PROUDLY SERVING THE INC. VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM SINCE 1898
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Valley Stream Fire Department was organized on August 14, 1923 when the wives of seven firemen went to Chief F. Hendrickson and the Fire Council and offered to assist the men of the department when the need arose. Permission was granted and the Ladies Auxiliary was opened to all wives, daughters, sisters and mothers of all active firefighters. Within six months, there were twenty-two charter members and Mrs. Phil Fischer was elected the first president. In the beginning, meetings were held on the second and fourth Monday of each month alternating between Hose Co. 1 and Hook & Ladder 1. Later, meetings were moved to the second and fourth Friday of each month and were held at Headquarters and then Engine Company 2. Today, meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at Engine Company 3.
On July 4, 1924, when the Auxiliary was about to celebrate its first anniversary, the Ladies participated in their first parade wearing a white dress uniform. In May of 1950, the uniform was changed to navy blue and red with red shoes. The red shoes have become white sneakers, but the red and blue colors are still worn. From the very beginning, the Ladies have participated in parades all over Long Island, New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, marching proudly along with the Fire Department.
pond at any hour of the day or night, rain or shine, and stay on the job until the Chief releases them. The brigade has also traveled to other towns and villages when the department is involved in a mutual aid.
In addition to the coffee brigade and marching in parades, the Ladies Auxiliary participates in the Memorial Day Services, both serving breakfast and marching, prepares dinner for those who donate blood at the Annual Blood Drive, works on the Annual Fund Drive, assists at department memorial services, fire prevention demonstrations, tournaments and carnivals. The Ladies also sent food and clothing to the flood victims of Pennsylvania, needed supplies to our soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and has raised money for other community projects.
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Valley Stream Fire Department is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Nassau County, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, and the Third Battalion Ladies Auxiliary. As members of these organizations, the Auxiliary remembers the indigent members at the Volunteer Firemen’s Home in Hudson, New York by sending cards, sponsoring birthday parties, and, one year, sending a television to the residents showing them they are not forgotten.
The members of the Ladies Auxiliary share a sense of pride in being associated with the men and women of the Valley Stream Fire Department.
Ladies Auxiliary Prayer
The Ladies wait while their men respond,
united as one in a common bond.
The bond of serving, each in their own way,
the needs that arise, be what they may.
The reheated meals, the unsipped drink,
are a common occurrence, much more than you think.
It’s mostly routine and done without flair,
the men return, the Ladies are there.
But then comes the call, the tough one to fight,
a working fire that may last through the night.
The Ladies again wait, but this time they know,
that sooner or later they will go.
As they wait for the signal, the time draws near,
for that sooner or later to be suddenly here.
The men are all weary, some of them spent,
the refreshments that arrive, are heaven sent.
The Auxiliary in fact is more than a name,
it’s a dedicated arm of the volunteer game.
So God when we pray, for the firemen’s care,
include the Ladies who are always there.