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.

Today the fire station is on Pleasant Street located next to the Village Offices and the Police Department.  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 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 133 years and will continue to provide dedicated service to the people of our community.

Past Chiefs of the Monticello Fire Department:

(coming soon)