HISTORY OF THE MATTYDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT INC. 

(SALINA CONSOLIDATED FIRE DISTIRCT No. 2)

Frank Matty’s barn, located two miles north of the Crouse-Hinds factory on Route 11, housed a single fire truck used to protect the Mattydale community. This vehicle was a Model “T” Ford equipped with two 30-gallon soda and acid tanks. Only a limited amount of 2½-inch hose was carried, as fire hydrants at the time were few and far between.

The department consisted of 30 members, including its first Fire Chief, Fred Root.

In 1932, a 1913 Mack truck was purchased for $500 to enhance and strengthen the department’s firefighting capabilities. Later, in 1939, a new 500 GPM pumper was acquired from the Buffalo Fire Apparatus Company, replacing the original Model “T” Ford. The new apparatus was painted yellow—the first of its kind in Onondaga County.

Another innovation introduced by the department was the use of 1½-inch pre-connected hose lines that could be deployed from either side of the apparatus. This approach became known as the “Mattydale Lay” and has since been adopted by fire departments across the United States.

In 1940, the Mattydale Fire Department and its apparatus relocated to their present site at the corner of East Molloy Road and Mitchell Avenue. A modern two-bay fire station, complete with a meeting room, was constructed. Around this time, a full-time dispatcher was hired to answer calls and alert firefighters whenever needed.

In addition to handling emergency calls, the dispatcher was responsible for checking the apparatus and maintaining the building and grounds to established standards.

Within a few years, radio communications emerged as a valuable tool in the fire service. Recognizing this advancement, the Onondaga County Board of Supervisors took interest in the department’s full-time dispatcher and proposed housing the County Fire Control Center in Mattydale. A financial agreement was reached, and the County Fire Control Center was subsequently established within the Mattydale Fire Station.

Following World War II, additional apparatus were purchased to replace worn equipment, modernize the fleet, and enhance the department’s firefighting capabilities. In 1946, a 1942 pumper—acquired as surplus government property—was placed into service. This unit was later replaced in 1950 by a 500 GPM pumper purchased from Young Fire Equipment Company.

In 1951, the department expanded its capabilities with the purchase of an Emergency Truck. By 1954, the original Buffalo pumper was replaced with a 750 GPM Quad built by Sanford Fire Apparatus Corporation.

The department continued to grow in the following decades. In 1960, a Sanford-built pumper with a capacity of 1,000 GPM was added to the fleet. In 1964, a larger, heavy-duty Rescue and First Aid vehicle was purchased to provide additional protection to the district.

In 1971, a diesel-powered pumper capable of delivering 1,250 gallons per minute—also built by Sanford—was placed into service, replacing the 1950 Young Fire Truck.

In 1975, a Squad Truck was added to the fleet, replacing the 1954 vehicle that had been used to transport personnel and hose to fires and other emergencies.

In its early years, beginning in 1930, the Mattydale Fire Department received all calls by telephone, and firefighters were alerted by a siren mounted on the roof of the fire station. To improve the alerting system, the Fire Commissioners borrowed funds in 1959 to purchase 60 alert monitors for installation in firefighters’ homes. Additional monitors were acquired over the years to replace worn units, and at one point, more than 80 units—including spares—were in service. Mattydale was among the first departments in Onondaga County to adopt this technology.

Today, the department no longer uses a siren to alert its members. Instead, firefighters are notified through specialized mobile apps, while alert monitors continue to be used.

The Mattydale Fire Department has long been active in the community, sponsoring Little League baseball teams, girls’ softball teams, midget hockey, and its own Drum and Bugle Corps. The department also maintains an active Junior Fire Department under the supervision of its members.

Like many departments, Mattydale has experienced significant fires over the years. One of the most unusual and costly was the Meloon Fire in 1952. The incident was particularly challenging because the foundry used magnesium in much of its production. As water was applied, the fire intensified. Once crews were informed of the hazardous materials involved, their strategy shifted to protecting surrounding exposures. Mutual aid was requested and received to help contain the blaze. The structural damage was severe, ultimately requiring demolition of the remaining building. The fire also resulted in temporary job loss for foundry employees until the plant was rebuilt.

In 2007, the Mattydale Fire Department completed a major capital improvement project, which included a full renovation of the firehouse. This project added three new apparatus bays, bringing the total to five.

Today, the department is staffed by dedicated men and women. The station houses six pieces of apparatus, along with three Fire Chief SUVs.

The Mattydale Fire Department is a member of the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Onondaga County Volunteer Firefighters Association.