Marking 150 years of serving Warwick

By Roger Gavan
WARWICK — It began New Year’s Eve when, in spite of heavy rain, members of the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department showed up two hours early for what has become a traditional Apple raising and midnight drop on Railroad Avenue.
The Apple Drop ushered in 2019 and also a yearlong series of events to celebrate the department’s 150th anniversary.
Next Saturday evening, Jan. 26, everyone is invited to help support our volunteer firefighters and celebrate this milestone at a “Bowling with the Braves,” 150th anniversary fund raiser.
In 1869As told by Town of Warwick Historian Dr. Richard Hull, the history of the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department goes back to 1869 when the Excelsior Fire Engine Co. No. 1 was organized in the Village of Warwick.
After the installation of the municipal waterwork, the company was reorganized as Excelsior Hose Co. No 1, which was incorporated in 1888 and then moved to High Street.
Three years earlier, by the way, the Florida Fire Department formed.
The Goodwill Hook and Ladder Company on Forester Avenue was established in 1890 and its former firehouse was what is now Village Hall.
The Raymond Hose Co. 2, formerly located on Howe Street, was formed in 1896.
The most recent addition was Engine Company No. 3 on South Street Extension, which was established in 1967.
And along the way there were also other volunteer fire companies formed in Greenwood Lake, Pine Island and Amity.
On the scheduleOther 150th anniversary events scheduled this year include:
• The annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 20;
• The Fireman’s Carnival and Fireworks June 26-29;
• Hosting the 104th Orange County Volunteer Fireman’s Association annual convention and parade on Sept. 28; and
• The annual Christmas Tree lighting on Nov. 29.