The Story Behind Fire Company No. 1

Three companies make up the Hopatcong fire department—Nos. 2, 3 and 4.

But what about No. 1?

Created in 1923, it faded away in the early 1940s before officially ceasing to exist in 1975, Fire Chief Mike Rahill said. Located near the Villa Nova apartments and Liquor Factory, Hopatcong Company No. 1's first engines were stored in the garage of the Hopatcong House.

"(No. 1) was formed by a group of men who were predominantly the few year-round residents of the relatively new borough," Rahill wrote in a Tuesday blog post detailing the department's history.

Then the Northwood Community Association formed Company No. 2 in 1926. A few years later, longtime resident Fred Modick suggested creating Company No. 3. But not everybody agreed with Modick, Rahill wrote.

So when Modick became mayor, he authorized forming Company No. 3 ... in defiance of the rest of the department—hence its name, Defiance.

Soon, Company No. 1's membership dwindled. Its certificate of incorporation could be found at the Sussex County Clerk's office up until it expired in 1975.

In 1953, when Hopatcong began transitioning from weekend-getaway and vacation hot spot to a permanent residence for many, Company No. 4 was formed.

Click here to read more from Rahill on the history and operation of the Hopatcong fire department. Rahill also details the difference between each fire company.