Engine eleven was founded in 1929 by a small group of men who enjoyed visiting the fire house and who declared themselves an auxiliary company banded for social purposes only. The organization came as a natural growth among men who fell into the habit of gathering informally to discuss their common interest in matters pertaining to the Utica Fire Department. An Inaugural Dinner was held on Februar
y 2, 1932 and Engine Eleven got underway with the election of Dr. Fred J. Douglas, Utica Fire Department’s foremost friend and benefactor, as its first Chief of Engine Eleven. No fire engine in the City of Utica Fire Department ever had been designated No 11. This number is reserved for a group of people - doctors, lawyers, business people, clerks, politicians, blue-collar workers and others who have banded together to be members of Engine Eleven. The purpose of Engine Eleven is “to maintain the fine traditions of the Fire Fighting Service of the City of Utica, to promote and encourage community support for fire protection needs, to provide recognition for faithful and outstanding service by the fire fighters in the line of duty and to foster a relationship of comradeship between members of the fire department and citizens of the community”. Today, Engine Eleven is keeping up these great traditions, although a great many things have changed in the fire service over the years. Engine eleven’s commitment has not changed. Each year Engine Eleven has two membership events. At the annual Spring meeting, election of officers for the new year takes place in addition to honoring those firefighters who will be retiring that year. Each retiring firefighter receives a plaque with his badge and number inscribed on it along with an official patch of the City of Utica Fire Department and appropriate rank collar brass. Also, there is a firefighter of the year award presented. This award is presented to any firefighter or firefighters for outstanding service over the last year. This is a very well attended function both by the firefighters and Engine Eleven members. In the Summer Engine Eleven hosts a golf outing and clambake for the members and fire fighters. This provides a great informal atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Engine Eleven is in the process of helping provide fund raising efforts to refurbish Utica’s 1949 American LaFrance Pumper to its original condition. This truck would be used by the firefighters to promote Fire Prevention activities in parades and other ceremonies. Being a firefighter is a difficult and hazardous occupation. Engine Eleven provides a way for the community to show its support to such an important group of people and what they do to help our community.
