It’s time to capture the origin of another Town of Newburgh road. So, how about Paffendorf Drive? Do any of you remember the Paffendorf family? What they contributed helped shape our community into what it is today? We need to say thanks by remembering.

The early part of the last century, 83 years ago, in 1936, people recognized the need to form a fire department in the Cronomer Valley area. What these ladies and gentlemen put together, on a shoe string budget at best, define the pride the Town of Newburgh has always had. Other fire departments have similar stories. Reviewing archives, I found this history of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department recently, written by Edward Paffendorf (Second Fire Chief of the Department) in 1948.

Let us all remember, these individuals were not considered heroes at the time, though they clearly were. Working hard to raise funds, secure equipment, and protect our homes, they made it happen through personal sacrifice.
So, here is Chief Paffendorf’s account, of the humble beginnings of the Cronomer Valley Fire Department. On his passing, a section of the old North Plank Road was changed to Paffendorf Drive to commemorate an outstanding member of the Town who heard the call and stepped up. Thank you, sir, for your service.

HISTORY OF CRONOMER VALLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT

by Charter Member and Former Chief
EDWARD PAFFENDORF

The Cronomer Valley Fire Department was originated by a small group of men in the summer of 1936.

The present site was occupied by a filling station operated by William Comer, now residing in Freeport, Long Island. It was here that the first meeting was held with Mr. Comer being elected first Chief.

A few meetings were held her until Chief Comer moved to Long Island at which time the Company was forced to hold its meetings in a small vacant house next door. It will be interesting to note that these meetings were held under light supplied by oil lanterns. After several of these meetings the original site was offered to the Company at a low price by Mrs. Rebecca Quick who also very generously gave the adjoining plot of land now used as a parking lot.

The purchase was made with a small down payment marking the beginning of an era of hardship and struggle that the newly formed unit might not fail in its objective.

Shortly after acquisition of the new property saw the formation of the Ladies Auxiliary, with Mrs. E. Paffendorf as first President. Thus began the existence of a valuable ally for the new company. Their early activities consisted of running card parties and suppers to raise funds to help toward the purchase of fire apparatus. The activities of these public spirited ladies did much to make the residents of the Fire District aware of the Fire Department and thus acquire their backing.

In the year 1938 the city of Ossining offered for sale a 1927 Stuzpumper which was being replaced by more modern equipment. The truck was brought here for a demonstration at Chadwick Lake which was attended by a large number.

The demonstration was considered very satisfactory by the members under Chief Paffendorf and a decision was made to immediately purchase it. The Company being deplete of funds had to call to its new friend, the Ladies Auxiliary, for help and they respond with the needed down payment of $100.00. The note for the balance was given to Mr. A. Leicht of Newburgh.

At this point the Cronomer Valley Fire Department consisted of house, property, pumper, no funds and dire need of hose and miscellaneous equipment before it could fight fire.

Plattekill Fire Department came to the rescue with 250 feet of hose and Chief Paffendorf, thru skillful bargaining exchanged an extra scaling ladder for siren, bell, suction hose and nozzles giving the needed minimum essential equipment to fight a fire.

So far no funds were forthcoming from the Town leaving all the expense and responsibilities to the membership.

Many hard times ensued, one particularly difficult experience being with the failure of the battery with the treasury still at zero. The again we found the Ladies Auxiliary ready to help us with a new battery.

A petition was started for a fire district which was approved by the town board and granted. An election was held of five new commissioners and tax money turned over to them for operation of the equipment. These funds were used to bring equipment up to date and of sufficient quantity to fight fires very efficiently as evidenced by past performances.

The present day Cronomer Valley Fire Department is now an incorporated Company entirely free of debt, in possession of a fine enlarged building and plans for a bigger and better company.

Our goal now is a new fire engine which will better enable us to serve when the call is given.