History of Belford Engine Co. # 1
In 1916, a fire broke out at Joe Clark’s lumber yard in Belford, New Jersey. A bucket brigade was quickly formed, which later evolved into what is now the Belford Engine Fire Company No. 1.
That February, a group of citizens recognized the need for an organized fire company in the community and launched a campaign to raise funds for a fire truck. The first official meeting was held on July 24, 1916. The minutes from that meeting are as follows:
Belford, July 24, 1916
Minutes of a meeting called for the purpose of organizing a Fire Company
A motion was made and carried to elect Lester C. Walling as Temporary Chairman. Another motion was passed to name the company Belford Chemical Engine Company No. 1.
The following officers were nominated and elected:
- President: Joseph R. Hyers
- Vice President: Harold D. Willett
- Secretary: Joseph Halliday
- Treasurer: Henry B. Clayton
- Captain: Lester C. Walling
- Lieutenant: George Halsey
- Second Lieutenant: Matthias Lehman
- Trustees: F. Yarnell (3 years), R.B. Eastmond (2 years), Albert Maxson (1 year)
It was decided that company meetings would be held on the second Thursday of each month. The initiation fee for new members was set at one dollar ($1.00).
The following committee was appointed for incorporation:
- C.E. Runyon, F.P. Yarnell, J.R. Hyers
With no further business, the meeting adjourned, set to reconvene on July 31, 1916. The company was officially incorporated on August 14, 1916, making it the third organized fire company in the Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD).
The company’s first fire truck was purchased in November 1916 from the W.S. Nott Company, featuring a Victor Motor Chemical Engine. A Hudson fire truck followed, and in 1927, the company acquired a Sanford 500-gallon pumper. In 1948, a 750-gallon Mack fire truck replaced the Sanford pumper.
By 1957, the firehouse was expanded from a one-bay to a two-bay, two-story stucco building following a fire on the second floor. In 1962, the company purchased a 1,000-gallon Hahn fire truck equipped with the latest firefighting technology. Another 1,000-gallon Hahn truck was added in 1971, arriving in August 1973 to meet the company’s growing needs.
In 1976, the 1948 Mack pumper became a company legend. Members voted to paint it red, white, and blue in celebration of America’s Bicentennial, making it one of only three fire trucks on the East Coast with this patriotic design. However, to comply with department regulations, it was later repainted traditional fire engine red.
That same year, Belford Engine responded to 400 fire calls, the highest in the township. In 1977, the company celebrated 60 years of service and was awarded the Department Inspection Trophy for the best fire equipment.
In 1998, Belford Engine dedicated a new firehouse with a formal ceremony. The new building, pictured below, symbolizes the company’s ongoing commitment to serving the community.
Belford Engine is primarily funded through annual contribution drives, various fundraising events, and support from Middletown Township. The company prides itself on maintaining modern fire equipment, capable of handling all types of fires in the township, along with an above-average manpower turnout for emergencies.
