RELIABLE HISTORY

Raymond H. Vail organized the "Riverhead Hose Company #1" on March 1, 1904 with 23 enrolled members. The first equipment was purchased with funds raised by donations of twenty-five and fifty cents from public-spirited citizens. The company advanced steadily and became active in tournaments and other firematic activities and in 1909 was voted the most popular fire company at a fair held in Riverhead.

At a regular meeting on November 24, 1909 the name �Reliable� was proposed by Fireman Stanley Duvall for the company. The company adopted the name and still retains it. In 1910 the fire commissioners assigned the old steamer to the company, and on November 30, 1910 the name of the company was changed to "Reliable Hose & Engine Company #1". In 1933 the Reliables petitioned the fire commissioners to increase the company membership from 25 to 30 members. This was granted and all companies today have 30 members.

The Reliables were the first motorized company in the Riverhead Fire Department, and in 1968 they became the first company to have a diesel pumper with an automatic transmission.

Over the years several chiefs and fire commissioners have been members of this very active company.

Originally penned in 1986 by Reliable Ex-Capt. Nicholas Luparella, Revised in 2002 by Red Bird Ex-Capt. Raymond Kwasna for this site.