Our History

With over 125 years of service, the Northport Fire Department's history is rich with stories of bravery, service, and community.

1889 - NFD is Founded

The Northport Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1889 as the Northport Hook & Ladder Company. It's original founding members included James Crockfort, Edward Thompson, Edward Pidgeon, Henry S. Mott, William H. Sammis, Joe Vanderbilt, Nathaniel S. Ackerly, and other prominent businessmen. Crockfort had moved to Northport after losing everything to the Great Chicago Fire, prompting the determination to co-found the organization.

1891 - The First Fire

NFD responded to its first fire call on June 26th, 1891 at approximately 6:00am. They responded from their barn headquarters on Woodbine Avenue, pictured below, to a vacant structure on Vernon Valley - although the fire was already extinguished by the time they arrived.

1941 - Emergency Medicine

Recognizing the need to emergency medical services (EMS), the department purchased its first ambulance in 1941 and added a volunteer rescue squad that continues today.

1950s - The Smokeaters

During the 1950s, the fire department added its juniors program, known as the "Smoke Eaters" - a name that's since been changed to a single word. The first female Smoke Eaters, Maureen Mahoney and Michelle Sedlock, joined in the 1980s.

1984 - First Female Firefighter

Northport's first female firefighter was Paula Goldee. She remained a member for several years, paving the way for the female firefighters and EMS providers that serve Northport today.

Today

The Northport Fire Department continues to be active in its community and beyond. It currently operates a combination of engines, ambulances, boats, and other apparatus. The department boasts a roster of more than one-hundred members of the community and responds to more than 1,200 annual calls for service - including fires, smoke alarms, car accidents, medical emergencies, water rescues, and more.

From its first fire to the modern era, the history of the Northport Fire Department is reflected in our current service to the community. The department will continue to enhance its skills, meet the needs of the community, and determinedly answer the call.