By Herb Foster //
Thursday, Nov. 19, 1874, was an important date in the history of northern Westchester. On that day, a serious fire started in a hotel basement in Old Katonah. As devastating as that blaze became, it provided the spark that eventually led to the creation of the Katonah Fire Department, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout this year. That fire quickly spread, and eight neighboring buildings were burned. The local paper at the time — by the way, aptly named The Recorder — called the blaze “a sudden and terrible disaster,” and then went on to say, “the result might have been less disastrous had the village processed sufficient means of protecting against fire.”
While a heroic effort by citizens saved the rest of the village, it was clear something had to be done. Two days later, a meeting was held, which led to the formation of two committees. One was tasked with collecting assessments to purchase ladders and buckets; the other was asked to study the cost of fire engines, extinguishers and equipment. The KFD owes its formation to those initial steps taken 150 years ago. This 150th celebration, visible during the department’s annual June 5 parade and at the three-day carnival that followed, will continue throughout the year. Special booklets capturing the 150-year history have been published, along with shirts marking the occasion. The commemorative booklets were sold at the parade and are available from the fire department.
The importance of this anniversary is captured by Matthew Whalen, chief of department and a Bedford police detective, who says in the booklet, “The Katonah Fire Department has stood the test of time, day after day, year after year, decade after decade. We have remained a pillar in this community to this day.”
The first piece of equipment the department purchased — an 1874 pumper, called “The Pride of Katonah” — rode on a trailer in the parade, accompanied by members in recreated uniforms from the 1800s. Normally, the pumper is proudly on display in front of the fire department’s main entrance.
Another historic piece of equipment — the 1928 American LaFrance Engine, called “MaryAnn” — also traveled in the parade, utilizing its own power, with the department’s commissioners riding as passengers. In addition, residents along the parade route were able to contribute to obtain special commemorative sponsor placards, which they placed along the parade route.
There have been a series of earlier anniversary events. On April 14, members and their families gathered at the Katonah Presbyterian Church for a 150th memorial service, recognizing volunteers who had served. A special winter anniversary party was held in February.
The commemorations will continue in October at the Katonah Fire Department’s annual Blaze, a neighborhood event, complete with live music, games and activities, plus a bonfire! The final event in the yearlong commemoration will take place at the department’s annual inspection dinner in November. This dinner is normally held earlier in the fall, but was moved to be closer to the date in 1874 when the department officially got started. Ex-chief Dean Pappas commented on the celebration events, saying, “We hope these activities will emphasize to the community that our service is so vital. Volunteering is essential for a community like Katonah. Nothing says community like a strong volunteer spirit.”When asked about achievements over the years, Whalen pointed out that the department has kept up with the modern technology and equipment, and has worked hard to improve member training. He also noted that the KFD leadership is getting younger, pointing to Lt. Ryan Hayes, who, at age 24, is responsible for organizing all the 150th anniversary activities.
Department members march in the June 5 parade in Katonah; Jim MacLean photo.
One of the volunteer firefighters, Gabe Palacio, has recorded a video series, “Stories of 150 years of the Katonah Fire Department.” These feature interviews with longtime members reflecting on their years with the department including advancements and interesting calls. They are available on the KFD website, katonahfd.org. A powerful blend of unity and strong bonds make the KFD seem more like a large family than a loose group of volunteers who fight fires. Indeed, family heritage can be seen throughout the department. Whalen, who joined when he was 16, has numerous relatives involved, including his brother, uncle, cousin and his father, an ex-chief who was a member during the 100th anniversary celebration. More than half of current KFD members is estimated to be following in their relatives’ footsteps.
Jeff Kellogg, well known locally for his association with his family’s hardware store in Katonah, joined the department before this 18th birthday, continuing a family legacy. In the video stories, he says, “I had many relatives that were in the department at that time, and it just seemed like a natural fit. My dad was chief of the department in the early ‘50s. Both my grandfathers were members and my great-grandfather was in the department. My wife, Nina, both of her grandfathers were also in the department, and she has a great-grandfather who was a member as well.”Given their families’ deep connections to the KFD, Jeff and Nina Kellogg have yet another personal tie to the department: they met for the first time at the annual Katonah Fire Department Carnival.
Whalen summarizes the members’ tight bonds and shared service mission well in his opening letter to KFD in the 150th booklet: “KFD is more than just a group of people that get together to do vital and heroic work, KFD is a family, a collection of people who would give anything to help each other.”
The Katonah Fire Department is actively seeking volunteers. For more information, visit katonahfd.org.
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