Depew Engine 4

1985 Pierce Arrow Pumper

1500 GPM Pump, 500 Gallon Tank

Central Hose Co. #4

112 Brewster St.

Depew, NY 14043

(716) 683-9803

History of the Incorporation of the Central Hose Company #4

By: Past Chief Arthur J. Domino

The construction of Saint Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church in 1896 led to additional development in the north east section of the Village of Depew. The fire apparatus of the day in Depew was limited to hose carts that were pulled by hand, or by horse if available. This would cause a great deal of time lost in responding to an alarm of fire in the area from the existing fire stations. Often times with the railroads interfering in the expedient arrival of fire equipment from the south side, it became more and more apparent that a closer and more suitable means of fire protection was needed.

At the January 6, 1902 Village Board meeting, Mr. M. Kopchepski of the north east section of the village, addressed the board asking that this section of the village be allowed a hose cart and hose for fire protection. After hearing Mr. Kopchepski’s plea, the matter was referred to the fire and water committee.

It was reported at the July 24, 1902 meeting of the Village Board that, in the opinion of the fire and water committee, the Village of Depew had all the fire needed, and that the village could not support any additional companies.

Evidently, the residents of the area did not give up as they continued to pressure, threaten, beg, and demand that a fire company be organized for the northeast section of the village. At the August 21, 1902 meeting of the Village Board, the question of a charter for a fire company at the northeast section of the village was referred to the village attorney. This was followed up by a resolution on September 22, 1902, offered by Trustee Martin Kieffer and seconded by Trustee Henry Ullman, that the Central Hose Company Number Four be granted a charter.

The name Central Hose apparently was derived from the nearby New York Central Shops, which were located off Ellicott Place and where many of the original fire company members were employed.

Depew Engine 4-1

1941 GMC—Buffalo Fire Appliance

500 GPM Centrifugal Pump, Booster Tank

Truck was given to the Depew DPW in 1964 to fight Dump Fires. It was returned to the company in 1971 and restored as a showpiece for parades and other events.