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.