MLPFC History

1950 – Ladies Auxiliary Formed
The year 1950 was an important one from the firemen’s standpoint. Ever alert to help their men, the women formed the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company on September 24th and from their inception have proved a very valuable asset to the firemen. Under the leadership of its first elected president, Mrs. Charles Schaffer and the original fifteen charter members they planned fund-raisers and card parties that were able to start a treasury, which in the following years grew through their untiring efforts, enabling the auxiliary to accomplish many great things for the fire company. The long hours and hard work preformed by the Auxiliary during past forest fires alone would require a volume of words to tell. Past Presidents of the Ladies Auxiliary 1950-51 Mrs. Charles Schaffer 1951-53 Mrs. Blanche G. Hance 1953-55 Mrs. Hertha Rolufs 1955-57 Mrs. Kitty Gibson 1957-72 Mrs. Hertha Rolufs 1972-73 Mrs. Alice Lopez 1973-77 Mrs. Gladys Giglevitch
1951 – Extension of Firehouse
Extension of the Firehouse ground floor was completed in this year, bringing the building to the present housing capacity of three trucks.
1952 – Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company, Inc.
After making application for official recognition under the laws of the State of New York, the incorporation was granted in October. Officially the Fire Company became the Mountain Lodge Park Fire Co., Inc. and became a part of the Salisbury Mills Fire District. This is the most important event in the life of the Fire Company. As a result of an inspection by the Board of Fire Underwriters which showed an adequate alarm system, satisfactory equipment and better fire protection, the application for reduced fire insurance rates in our fire district was granted. 1952 - Line and Civil Officers Chief Henry Rolufs President Albert Perri Captain Edson Eldridge Vice President Arthur Golden 1st Lieutenant William Rosello Secretary Sidney Rosenwasser 2nd Lieutenant Theodore Rolufs Treasurer Michael Aquinas
1953 – Upper Floor and Rear Addition
The Fall of 53’ saw the start of work on the upper floor and rear addition to the firehouse. Work was completed in 1954. All manual labor was preformed by the firemen who gave of their time and physical efforts unstintingly and with much sacrifice. Also in this year, the Ladies Auxiliary was instrumental in completely equipping the beautiful kitchen we have, so widely admired by all of the community who have attended our Open House affairs.
1954 – Modern Fire Truck – 1955
In the fall of 1954, by unanimous vote, the civic-minded taxpayers of our district voted in favor of purchasing a new fire truck for our Fire Company. At our August 1955 Open House, the arrival of the new Ford- La France Tank Fire Truck was greeted enthusiastically by the firemen and the people of the community.
1957 – Emergency Truck
A new piece of equipment was purchased by the Fire Company to further improve its efficiency. This was a four-wheel drive emergency truck on which all portable equipment is carried.
Equipment on trucks (as of 1957) The total carrying capacity of the trucks is 2,000 gallons of water, along with 800 feet of 1 ½ inch hose, 200 feet of high pressure hose, plus various nozzles including the latest if fog nozzles. Also carried on the trucks are two self-contained gas masks, one Neolator – a life-saving device, portable generator, portable pump, hose jumpers, chimney sweep, fourteen Indian Tanks and rakes & hoes for brush or forest fires.
The 1960's
The Fire House was expanded by the addition of two more truck bays.
The Taxpayers of our district voted in favor of purchasing a new truck which was a 1,000 gallon Pumper with the capacity to hold 1,000 gallons of water, thus bringing the number of trucks to four.
1970, 1972, 1973 & 1974
	The Taxpayers approved the purchase of a 1971 Tanker which carries 1,500 gallons of water with a 250 gpm pump. Also, as part of its efficiency, a 1,500 gallon Porto Tank was carried on this truck New ceilings in the truck area and the upstairs meeting hall were installed. Chief Henry Rolufs after having served 20 years as Chief decided to step down and hoped someone would take over the responsibility. Chief Rolufs served the company well for many years and now is a Life Member. Assistant Chief Tommie McDuffie was voted in to replace Chief Rolufs. Also in '73, the fire company purchased two radios which were placed in the chief and assistant chief’s cars The Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company and the Salisbury Mills Fire Company were set up with improved alert systems – plectrons and base stations. -click here- for readable scan of original Orange County Post article
1975
In another step to improve communications and fire reporting system, the Mountain Lodge Park Fire Company joined the Mutual Aid Central Headquarters hook-up. There were forty-three active members of the fire company and five members of the fire police. The Ladies Auxiliary consisted of 35 members.
1976