Press "Enter" to skip to content

Smithtown FD forms a band

January 10, 1932. The Band of the Smithtown Fire Department was formed in the beginning of 1932 with Joseph Psota as instructor and Ralph Yarusso as president. The band was organized to play for the firemen at parades and social events connected with the department. In the beginning, to gain confidence and put on a better appearance, they combined with the Greenlawn Fire Department Band, each going to the other’s activities.

During World War II, the band disbanded and the department tried marching to recorded music played on a mobile sound truck. This was found to be inadeauate and was discontinued in favor of a live marching band.

The band had a total of four presidents from inception through 1956. George William Davis Sr, Charles Watts and Louis Brentson Jr.

Instructors responsible during the years of existence have been Md. Pollard of Forest Hills, Connected with the Brooklyn Home for Children; Mr. Nivers of Bayport, music instructor at the high school for a time; Mr. Warren Dwight, band instructor at Smithtown High School and Mr. Joseph Schiarrino, teacher at Northport VA hospital. From 1946-1956, Charles Watts acted as instructor in addition to his duties as president.

The band traveled to approximately 15 parades a year and took home many trophies.

As with the racing team, I do not know when the band company disbanded.

From the Smithtown FD Dedication book May 27, 1956

Be First to Comment

Leave a Reply