Back in the mid-1950s, by the southern side of the tracks in the southern Hamlet of Farmingdale, many houses were being developed. Soon after, it became obvious that the newly moved in residents would need fire protection.

A new firehouse was constructed on South Main Street where two pumpers, a rescue ambulance and brush truck were housed. This area of residence in South Farmingdale was originally protected by the Farmingdale Fire Department, since there was no department in the southern part of town.

After Dec. 31, 1960, the fire department began its operations and the following January was established as the South Farmingdale Fire Department. They are in the Ninth Battalion as base 9-7-0. The first chief to command the department was Allison Stewart.

As the fire department grew, they became the first in Nassau County to acquire a 1963 Ford/Pitman 65-foot Snorkel. They also opened a station-2 on Beverly Avenue and dedicated the building in 1967. In addition, they formed a tournament team called the "Road Runners."

The South Farmingdale Fire Department has responded to many fires, such as the rescue in 1961, the bus crash in 1962, the Ajawan Lumber fire in 1965 and the Howitt Middle School fire in 1971.

They have also had memorable fires at the Liberty Industrial Plant, the most famous being the blimp crash on Albers Lane in 1994. The department also participated in the "Wildfire at Westhampton" in 1995.

Today, the South Farmingdale Fire Department has three engines, a ladder truck, two ambulances, a brand new heavy rescue truck and a first responder unit. Also, every October, the department receives many praises for their open house fire prevention tactics they demonstrate to residents and their families. The department is currently headed by Fire Chief Don Mormino.

Thanks to Chief Don Mormino, Deputy Chief Paul Kunkel and Truck Company Captain Scott Zeitler for organizing the photograph at Farmingdale High School and for putting the history of the fire department together.