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Edward Tracey

Engine 16 boasts over a century of service to the citizens of Rochester, New York.

The 5th annual Report of the Department of Public Safety cited that 1904 heralded the largest and greatest number of fires in the department's history. As the city grew, it became necessary for the Fire Department to grow accordingly.

The origins of Engine 16 lie in a single paragraph contained within the Fire Department Report submitted by then Chief of The Department Little. While speaking of the progress of the last year it is noted that "contracts were let for the construction of a modern double firehouse on Hudson Avenue corner of Bernard Street, for the accommodation of a truck company, an engine and chemical and hose company. The house are up to date in every respect and are nearly completed, when thirty men must be appointed to man the apparatus of these companies."

The Fire Department report of 1905 contains the first mention and the date of the creation of Engine Company 16. "The new engine house on Hudson Avenue was completed and ready for occupancy on April 17, 1905, when 20 men were appointed and assigned to duty with the necessary horses and apparatus, with Captain John Frazer in charge of the truck company, and Captain Frank A. Spears in charge of the engine company, the truck company to be known as Truck Company No. 6 and the engine company as Engine Co. 16." This numbering system followed the order of the fire department at the time, there already existed 15 engine (or hose) companies and 5 truck companies divided into 2 battalions.

A Firefighter, actually referred to as either a Hoseman or Ladderman, in 1905 was compensated $960.00 per year at the top step, and worked 6 days straight with one day off. There were also time allowances to go home for meals and family responsibilities. A Battalion Chief was paid $1600.00 a year, a Captain $1140.00 and an Engineer was compensated $1020.00.

The original roster of Engine 16 was comprised of 10 men.

     Captain Frank A. Spears, transferred from Engine 2 on 04/17/1905.

     Lieutenant  Charles G. Michaels, promoted to Lt. from Engine 8 on 04/17/1905.

     Engineer Joseph Mehan, transferred from Engine 2 on 04/17/1905.

     Stoker Richard D. Warne, transferred from Engine 9 on 04/17/1905.

     Driver John McCreedy, transferred from Engine 6 on 04/17/1905.

     Hoseman Henery Dean, transferred from Hose 12 on 04/17/1905.

     Driver Charles  Schroeder, appointed to the RFD on 04/17/1905.

     Hoseman Edward S. Walter, appointed to the RFD on 04/17/1905.

     Hoseman Francis P. Huck, appointed to the RFD on 04/17/1905.

     * Hoseman John Hennessey was the last original member assigned to Engine 16 when he transferred from Engine 8 on 07/14/1905.

The original apparatus used by Engine 16 was an 1869 Silsby 2nd size 700 GPM rotary Pumper that was rebuilt in 1889. Engine 16 was a two piece company consisting of the above mentioned piece as the engine and a hose cart referred to as Hose 16.

While Engine 16 became a company on April 17th 1905, they did not respond to their first alarm until April 19. At 6:50 pm on April 19th, Engine 16 responded to Box 152 for a fire at 145-147 Benard Street that resulted in $1500.00 in damage. They also responded with Truck 6 (it's first alarm), Engine 2 (600 North Clinton) and Hose 9 (62 Webster Ave).

 

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