Before the formation of the Cortland Fire Department, Cortland was an emerging city left to its own resources. As families began moving in during the early 1800s, so did shops and various businesses. Firefighting at this point was left to the resources of the homeowner, but with the purchase of the “Randall Tub” in 1830 all of that changed. This apparatus was purchased privately by the Randall Fam
ily which were local shop owners, and was made accessible to the public. This device was a simple water reservoir and nozzle, but it paved the way for the future of the fire department. Organized fire service in the City of Cortland began in 1854 with the formation of the Water Witch Fire Company and the Water Witch Hose Company. However, in 1878, the Water Witch Hose Company was transformed into the Orris Hose Company #2. Excelsior Hook & Ladder Company #3 was formed on December 10, 1864. Excelsior was later incorporated on April 19, 1877. Emerald Hose Company #4 was organized on June 5, 1878. Their fire station sits on the southwest corner of Church St and Railroad Street (today's Central Ave). Hitchcock Hose Company #6 was first organized with the primary responsibility of protecting the huge Hitchcock Manufacturing Plant. Organized on June 8, 1888, and within a week of being formed and under a motion made by John H. Phelps of the Hook & Ladder Company, Hitchcock Hose was unanimously made an active member of the Cortland Fire Department. The Hitchcock apparatus was originally housed in a small room at the manufacturing company. In early 1889, a new fire station was built on the north side of Elm St, just east of the railroad tracks. The structure still exists today and houses the Palm Gardens. In 2014, due to a scheduling mishap at the Red Dragon where Companies 3 & 6 met on opposite weeks for their meetings, Excelsior H&L asked Hitchcock Hose, if they minded sharing the third Wednesday. The night went off without a hitch and both companies enjoyed the interaction. A month or two later Hitchcock moved their meeting to the second Wednesday of the month and the rest they say is history. Eventually, in 2017, the suggestion of formal consolidation was presented to the members. Crown City Ladder & Hose Company of the City of Cortland Fire Department was born from the hard work of members of Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. #3 and Hitchcock Hose Co. #6. and officially consolidated together on January 1, 2020
On January 1, 2023, at 00:01 hours, Orris Hose Company officially merged with Crown City Ladder & Hose. This merger also dissolved the long-standing Board of Engineers of the Cortland Fire Department as the official governing body. Our page focus will be on providing you, with information and examples of what Crown City Ladder & Hose Company does and will continue to do for the citizens and visitors of New York State's "Crown City", the City of Cortland.
