Prior to 1951 many attempts were made to improve the fire protection for the easterly portion of the Orange Lake Fire District.  However, it was not until March of 1951 that any great move was taken to give better fire protection and reduce fire insurance rates for the residents of the Winona Lake Fire Engine Company.  The Dan Leghorn Fire Engine Company, which was then parent company, purchased from their funds a 1923 Bulldog Mack Fire Truck from the Huntington Manor Fire District of Long Island.  It was housed in a garage leased to the Fire Commissioners of the Orange Lake Fire District.  The company later moved to its present location on the corner of Innis Avenue and Route 52.  After the increase of population and new schools being built, a standing committee was appointed to further study future plans to enlarge the facilities of the Fire District.

 

    In April 1954 (present location) a large parcel of land located on the corner of Innis Avenue and Route 52 was donated to the Winona Lake Fire Engine Company on which to build their own firehouse.  April 1954 started three long years of hard work and much planning.  The enthusiasm and membership of the Winona Lake Engine Company rose sharply during this period.  Trees and brush were cut from the property, the course of the existing creek was changed and much hard work and money spent by the members gradually saw the land turned from a below the road grade swamp to a valuable parcel of corner property.  With the future of the Fire Department uppermost in mind it was agreed to incorporate the Winona Lake Fire Engine Company No. 2 into an independent engine company having its own administrative head.  This was done at a regular meeting held at Dan Leghorn Engine Company No. 1 firehouse on January 1957 by a vote of members of both fire engine companies.  Winona Lake Fire Engine Company No. 2 was incorporated in 1957 with 60 charter members.

 

    Today, the Winona Lake Fire Engine Co. No.2, Inc. proudly protects 3500 people living in an area of 10 square miles. We operate out of one station that protects a primarily residential area.  Our department is a private department whose members are on a volunteer status. 

     The Fire Department is located in the Town of Newburgh, New York.  The Town of Newburgh is located in Orange County about 60 miles north of New York City.  It is a suburban area, mostly residential, but it does have many commercial areas including a major shopping mall and numerous other strip shopping centers.  The fire department provides fire protection to over 1,300 homes and coverage to interstate I-84 and I-87 (Thruway).  

    Our team of professional quality firefighters are dedicated to the fire service, and proud to be of service to the community, friends, and neighbors.