Independence Engine and Hose Company

Independence Engine and Hose Company. . , On February 19th, 1890, a devastating fire destroyed the buildings of the Howell Block on the east side of Broadway between David and Henry Streets. The local volunteers of the Joseph Capner Goodwill Fire Company were no match for the overwhelming blaze as they valiantly fought the flames with the only available equipment of the day, a hand-built Goodwill Engine, which was initially carted to fires in a wheel barrow and operated by two men at the handles of the pump., At approximately 8:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 31, 1890, following a meeting by a group of men gathered at the Rippowan Hotel just below the railroad tracks on lower Augusta Street, the first professional fire company in South Amboy was announced, named the Independence Engine and Hose Co. #1., Also prompted by the fire, a second group met on June 2, 1890, and the Enterprise Hook and Ladder company was permanently organized with both companies sharing this space until 1993, when a new firehouse was constructed on lower George Street for Enterprise. John Dykes (1838-1896), who had been Independence co. chief since June of 1890 was unanimously elected chief of both companies at a joint meeting held December 8, 1890. The first firemen's parade in this city was held August 17, 1891., In 1924, with the original building showing significant signs of age and decline, plans for a new firehouse were set in motion. In June, the work of removing the old firehouse was finished, and by August the new firehouse was rapidly nearing completion, pushed by the contractor John J. Ryan to accommodate the new Mack fire truck apparatus expedited to be received in the coming weeks., From the very beginning, the volunteers that formed these early fire companies showed their commitment to protect the residents of this city, which carries on to this day.