Bronx County

The present day Bronx was originally southwestern Westchester County and was annexed by the City of New York on January 1, 1874. At this time each community had its own volunteer FD or company. One such town was Morrisiana which was organized April 26, 1856 after separating from the community of West Farms, a fire bell stood near the main engine company and the department had 4 engines, 3 hoses, and 2 ladders. On December 29, 1873 the FDNY formed the 10th battalion which would cover the town with 4 engines, 4 hose tenders, 4 chemical engines, and 2 ladders. They covered 20 square miles with the first alarm answered January 12, 1874. The volunteers continued to be phased out with 4 more villages and City Island on August 1, 1899. The department continued to phase out the volunteer companies of the Bronx and establish more of their own companies. With most being gone by 1946 except for Aviation Volunteer Fire Department Company 3 and Edgewater Park VFD.