Monsey Fire District officially ends partnership with Brewer Fire Engine Company
Fire district says it has moved equipment to storage facility while sources share other reasons surrounding the change as a nearly 150-year-old organization loses its role in fire service in Monsey.
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The Monsey Fire District has officially ended its partnership with the Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1, marking the latest development in an ongoing dispute over fire service in the community.
The move comes after the fire district decided to replace Brewer with a newly formed Monsey fire rescue company, a decision that sparked strong reactions from some firefighters who opposed the change.
On Thursday, the fire district said they hired movers to take equipment to an offsite storage facility.
Security guards were also brought in to ensure what officials described as a "peaceful transition."
Brewer members were instructed to return their equipment within the next few days.
Members of the Brewer Fire Engine Company said off camera they are disappointed with how the situation has unfolded.
As a result of the district's decision, Brewer firefighters are no longer able to respond to emergency calls.
The organization has served the Monsey community for nearly 150 years since 1877.
Since News 12's report on Wednesday, several sources have claimed the change in fire service stems from a clash over religious beliefs, while many people on both sides of the dispute are Jewish.
In a statement, a district spokesperson said, "This district approved members of all types of backgrounds and it is on everyone who serves to be sensitive to the communities they serve. It is a balance that mostly works well."
The spokesperson added that the new fire company has already responded to several emergency calls, including mutual aid.
