and requires all firefighters to wear reflective vests on all calls involving any type of road incident in January 2009. The law provided no financial assistance to secure vests, cost of a new vest was $18 each.
Benefit for past Chief Bill Harvey’s son was held the weekend of October 30th, 31 and November 1st with numerous events planned for each day.
Chief Cobb purchases Autobrace Strut Kit, AMKUS cutter and spreader and bail out rope kits that were made mandatory for firefighters who are interior in a law passed by NYS in May of 2011, as usual no financial assistance was brought forth for the law purchase’s.
New Main Street bridge opens November 1st 2012.
Security system including cameras and access control totaling $20,000.00 presented to the Village Board by Chief Cobb, Village motions to go ahead, security system is installed and completed in May of 2013.
New Digital sign purchased and erected in November 2013.
November 21, 2013 a quote was received to repair the 267 Osh Gosh ladder for $35,512.80, it was later deemed too much money for the age of the truck. Committee formed to look for a new replacement.
Committee also formed to replace 265, March 5, 2015 department gets go ahead to proceed with replacement of 265 brush truck.
November 2015 Assemblymen Crouch awards the department with $2,500.00 for the purchase of new pagers.
Village gives the go ahead to Chief Franklin to put $400,000.00 towards the purchase of a Ladder tower in November 2015, in January 2015 a motion is approved to purchase a 2001 KME ladder tower at the cost of $388,000.00 from Brindlee Mountain.
New 265 Chevy brush truck goes into service March 3, 2016.
Village Board members tour the fire station on April 4, 2018 to see first-hand the effects of aging and riverbank erosion.
April 2018 repainting of the meeting room and new frames completed for the walls in the meeting room by Kim Martin and Kevin Bartle.
Chenango County hazard mitigation comprehensive study released in May 2018 showing the Oxford Fire Departments Riverbank listed as a seven in a rating scale with 8 being the worst in need of immediate attention.
September 6, 2018 11 sets of Brush Fire gear delivered through a grant from DEC.
November 1, 2018 BINGO agrees to pay for 31 bricks for the Veteran walkway on Lafayette Park around the fountain.
November 2018 Chief Martin pursues moving a station capital project forward with the Village Board with the formation of a station capital project committee consisting of past Chief Greg Ross, Safety Officer Kim Nichols, Chief Ron Martin and EMS Chief Mark Forrest. The project would be to replace the Coe House, riverbank stabilization, station updates and repairs, upgrade and replace windows and doors, upgrade and replace aging electric and plumbing infrastructure, roof and front and rear aprons. Of utmost concern was safety to its volunteers to add decontamination station, separate area for turnout gear, exhaust capture and removal system, and remove crush points between apparatus and to conform to many PESH regulations.
It has been figured that the Oxford Fire Department and its Friday night BINGO games raised and put back into the community since its opening day over $3 million dollars by either saving taxpayers the burden of having to buy equipment and direct donations to other organizations.
April 2019 the Village sends out an RFP for consulting firms to assist in the development of a comprehensive facilities study.
Kutiks produced an access road to the river in south Oxford in November 2019 providing easier access to water.
Drastic Coronavirus Epidemic rules and changes introduced in March 2020 putting all department functions on hold. BINGO, for the first time since 1976, is closed altering the financial success of the department. The RFP for the station project is awarded to Hueber Breuer of Syracuse. Weekly zoom meetings with the County Emergency Operations Center were attended. For the first time, annual elections were cancelled and all current officers will remain in their current positions. Only meetings to be held are Council meetings with the three Chiefs, Secretary, and treasurer practicing social distancing rules.
July 30, 2020 joint EMS and Fire meeting was held regarding the future of EMS in Oxford.
September 17, 2020 EMS Captain Mark Forrest secures $38,454.00 for distant learning equipment.
January 7th 2021 Labella architects selected to engineer the station project, Napriella engineering to engineer the riverbank revetment project.
March 4, 2021 a mass vaccination clinic started and held at the Oxford Fire Department with Bartles Pharmacy. This clinic would end up seeing nearly 13,000 participants throughout NY State coming through our doors getting vaccinated.
July 15, 2021 new AMKUS battery operated rescue tools placed into service.
September 2021, Oxford paid EMS starts, grant support and writer Julie Burline hired to help secure grant money for the station project.
December 2, 2021 the Coe House, our storage building, gets condemned by Chenango County Code Enforcement.
261 replacement committee consisting of department members Jim Ross, Allen Ross, Dustin Ross and Chief Martin originally created in April 2018 resumes meetings and ultimately recommend Pierce to build the new 261 replacement. Churchville Fire representing Pierce wins the bid and is awarded the contract to build the replacement 261.
May 31, 2022 the old Coe house behind the fire station is torn down by Gorrick construction to provide room for the replacement storage building.
261 is delivered on August 8th, 2022 to the Oxford Fire Department, built to handle call dynamics of today as well as yesterday and the future is put into service.
Capital project passes referendum and the project moves forward much slower than anticipated due to lack of contractors and supplies all leftover consequences of the pandemic.
April 2022 Riverbank project awarded to River Rock Dock, project is put on hold due to funding.
Julie Burline secures an Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $100,000.00 for the Exhaust Capture and Removal System.
December 19, 2022 River Rock Dock removes trees along the Riverbank, official start is still a long time away.
The end of 2022 word has been received that OSHA/PESH plan to incorporate standards and merge with NFPA to rewrite the 1910.156 Fire Brigade rules. These rules and standards proposed could have the effect of forever changing the fire service.
June 29, 2023 Captain Chad Stein and Chief Martin travel to Bucks Motorsports and pick up the departments new Polaris Ranger UTV complete with skid unit pump and rescue package. The unit was paid for with donations and a matching grant secured by Chief Martin with the Raymond Foundation. The next day the unit was put into service with membership training.
By June 2023 the proposed changes to 1910.156 fire brigade standard gains ground and information is released of 21 critical changes to complete standards and 14 other parts of standards incorporating the words Shall and Must over 1500 times is received and digested. Critical changes to the fire service and the cost of volunteering could forever change. The fire service was put on notice that changes were coming but still not approved or accepted at this point.
July 2023, the Oxford Fire Department celebrates two hundred years in existence serving the residents and people of Chenango County. A parade, dedication event, speakers, cake and ice cream followed by an end of evening fireworks show put on by American Fireworks capped the event.
January 1, 2024 Brisben fire department closes its doors for the final time, Greene and Oxford fire departments now cover calls and district is re-aligned.
July 2024 the official building of the riverbank revetment wall gets underway and is completed 7 weeks later.
September 2024 Exhaust Capture and Removal system is installed, electrical project awarded to Westcott Electric, installation of new generator and electrical upgrades started.
November 2024 new roof replacement project begins and is finished in December.
January 2024 the OSHA/PESH & NFPA public comment periods come to an end, the fire service awaits to see if any changes or rule changes are made and if so what the impact to the volunteer and community it may have.
Westcott electric completes electric room upgrades and generator installation in January 2025.
Thank You
Special Thanks to E and J Ross for the detailed research and knowledge set forth herein.
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