BUILT ON COURAGE. DEDICATION. TRADITION.
ABOUT US
The Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department traces its history back to the founding of the Washington Hook & Ladder Co. on September 27, 1882. The first firemen used buckets stored in sheds throughout the town to protect the area from fire. In the late 1880s, striving to provide the finest service to the community, the company acquired a ladder cart and a building to house its equipment at Frost Avenue and Central Avenue. Endeavoring to procure the newest technology to provide the best protection to the community, the company purchased one of the few steam-powered fire engines in the area in 1896.
In order to keep up with the growing demands of the community, the Washington Hook & Ladder Co. reorganized into the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department on New Year's Day 1900. Realizing that more space was needed to house the fire department's equipment, the first Chief of Department, Thomas A. McWhiney, personally purchased a lot at the corner of Washington Avenue and Central Avenue and donated the land to the fire department on which to build a new firehouse. In 1902, work began on the core of the current firehouse. The building was built principally out of stone from the New York City subway project.
Over the years, the men and women of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department put their equipment to good use, notably responding to the crash of Eastern Airlines Flight 66 on Rockaway Blvd in 1975, rescuing four people from a house fire at 72 Lord Avenue (Lawrence) in 2000, and evacuating dozens of people trapped by floodwaters during Sandy in 2012.
Today, the eighty volunteer firefighters of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department continue the tradition of untiring commitment to their neighbors by responding to well over 1,800 calls each year, including house fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous materials spills, maritime emergencies, and calls for assistance from neighboring fire departments as far away as Hempstead and Great Neck.
12
Pieces of Apparatus80+
Volunteers1800+
Calls A Year24/7/365
Every Day of the YearJOIn NOW
Are you interested in joining the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department? Becoming a member of this dedicated team is a rewarding opportunity to serve your community, engage in vital public safety efforts, and work alongside a committed group of individuals. We are always looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and eager to make a difference. Take the first step towards this fulfilling journey by learning more about the requirements and the application process to become a valued member of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department.
DONATE NOW
Maintaining a high standard of readiness requires significant resources and comes at increasing costs. From purchasing essential equipment to advanced training programs, our needs are ever-growing. As we look to the future, your financial support becomes even more crucial. Your donations help ensure that we can continue providing top-notch emergency services as we have for the last 142 years.
TRADITION
Since 1882, over 80 dedicated members of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department have been volunteering their time and skills. They undergo rigorous training at the highest levels to ensure they are prepared for any emergency.
COURAGE
We are committed to delivering professional and courteous service to everyone. Our dedication to excellence drives us to continually broaden our knowledge, skills, and abilities. This ongoing effort ensures that we can best serve our communities.
COMMITMENT
We are committed to responding to well over 1,800 calls each year, including house fires, auto accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and maritime emergencies. Our dedication extends to providing assistance to neighboring fire departments whenever needed.
