In April 1874 a major fire occurred in the Village of Monticello and destroyed the Exchange Hotel, Hindley's Saloon, Kent's Barber Shop, The Republican Watchman newspaper office, Billing's Flour and Feed Store and Curley's Hotel.  This fire, more that anything else, was an impetus for the formation of the Monticello Fire Department.

The Civil War had ended 9 years earlier and Ulysses S. Grant was President.  On March 8, 1875, the Monticello Fire Department was organized with 83 charter members.  Wednesday evening March 10, 1875 at Pelton's hall and the office of A.C. Butts the Monticello Fire Department was formed.  Two companies were organized that night, Monticello Engine Company #1 and Mountain Hose Company #1.  It wasn't until February 1876 that Rescue Hook and Ladder was formed with 124 members none of whom belonged to the two other companies.  In 1875, the population of the Village of Monticello was 912, one tenth of the total population became members of the fire department.

Friend W. Johnson was appointed Chief Engineer June 30, 1875 and John F. Tymeson was appointed Chief Engineer on August 23, 1875.  All the equipment had been kept in local barns and businesses until 1893, then transferred to the first firehouse in the Village Hall building on Broadway.

In 2004, as the Village of Monticello began discussion of a new fire house, members of the department under direction of Chief Mike Bastone, started the process of forming a new fire district.  After numerous meetings, presentations from attorneys and much deliberation, the decision was made to approach the Town of Thompson and Village of Monticello Boards with our proposal. An attorney was hired, a Steering Committee was formed, giving different objectives to department members and we began the year long process. 

In 2005 our current station was built and occupied on Richardson Ave.  The Monticello Fire Department is a combination department consisting of four professional career firefighters and 65 professional volunteer firefighters.  The fire district consists of the entire Village of Monticello and the western portion of the Town of Thompson surrounding the village.  This amounts to approximately 65 square miles. 

The Monticello Joint Fire District became official on January 1, 2006.  The first Board of Fire Commissioners was appointed by the Village and Town Boards to serve one year until an election was held December 12, 2006.

The department also provides first response medical care in our fire district.  Twenty five of Monticello's bravest are also New York State Emergency Medical Technicians.  The Monticello Fire Department was also the first department in Sullivan County to purchase a thermal imaging camera. 

The Monticello Fire Department has been proudly protecting our community for 128 years and will continue to provide dedicated service to the people of our community.