FIRE PATROL COMPANY NO. 1

The Fire Patrol Company #1 is the last of the Line Companies to be formed in the Babylon Fire Department.  Its Charter Meeting was held on January 5, 1931 when seven interested and concerned men formed a unit that would provide a greater measure of safety, survey and surveillance at fire scenes.  The charter members were Edward Ward - Captain, Charles Gaffga, Joseph Ford, E.H. Southard, Ellis Wilmont, W. Pearsall and N. Pearsall.

The members of the Babylon Fire Patrol #1 are justly proud of their seventy-four years of service to the Village of Babylon and to the Babylon Fire department. Initially, a minimal age of 25 was required to join the company, this company by-law, which fostered a,” more mature” membership lasted until 1975 when the age was reduced to 18.

The first Vehicle provided to the Fire Patrol Company was the REO truck formerly used by the Electric Hose Company.  This truck was used to transport men and equipment to emergency scenes and other incidents. The primary duties were traffic control, maintaining fire lines and assisting other companies. This included support duties delegated by the Officers of the Department. 

When apparatus designations were assigned the Fire Patrol truck was given 1-2-7. The designations made it easier to identify apparatus, companies and officers by radio communications during incident response. Babylon Town is in Division 1 of Suffolk County, BFD is Department 2 in division 1, and hence BFD is identified by 1-2-X, where X is the truck or officer designation.  

In 1935 a Diamond “T” truck, fitted with floodlights and a portable generator, was delivered.  At this point, the character and purpose of the Patrol was established.  This apparatus served our Company and the Babylon Fire department well for the next twenty years. During this period our members provided lighting, crowd control, traffic direction and added level of safety for our firefighters and civilians alike.

From 1953 until 1979 a Ford Motor Company truck equipped with large incandescent floodlights served as the Companies vehicle. This apparatus provided powerful lighting, was equipped with ventilation equipment, auxiliary tools and salvage equipment for additional operations. In 1975 the truck was equipped Scott Air Packs. Patrol responsibilities were expanded with these additional capabilities, a trend that continues. In addition to allowing for more effective appraisals and attacks at fires, the Patrol could now play a more active role in incident operations.

In 1979 the Fire Patrol petitioned and defended successfully, the belief that a new truck was needed and deserved.  In August 1980, a 1979 GMC Grumman-built, utility style, truck was purchased for the company.  The vehicle was equipped with floodlights, generator, compressor and a Scott-Air cascade system that allowed for refilling of self-contained breathing apparatus. This ability allowed for SCBA units to be re-filled and used at an incident extending the operating time for firefighters. This allowed for increased interior search and fire suppression capabilities for the whole department. The vehicle was equipped with 4-wheel drive, and a heavy- duty utility body containing equipment suited for use at most emergencies. 

This same year Patrol members volunteered to respond to nighttime motor vehicle accidents (MVA s) when our Rescue Squad was called to such a scene.  These members reasoned that the Rescue Squad and accident victims were often dangerously exposed to passing traffic during rescue and medical operations.  They believed that lighting and traffic direction by the Fire Patrol would reduce their exposure.

In September 1977 the Company formed a new truck committee to investigate and justify the replacement of 1-2-7. Many members believed that the company was ready, willing and able to again expand their operational capabilities to support our community. In November 1977 the company was first invited to attend Department training drills at the County facility in Yaphank.

1979 brought further company responsibilities including required response to all Beach alarms and to night time MVA’s. The company welcomed additional responsibilities and continued to learn new operations. In 1982 a Hurst tool complete with hydraulic pump, spreader and ancillary parts was provisioned. 1-2-7 now carried the “Jaws of Life” and was capable of performing extrication operations. The members trained hard and competed in J.O.L.T. tourneys to hone their skills. The Company’s primary role had slowly morphed from one of incident control, lighting and salvage to that of an active heavy rescue unit. In 1983 yellow reflective traffic control jackets were provided. Also in 1983 the first female Fire Patrol member was accepted.     

The company hosted its first St. Patrick’s Day Fund Raiser in 1981. The event proved a huge success. In 1984 the Fire Patrol and Electric Hose Companies hosted a joint block party on Cedar Street.

With expanded rescue operations in mind, an order for Vetter air bags was placed in September of 1986. The units were delivered, members trained and the equipment was put in service by November of 1986. This equipment enabled 1-2-7 to respond to and support lifting operations such as collapses, heavy vehicle and even railroad accidents. In 1989 large fire extinguishers were installed on the rear tailboard of 1-2-7. In March of the same year OSHA approved personal protective equipment was provided to active members.

In addition to the above dates, 1-2-7 has operated at many serious fire and accident scenes where the Hurst Tool, Winch, Air Bags and Lights have assisted the Department and many civilians in rescue efforts.

In 1993, the Fire Patrol successfully petitioned the Board of Wardens for a replacement for the GMC.  After several years of committee work by dedicated members of the company, a 1997 Saulsbury Heavy Rescue Truck was delivered to the Fire Patrol in April of 1998.

The 10 Man Crew Cab is outfitted with a 9,000 Watt telescoping, quartz light tower, a 12.5 KVA PTO Generator, an Inflatable Rescue boat with outboard motor, an on-board air supply for pneumatic tools or boat inflation and a full compliment of rescue equipment and tools.

The Fire Patrol has become the Heavy Rescue unit that responds as a Truck Company to all incidents, but is first due at special technical operations. The company takes pride in this role and trains aggressively to maintain their expertise. The company responds to and participates at all incidents, whether it be to establish fire lines and direct traffic, to extricate victims and clean-up an MVA, to provide lighting or positive ventilation, to perform marine rescues or to perform internal searches at working fires, the Patrol is always there.   

The early years of the new millennium have seen a large influx of new volunteers. Some attribute this to the events of 9-11 others simply to stepped-up efforts to recruit and retain new members. All new members are now required to complete a County sponsored course consisting of approximately 107 hours of study and practical classes that complies with the NFPA 1001 and 1901 and national Firefighter I standards. Additionally, all members must achieve and maintain CPR and Haz-Mat Operations certifications. The active members of Fire Patrol currently consist of a good mix of veterans and “recent arrivals”. The result is an invigorated group who is active both in response and training.

Since 2002, 1-2-7 has seen many new equipment additions including, a basic life support bag, a stair chair, a new Hurst “O”-cutter, a gas powered chain saw, a Class D extinguisher, new 2.2 Scott Air Packs with integrated PASS alarms, and a new Hurst Air bag system consisting of five various shaped inflatable bags, controller, hoses and accessories. In addition to the time spent training and responding, the company spends time researching and investigating new rescue techniques and tools to ensure our response abilities meet the latest needs of the community. For example, the advent and use of SRS and SIRS (vehicle air bags) in modern vehicles poses special concerns, as does hybrid and alternate fuel vehicles. Special tools and procedures are required to operate safely in an ever-changing world. 

The Babylon Fire Department Fire Patrol Company # 1 continues its tradition of dedication, hard work and willingness to accept new responsibilities in support of our brother companies and the communities we serve.