Belmont Fire Company Hook and Ladder Company # 1

Elmont Fire Department, Elmont Rd, Elmont

First Registry Book, Established 1905

As the community continued to grow, many areas acquired their own identities, post offices and fire departments. In the area which became Elmont, many residents and businesses acknowledged the protective need of a fire department. In 1905, local farmers and businessmen from the area met at the Hoeffner Hotel, organized by August Belmont Jr and Philip H. Hoeffner. Belmont had an interest in protecting his race track. August Belmont donated $2,500 towards the project and track of land was purchased from John Stattel for $200 on Elmont Road. The company was named Belmont Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 in honor of Belmont. Many of the early firemen who joined the Belmont Fire Company were from settling families of Fosters Meadow, as can be observed in the below list. The Belmont Fire Company is now part of the Elmont Fire Department. In the list below the term “exempt” refers to that the member is no longer on active duty. They still paid dues and were invited to parties, meetings and social functions.