BALDWIN FIRE DEPARTMENT

In late November 1921, Leo Marsh met Charles Hoffman on Baldwin Avenue and, while passing the time of day, the two men discussed the purchase by Hose Company No.1 of a new piece of apparatus and the fact that the company intended to discard its old truck. 

The discarding of this old piece of firefighting equipment was the deciding factor in the organization of Hose Company No. 3. 

Therefore, on January 4, 1922, the first meeting was held to organize the new Company - to serve the area north of the railroad tracks - with Leo Marsh presiding. During the session, he was elected the Company’s first Captain. Charles Hoffman was named Lieutenant; R. M. Priessnitz, Secretary; and Charles Forest, Treasurer. 

The only place large enough to house a piece of fire apparatus in those days was Joe Krug’s barn located on old Seaman Avenue, now known as St. Lukes Place. The barn stood near the present Browning Street. Back in the twenties, auto batteries were not up to present day standards and to prevent the truck battery from freezing in the unheated barn, it was kept in Krug’s kitchen. 

Shortly after the Company was organized, a meeting was held at which Lt. Hoffman, a builder by trade, was asked to submit plans and specifications for a new firehouse. In due time, the plan was approved and on October 27, 1923, a housewarming was held in the Company’s new home on Baldwin Avenue. 

In August 1923, the members decided to supplement their equipment with the purchase of a Ford semi-chemical wagon or drill car. The firemen raised their own money to buy this truck, which was sold in 1925. 

Charter members of Hose Company No. 3 were: Leo Marsh, Charles Hoffman, H. M. DeWilde, William J. Robinson, R. Priessnitz, William Koppke, Sr., Dennis Smith, Albert Caretto, Bernhard Paulsen, Marius Syvertsen, Charles Pfister, John Nieman, Albert Peterson, Charles Forest, and George Cheney. 

The Board of Commissioners was petitioned in 1930 to include in the next year’s budget funds for a new firehouse or improvements to the existing house. The board chose the latter and in 1932 Hose Company No. 3 was renovated by raising the original structure and building a new apparatus floor below. That was the first of many renovations to the original house. Hose Company No. 3’s quarters were completely renovated again in 1976. These renovations, which were done almost entirely by the Company, included remodeling the meeting room, adding a third floor Captain’s Office, and renovating the kitchen. Hose Company No. 3’s quarters have been enjoyed by many members of the Department and the community over the years and have been, among other things, the site for Sunday School, the Garden Club, and even a couple of weddings. On Sunday mornings, the kitchen at Hose Company No. 3 continues to be a meeting place for members of all companies to share breakfast and camaraderie. Hose Company No. 3 dedicated the firehouse in April 2012 in honor of Ex-Chief Dominick Famularo. 

An important part of Hose Company No. 3’s activity, since its foundation, has been the Company Racing Team. The team has always enjoyed success, winning many tournaments, both old-fashioned and motorized, over the years. In the 1950’s, the team, still motorized, raced with a “B” rig, built in quarters by Dom Famularo. Later in the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s the team, the “Go Boys,” were a successful old-fashioned team and twice held the State record in the Two into One event. The team has now merged with the Department Racing Team, the Tomcats. 

The Company has always taken care of those in need and has supported and hosted several fundraisers for brother firefighters and members of the community, and for several years provided toys and clothes at Christmas for needy families from Plaza School. The Company has established a scholarship fund in memory of Thomas Roth, Jr. 

The present membership of Hose Company No. 3 is proud of all those members who have preceded them and who have contributed to the fine history and tradition of this great Department. They are most proud of the twenty plus members who have served as Chief of Department. 

Today Hose Company Three (The Go Boys) continues to respond from their quarters on Baldwin Avenue with pride and distinction. The company has over thirty dedicated and highly trained personnel. Hose Company Three has served the community of Baldwin for the past 99 years.