Utica Fire Department Historical Society, Inc

Utica Fire Department Historical Society, Inc The City of Utica Fire Department was established June 1st, 1874. President: Deputy Chief John Kelly
Vice President: Ret. Chief James Barefoot
Treasurer: Capt.

John Karwacki
Secretary: FF Patrick Green

On this day in 1983 firefighters fought a 2nd alarm fire with a special call at 848 Kossuth Ave. - the Madison Bowling G...
06/23/2026

On this day in 1983 firefighters fought a 2nd alarm fire with a special call at 848 Kossuth Ave. - the Madison Bowling Garden. Heavy black smoke was pouring from the roof as firefighters arrived. According to fire dispatchers, the switchboard "lit up like a Christmas tree" with calls reporting the fire. Fire investigators stated the fire was mainly in the area near the pin setting machines and spread throughout the first floor. The business was owned by Utica Firefighter Greg Penree. Pictured is Firefighter Barbara Cross holding an attic ladder for Firefighter Renato Roefaro who is venting the front.

On this day in 2016 firefighters fought a working fire at 1540 Brinckerhoff Ave. The fire was confined to the attic and ...
06/22/2026

On this day in 2016 firefighters fought a working fire at 1540 Brinckerhoff Ave. The fire was confined to the attic and 12 occupants were left homeless.

Pictured is Deputy Chief Mike Wusik speaking with owner Thu Nguyen.

On this day in 1973 firefighters fought a 2nd alarm fire with 3 special calls for Engines 8, 6, 1, and Truck 4 at 72 N. ...
06/22/2026

On this day in 1973 firefighters fought a 2nd alarm fire with 3 special calls for Engines 8, 6, 1, and Truck 4 at 72 N. Genesee St. This was the location of Empire Waste and Metal Corporation. The spectacular fire generated a huge column of smoke that was visible from Washington Mills. A crowd estimated at 1500 watched firefighters fight the fire in the 500 foot wooden building. A fire wall prevented the fire from spreading to a section of the building used by the Postal Service.
According to Assistant Chief William Lennon, eleven pieces of apparatus fought the fire. Firefighter Raymond Salerno was injured when a section of the roof collapsed and showered him with debris. He was treated and released at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.
A homeless and unemployed man, Michael Meier, was arrested at the scene by Penn Central Railroad Police. He was accused of refusing to leave the area and assaulting Railroad Police Officer Frank H. Jessie.

On this day in 1995 firefighters fought a working fire with a special call for an additional Truck Co. at 502 Mary St. T...
06/22/2026

On this day in 1995 firefighters fought a working fire with a special call for an additional Truck Co. at 502 Mary St. The fire was reported at 4:45 pm and confined to the second floor of the vacant building.

On this day in 1991 firefighters fought a working fire at 893 - 895 Bleecker Street - Nash's Restaurant. The fire began ...
06/21/2026

On this day in 1991 firefighters fought a working fire at 893 - 895 Bleecker Street - Nash's Restaurant. The fire began on the exterior and spread inside to the first and second floors. The intentionally set fire was placed under control in fifteen minutes.

Pictured is firefighter Mike DeFazio getting some air on the second floor.

On this day in 1962 a 1st Alarm Fire occurred at 151 N. Genesee Street - F.J. Speck Co.
06/21/2026

On this day in 1962 a 1st Alarm Fire occurred at 151 N. Genesee Street - F.J. Speck Co.

On this day in 2007 firefighters fought a working fire at 500 Lansing St. The fire began in the first floor hallway and ...
06/20/2026

On this day in 2007 firefighters fought a working fire at 500 Lansing St. The fire began in the first floor hallway and spread quickly to the second floor. Pictured is firefighter Marcel Wrobel venting the second floor.
The fire was determined to be arson according to Chief Fire Marshal Ray Beck.

On this day in 1998 firefighters fought a working fire at 800 John St. This building was the former Quinn, Ryan, and Gun...
06/20/2026

On this day in 1998 firefighters fought a working fire at 800 John St. This building was the former Quinn, Ryan, and Gunn Funeral Home, and the Assembly of Christian Churches.

On this day in 2000 firefighters fought a working fire at 529 Mary St. in a vacant house. Pictured is firefighter Mick C...
06/20/2026

On this day in 2000 firefighters fought a working fire at 529 Mary St. in a vacant house. Pictured is firefighter Mick Cienava opening up a wall.

We are pleased to announce several additions to our historical item collection. The first item is a badge from the volun...
06/19/2026

We are pleased to announce several additions to our historical item collection. The first item is a badge from the volunteer department that dates to 1868. These were given to all volunteer department members and it allowed firefighters to cross police lines to fight fires. Thanks to Fire Marshal Nower for acquiring this badge and getting it to the Historical Society.

The next item is a 1890's era lantern that was on Engine 1's 1894 American LaFrance steamer.

The next item is a 1940's era indicator box from Central Station. This was used by the house-watch man to keep track of in and out of service companies.

The last item is a 14' canvas print of a photo from when the department was completely motorized in 1917. This item was given to us by Jeff Madden from the New Hartford Historical Society and now hangs in the Fire Academy.

If you have historical Utica Fire Department items that you wish to donate please message us on Facebook, email us at [email protected] or call 315-792-0264.

Address

1320 Bleecker Street
Utica, NY
13501

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