The Garden City Fire Department, celebrating 80 years in 2000, was unique in that its operations commenced as part of a real estate promotion. With the sale of each parcel of real estate, founder Alexander T. Stewart and his successor, The Garden City Company, contracted to provide essential services, including fire.

   The employees of the company all doubled as firemen when necessary, even though they might be employed as clerks or gardeners. Equipment consisted of only a couple of hand drawn hose reels and a ladder rig.

   In 1899, after the devastating Garden City Hotel fire, the Garden City Company promoted the formation of a regular volunteer organization staffed by residents of the community. In 1916, the Garden City Company notified all residents that they could no longer provide essential services. This led to the formation of the Incorporated Village of Garden City. Still independent, the Fire Department officially incorporated in 1920 and was brought within the Village government.