The Historical Resume of the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was originally researched for a Historical Honoree Award that was bestowed by the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York for the fire department’s 140th Anniversary in 1992.


On June 2, 1852, the Village of Mexico voted to purchase a hook and ladder truck. That same year, December 10, 1852, 30 men formed Hook & Ladder Company No. 1. A few years later in 1855, a Bucket Brigade organized. MFD currently has two of the original Bucket Brigades' leather buckets.


On April 7, 1860, 21 men were designated to form Engine Company No. 1. In that same year in July of 1860, the Village purchases a Cowing Model #4 Crane-Neck hand pumper. This was designated Engine #1. On March 28, 1861, the new hand engine was used for first time. MVFD restored this 1860 Cowing hand pumper in 1992 and has it sitting in our fire station today. Also, for the first time, the annual meeting of Protection Engine Company No. 1 for election of officers was advertised in Mexico Independent weekly newspaper. On July 4, 1861, MFD hosted the first parade of the fire department.


In 1885, the Mexico Fire Department reorganized. Then in 1887, voters, by a vote of 135 to 45, authorized the village to purchase a Silsby steam engine. This was designated Engine #2.







In 1896, the fire department authorized to select a bell for the Engine Hall belfry. This same bell currently decorates the MVFD sign in front of the present fire station on Main Street.


In 1928, voters, by a vote of 87 to 60, authorized the village to purchase a modern American LaFrance motor truck pumper. This was designated Engine #3.





In 1939, Mexico Fire Department incorporates, by authority of New York State Laws, forming what is now Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. The town of Mexico voters, by a vote of 25 to 6, also authorized a town Fire Protection District to contract with the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. for fire protection outside the Village of Mexico. Also, the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a GMC squad car with a front end pump and water tank for rural fire fighting. This was designated Squad #1.


In 1942, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department Inc. purchases a Ford LaFrance 500 gpm pumper for fire fighting. No number was designated for this engine.






In 1951, Parish Oil Company donated a 1945 Ford oil truck to the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. The tank was then refitted and a 250 gpm front end pump was added for use as a tanker for rural fire fighting. This was designated Tanker #1.






In 1957, the Village of Mexico purchased an American LaFrance deluxe 750 gpm pumper. This was designated Engine #4. Also in that same year, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a Ford LaFrance 750 gpm pumper/tanker. This was designated Engine #5.





In 1963, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a Ford LaFrance 750 gpm pumper/tanker with five man ride cab and was the first five man ride cab in Oswego County. This was designated Engine #6.


In 1967, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a Ford Young 1000 gmp pumper/tanker with five man ride cab. This was designated Engine #7.


In 1971, Mexico Vounteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a Ford 1000 gpm pumper/tanker with five man ride cab. This was designated Engine #8.


In 1974, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased the former Grand Union grocery store on Main Street and renovated it for a fire station where we house our equipment today.


In 1975, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a four-wheel drive Dodge Power Wagon as a light rescue truck. This was designated Rescue #1.


In 1976, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a Ford Young 1000 gpm pumper/tanker with five man ride cab. This was designated Engine #9.


In 1982, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased the “Village” pumper and the village of Mexico contracts for fire protection with the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.


In 1988, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. purchased a Ford Marion heavy duty rescue. This was designated Rescue #2.


On January 1, 1991, A Fire Protection District was established for the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department and received a contract with the Town of Mexico for fire/emergency services for the entire township including the village of Mexico.


On January 17, 1992,a new Simon-Duplex Saulsbury 1500 gpm pumper with a 1250 gallon tank, designed as a supply pumper, was delivered to the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department. This unit was originally ordered 11/29/90. This was designated Engine #10.


In 1993, a new light rescue Chevrolet 3500 Saulsbury was delivered. This is a four door chassis with four wheel drive and a custom body for storage of emergency supplies and equipment as well as a slide in unit with 100 gallon water tank and a 100 gpm pump. This was designated Rescue #3.


In 1998, a major addition to the Mexico Fire Station on Main Street was completed. This included additional floor area and height to the main floor for truck storage, as well as modern exterior stone walls.


In 1999, a new Freightliner 4 Guys Tanker put in service. This was designated Tanker #2.


In 2001, a new Spartan Gladiator Saulsbury with a 2000 gpm pump and a 1000 gallon tank was designed as an attack pumper. This was designated Engine #11.


In 2002, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. celebrated its 150th Anniversary on Saturday, September 14.

Submitted by: Henry Meyer Jr.