After a disastrous fire destroyed several large businesses in 1923, it became evident that Ghent needed fire protection. In November of 1924, the first group of nineteen firefighters, then known as "The Ghent Fire Protectors" voted to build the first firehouse.
Much has changed since those early days. The number of fire causes and fuels have increased, requiring firefighting tactics to advance beyond just “putting the wet stuff on the red stuff”. Specialized firefighting and rescue equipment is more complex than ever. Our role as firefighters has grown from “just putting out fires” to a level of “all hazards mitigation”.
But some aspects will never change
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We remain committed to the three priorities of Life Safety, Incident Stabilization, and Property Conservation.
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We are here to help educate you on preventing hazardous situations and knowing what to do should the unthinkable happen.
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We continue to train, update and improve so that we can meet the challenges that face our community today and in the future.
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We stand ready to defend you and your family. After all, we are NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS.
Additionally, today we work with neighboring fire departments under mutual aid agreements as well as being part of the Columbia County Battalion 4 group. This form of incident management system provides each district with additional manpower and equipment when needed.
Click on the above map to see our home district (outlined in red)
Our History
TRIVIA: Did you ever wonder what the fire department badge represents?
The badge of a firefighter is the Maltese Cross, a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old.
When the Knights of St John fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they were attacked with a
new weapon, fire. It brought agonizing pain and death to the brave fighters for the cross. As hundreds of the knights were burned and killed, others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths.
Thus, these men became our first firemen and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each a badge of honor - a cross similar to the one firefighters wear today.
Since the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.
As the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago, the Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. The Maltese Cross is a firefighter’s badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage.
