On February 14, 1859 the New York State Legislature passed an act which provided for, and regulated the election of a Chief and two Assistant Chiefs of the Fire Department of the Village of Warren, now Haverstraw, New York. The first convention held under this Act was on May 8 1859 in the United States Hotel , and Samuel A. VerValen of Rescue was elected the first Chief receiving 52 votes over Belding Barnes, of Warren Fire Engine Company No. 1, who got 46 votes. William Oldfield of Warren No. 1 was named First Assistant and Benjamin Felter of Union No. 2 Second Assistant Chief.
On June 7, 1934 a special meeting of the Fire Council was held for the purpose of adopting an amendment to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Haverstraw Fire Department to allow equal representation to the board by allowing election of one Chief Engineer and 4 assistants for the ensuing year, one from each of the five companies.
The 2008 Convention will be held on Thursday evening April 3rd in Rescue #1’s quarters.
#2’s Delegates to the 2008 Chiefs Convention:
- Ex-Chief Joseph P Gordon 1964-1966
- Ex-Chief Frank ‘Bud’ Wassmer 1991-1992
- Ex-Chief Andrew M Connors 1999-2000
Nominee:
- First Assistant Chief Peter J. Rugg
Read more about the history of the Chiefs Convention on the History page.
No change for 2008,
4-1 – Chief Efran ‘Junior’ Castro, Rescue H&L #1
4-2 – 1st Assistant Chief Peter Rugg, General Warren #2
4-3 – 2nd Assistant Chief Patrick McNamee, Relief Hose #3
4-4 – 3rd Assistant Chief Al Lynch, Lady Warren #5
4-5 – 4th Assistant Chief Robert Drexler, Cosgriff Hose #4
Once again our neighbors exemplified class and tradition during this years Chiefs Convention. The meeting went off without a hitch in our department meeting room due to some ongoing construction in Rescues meeting room. Always a company willing to go that extra bit further, everyone in attendance enjoyed a wonderful roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. To anyone who has never attended this event I urge you to do so, as you get a real sense of tradition mixed with old fashioned camaraderie during the meal. Looking forward to another successful year under the leadership of Chief Efran Castro.
Andy/Matt
Andy were you honored thah?
Mrs. Ralph Hover wants to be sure you guys include her on the excursion this yeah up North.
You will need a guide.