Owego Fire Department carries on tradition

The Owego Fire Department (OFD), originally founded in 1828 and incorporated in 1862, maintains a long-standing tradition of serving the community.

The department is comprised of five companies; Susquehanna Hose Co. No. 1, Wave Hose Co. No. 2, Croton Hose Co. No. 3, Hiawatha Engine Co. No. 4 and Ahwaga Ladder Co. No. 5.  

Each company has its own company room in one of four stations, including the historic Central Station and Station No. 2 on North Avenue in Owego, along with the “Flats” Station No. 3 on Talcott Street, and Station No. 4 on the Southside. 

Owego’s fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, water rescue, fire police and emergency support services covers the entire Village of Owego and a portion of the Town of Tioga and frequently provides mutual aid to surrounding communities as well.

The OFD Emergency Squad has been in continuous operation since 1948, and holds the distinction of being the first ambulance service in Tioga County. And, in those early days, the ambulance service covered all of Tioga County.

Assistant Chief Jim Morris, born and raised in the area, joined the OFD at a young age.  

Fifteen years later, Morris feels similarly as he did when he first joined, and shared, “I enjoy giving back to the community and support people in need,” adding, “It feels good to give back.”

Generations of families have served in the department throughout the years, and that part of the tradition still continues today.

Morris said that about 15-plus new members came on board in 2017, which is a decline from previous years.

Morris explained that if individuals could volunteer even just ten hours a year, a small amount of time is better than none at all, and in the end, it all adds up benefitting the department as well as giving back to the community. Whether it is as a firefighter, helping with fundraisers, becoming a medic driver or joining the ten to 15 people who serve as emergency support services, every hand is important in the overall success of the department.

Like all other fire departments, Owego dedicates extended time to weekly and state mandated training. For individuals who are interested in firefighting, Morris remarked, “Being an interior firefighter is a commitment of hundreds of hours of training.” 

Morris commented that Phase II of the OFD’s training facility and the training tower remains an ongoing project, while Phase I of the plan, the facility classroom, is up and running.

Other projects, such as the roof repair at Central Fire Station No. 1, are also ongoing. Critical repairs for the fourth floor tower that were being worked through potential grants are now stalled. Morris commented that funds to secure the repair of these projects are a major part of the issue.      

Fundraisers have been an ongoing effort to bring in needed funds for the OFD, along with fundraisers that give back to the community, such as the annual Owego Fallen Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for May 19 this year.

Morris reminds the public, too, that even bringing returnable bottles and cans to Station No. 1 or Station No. 4 is appreciated and makes a difference.

For information or to inquire about volunteering, visit owegofire.org, call (607) 687-1201, or find the Owego Fire Department on Facebook.