Brentwood Bankruptcy Attorney

Brentwood is safeguarded by the Brentwood Fire Department, operating as a volunteer fire department. This department offers crucial emergency fire rescue services to individuals residing within the political boundaries of the Brentwood Fire District. Covering an expansive area of 24 square miles (62 km2), its jurisdiction extends over Brentwood, North Bay Shore, and Baywood. However, Emergency Medical Service is not provided by the fire department; instead, it is handled by Brentwood Legion Ambulance, a volunteer ambulance department operating within the fire district borders. Despite their distinct roles, the Brentwood Fire Department and Brentwood Legion Ambulance collaborate closely to ensure the safety and well-being of the community members they serve.

Brentwood Fire Department

The Brentwood Fire Department traces its origins back to 1898 when local residents united to combat brush and forest fires threatening their homes and farmlands. On August 28, 1899, land was acquired from Mrs. Elvira S. Studley, marking the incorporation of the Brentwood Fire District. Initially named the Brentwood Hook and Ladder Company, the department established its first firehouse in 1900 and acquired a used fire apparatus from the Islip Fire Department.

In 1926, Theodore Freund was elected as the first Fire Chief following the department’s reorganization. Unfortunately, on March 30, 1928, the original firehouse was destroyed by fire, resulting in the loss of many records. Nevertheless, a two-story brick house was erected on the same site, still utilized today as the department gymnasium. By 1932, the name “Brentwood Fire Department” was formally adopted, and in 1937, the installation of the hamlet’s first fire hydrants occurred, with subsequent expansion of the fire district’s political boundaries.

In 1955, a new firehouse was constructed on Fourth Street, replacing the previous facility. Since then, the Brentwood Fire Department has diligently served the community, responding to an average of 1,500 calls annually. Renowned as one of the busiest fire departments in Suffolk County, it operates within the Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) system, identified with department identifier number 3-2-0.

The District’s governance falls under an elected five-member Board of Fire Commissioners, responsible for financial management, policy establishment, and budget approval. The District Treasurer, appointed by the Board, serves as the chief fiscal officer, overseeing the receipt, custody, disbursement, and accounting of District funds. In 2010, the District’s total expenditures amounted to approximately $5.8 million.

Firehouses within the district include Quanahasset Engine Company #1, Pines Engine Company #2, Ames & Elliott R.A.C. Company #3, Sagtikos Engine Company #4, Central Engine Company #5, and Edgewood Engine Company #6. Additionally, there is a Hook and Ladder Company #1 and the Fire Prevention Company #9.

Brentwood Legion Ambulance

Brentwood Legion Ambulance was founded in 1959 by William J.A. Seymour, following a personal experience that highlighted the lack of ambulance services in Brentwood. After sustaining serious injuries in a car accident and enduring a lengthy wait for assistance, Seymour recognized the urgent need for change.

Gathering members from the American Legion’s Joseph Loeffler Post 1006, Seymour and his team, totaling no more than 25 volunteers, embarked on establishing the ambulance service. The inclusion of “Legion” in the department’s name pays homage to the dedication of these American Legion Post members.

Initially operating with a converted 1948 Cadillac hearse as their first ambulance, the department has since grown significantly. Over 250 volunteers from across Long Island now contribute their time to aid their neighbors. Throughout its 50-year history, Brentwood Legion Ambulance has continuously upgraded its equipment and vehicles, evolving into a modern, state-of-the-art emergency response service.