Firefighters from the City of Hudson Fire Department went to work quickly in the New Year by holding a department drill Saturday morning on State Street. Over 35 volunteers participated in the drill, under the command of the new Fire Chief James “Buddy” Schermerhorn, Jr. and his two assistants Anthony Demarco Jr and Shawn Hoffman.

City firefighters were given permission to use a soon to be demolished building at 225 State Street. Firefighters were able to train on ventilation, search and rescue, and victim recovery in the structure. The building was filled with simulated smoke from the department’s smoke machine and interior firefighters used self-contained breathing apparatus.

The city’s tower ladder was used to cut holes in the roof for ventilation purposes. No hose lines were laid and no water was used in the winter conditions. Traffic was restricted only from the 200 block of State Street. The drill began at 9AM and was completed by 11AM. Firefighter’s worked until the afternoon putting gear back in order.

The City of Hudson is protected by the oldest all volunteer fire department in the State of New York. Organized fire protection in the city was authorized by an act of the New York State Legislature in March, 1794. In April, 1794, Hudson’s first volunteer fire company was organized followed by a second company in November of that year. Over the years, the city was protected by as many as ten volunteer fire companies. The city is now protected by only four companies; J. W. Edmonds Hose Company, No. 1, H. W. Rogers Hose Company, No. 2, C. H. Evans Hook & Ladder Company, No. 3, and J. W. Hoysradt Hose & Chemical Company, No. 8.