The Clintondale Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday with a parade, a ceremony dedicating a new monument and recognition of longtime members and supporters.

The department was organized Oct. 5, 1926, as Allied Communities Fire Company No. 1.

A special anniversary book compiled by Jami Anson reflects on the department’s century of volunteer service.

“For one hundred years they have been the men and women who live among us, our friends, our families, our neighbors and our coworkers,” the book states. “They are ordinary people who answer an extraordinary call.”

In 1926, the department’s equipment, fire trucks and protective gear were vastly different from those used today. There were no radios, pagers, cell phones or modern emergency communication systems.

“But when the alarm sounded, volunteers came,” the book states.

A century later, much has changed. Fire apparatus and technology have advanced, training has become more extensive and the emergencies firefighters face have become more complex.

“But one thing remained the same: When the alarm sounds, volunteers still come,” according to the anniversary book.

Saturday’s celebration began with a parade featuring apparatus and members from neighboring fire departments, including Highland, Milton, Plattekill, Modena, Coldenham, Gardiner and Wallkill.

The parade lineup began on Bedell Avenue, followed by a right turn onto Cliff Avenue, a left onto Crescent Avenue, a left onto Maple Avenue and another left onto Route 44/55 before returning to the fire station.

A ceremony at the station included the unveiling of a new monument honoring the men and women who have served the Clintondale Fire Department and recognizing the Allied Communities Fire Company No. 1, founded 100 years ago.

Fire Chief Gary Palmateer thanked those attending and reflected on the generations of volunteers who have answered the call.

“For 100 years, members of this department have answered the call; they’ve left their homes, their families, their dinners and holidays, often in the middle of the night, to help a neighbor in need,” Palmateer said.

He said firefighters have responded to fires, accidents, mental health emergencies, storms and countless other calls for assistance.

“They did it, not for recognition or reward, but because serving this community mattered to them,” Palmateer said.

Palmateer said the monument also honors the department’s charter members, many of whom are no longer alive, but whose work, sacrifices, stories and traditions remain part of the department’s history.

He also recognized the families of firefighters, including spouses, parents, children and other loved ones who have spent countless hours waiting for firefighters to return from calls, drills, meetings and other department activities.

“Their service and sacrifice are part of our history,” he said.

Palmateer noted that 100 years ago, a group of people came together with the goal of protecting their neighbors and community.

“They could never imagine all of us standing here today all these years later, but because of what they started, we are here,” he said.

The monument, he said, represents the department’s past, present and future and the “100 years of courage, sacrifice, volunteerism, friendship and service” to the Clintondale community.

Several department members and supporters were recognized during the ceremony.

James “Jimmy” Wilklow was honored for 60 years of dedicated service to the department. Carolann Stauss was recognized as the first female firefighter in Ulster County. She joined the Clintondale Fire Department in June 1979.

Steve and Shelly Turk of Rocking Horse Ranch were also recognized for their longtime support, generosity and dedication to the department.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Mary and Richard Raffa and Robyn Lynk.

The anniversary celebration continued throughout the afternoon with country music performed by the band Way Behind the Sun.