New York State Champions:
1963-1970-1976-1978-1990-1993-2010-2013-2014-2015-2017
Suffolk County Total Point Champions:
1976-1977-1978-1979-1986-1988-1993-2010-2013-2014-2015-2022
Competition between the many volunteer Fire Departments on Long Island can trace it’s history back to the late 1800’s when tournaments were held to display the firefighting skills of the volunteers using the equipment in use at that time. These would consist of ladder climbing and hose events that also included hand-drawn equipment and, of course, a ‘bucket brigade’.
With the development of motorized vehicles, these contests evolved over many years to what is used today, but the ‘basics’ of these competitions echo back to an earlier time when each Drill Team strove to the ‘the best’ at that day’s tournament.
Central Islip’s earliest entry into these events took place in 1909 when the ‘Central Islip Fire Company’ voted to take place in the #1 and #2 contests to be held at the Annual Tournament in Southampton in September. There is no mention of the ‘Company’s’ performance in these two events in the minutes. Central Islip also attended the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association tournament in Sayville in 1910 with the Hook & Ladder and Chemical Engine (at the time, the Department’s only two pieces of equipment).
This intermittent participation at tournament competition continued until finally on July 6, 1925, a ‘Racing Manager’ was appointed (although it was not stated who filled this position) with the following members joining our first organized ‘Running Team’ (as it was referred to): J. Arthur Mulligan, Henry Wolf, Sr., Bernard Simms, Thomas Cordingley, Alfred Wolf, Lynn Dickson, Louis Updyke, Harry Melton, Charles Mulligan, Thomas Nolan, James Nolan, Kyrle Skinner, Henry Martin, Thomas Shaughnessy, Wallace McCrone and Edward Gibson. Practice sessions were conducted on Church Street. This Team participated in the Islip Town Volunteer Firemen’s Association tournament finishing 2nd in both the Efficiency and Chemical Engine contests – these two trophies are still on display at the Fire House and represent our earliest trophies for Drill Team competition.
The Team took part in the Southern New York Drill at Islip in 1926 placing in six contests. Up to this time, regular apparatus was used for competition. Equipment stored on a pumper or other truck (such as the ‘Patrol Truck’) was removed for the day, the truck was used at the Drill, and the truck was restored for service when the Drill was over.
In 1929, William Kirschnik donated a truck for racing purposes to the ‘Hose Company’ for the Department to maintain and compete in tournaments. There is no description of this vehicle and no photo in the records. This year (1929) is also the Team’s first entry into a New York State Drill which was held in Saranac Lake – 11 members participated.
Team Captain Robert Groth suggested in 1937 that the Team have a nickname, as did most other Drill Teams. A contest was held on a Department level for possible names with the winner to receive a prize of $5.00. Ex-Chief J. Arthur Mulligan choice of the “Golden Arrows” was decided as the best entry and the Team used this name through the 1940’s.
At this time, the Department purchased ‘racing suits’ for use at tournaments. One of these suits is on display at Headquarters, having belonged to long time Team member, Reggie Miller.
The Team purchased a new 1961 Ford F-500 ‘B’ Truck in April of this year and it was ready for the start of that season in June. This truck remains in service today.
Many years of dedication and hard work were realized when the “Hoboes” captured their first tournament victory by winning the Islip Town VFA Drill in West Sayville in July of 1961. It was the first of many subsequent Championships on many levels (Town, County, State, etc.).
The Team re-organized in 1962 creating the positions of President and Vice-President. The Captain and two Lieutenants were to take care of the preparation of the team for competition on the track, and the new Executive Officers were to handle the business portion of the Team’s activities.
The Arch and Track at Station #2 on Wheeler Road was completed in August of 1962 and became the site of over 100 Drills on various levels (over 75 motorized) including Juniors’ competitions. The first Parade and Drill sponsored by the Central Islip F.D. was held at this facility on August 3, 1963, with the Drill being won by the “Hoboes”. The Team was directed to remove the wooden arches at Wilson Blvd. and Cinnamon Street and next to the Fire House in 1963 as they were no longer needed.
The “Hoboes” achieved the ultimate distinction of capturing the first of their six New York State Championships on August 22, 1963 being crowned as ‘State Champions’ at the Drill held in Niagara Falls.
A new building for the Team was constructed in 1968 to the rear of Station #2 – this is referred to as Station #2 ½, or simply as “The Shack”. Up to this time, the Team operated out of Station #2 where they had a locker room facility and where the 2 trucks were stored.
The Team won its’ 2nd State Championship at Watertown on August 15, 1970. A new custom ‘C’ Truck was added in 1975 replacing the 1965 Dodge Coronet and it participated in its’ first drill at the Islip Town VFA Drill held in Bayport. The third State Championship was won, again at Watertown, on August 21, 1976 and the fourth at Hempstead on August 26, 1978. This was an especially distinct victory as it marks the only time in State Championship history that a Team has won without the use of a ‘C’ Truck. This was due to the fact that the engine was rendered completely out of service during a test run the night before the Drill.
The Team placed in all 8 contests in one Drill for the first time at the Southern New York Drill held at Mineola in 1979, and scored the most points by a “Hoboes” Team with 36 points at Suffolk/Nassau Invitational at Central Islip in 2013.
The fifth State Championship for the “Hoboes” came on August 19, 1990 at Main-Transit (Buffalo) and the sixth at Hempstead on August 14, 1993. The seventh State Championship came in 2010 with the team winning in Clayton, NY, eighth State Championship in 2013 at Hempstead NY, ninth State Championship in 2014 at Deerfield, NY., tenth State Championship in 2015 at Ridge tying with the West Sayville Flying Dutchman, and the 11th State Championship in 2017 at Hempstead.
An impressive performance in the Efficiency Contest in 2002 resulted with first place finishes in all 8 recognized Suffolk County Drills for the year, with the Team scoring 40 out of 40 possible points. This is the first time that any Suffolk County Team has accomplished this feat for any one contest in any one year.
The Drill Team has been an important part of the Department in its’ over 80 year existence whether known as the “Running Team”, “Golden Arrows” or “Hoboes”. Many members have passed through its’ ranks over the years in an effort to represent the Department in competition against other Teams. All have worked to do their best at all times, and all have memories of their time on the Team and of friendships developed with Team members and with members of other Fire Departments. In many cases, these friendships have lasted for lifetimes.
HOBOES' VICTORIES
1961 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ WEST SAYVILLE
1962 -
SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAMPIONS @ DEER PARK
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ SAYVILLE
INWOOD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
1963 -
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ NIAGARA FALLS**
1964 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ EAST ISLIP
1966 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ EAST ISLIP
1967 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ EAST ISLIP
1968 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ EAST BRENTWOOD
OCEANSIDE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ EAST ISLIP
1969 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ WEST ISLIP
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ EAST ISLIP
1970 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ ISLIP TERRACE
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ ISLIP TERRACE
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ WATERTOWN**
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ EAST ISLIP
1971 -
SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAMPIONS @ ROCKVILLE CENTRE
SOUTH SHORE CHAMPIONS @ AMITYVILLE
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ BAY SHORE
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ BAY SHORE
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ EAST ISLIP
1976 -
SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAMPIONS @ BAY SHORE
SOUTH SHORE CHAMPIONS @ LEVITTOWN
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ WATERTOWN**
1977 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
1978 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ BAYPORT
PATCHOGUE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ HEMPSTEAD**
1979 -
SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAMPIONS @ MINEOLA
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1980 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ SAYVILLE
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ ISLIP TERRACE
1982 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1983 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1984 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPOINS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1985 -
HEMPSTEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
FARMINGVILLE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1986 -
PATCHOGUE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ RIVERHEAD
FARMINGVILLE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1987 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1988 -
SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAMPIONS @ CENTER MORICHES (RIDGE)
PATCHOGUE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ SELDEN (RIDGE)
RIVERHEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
1989 -
PATCHOGUE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ SELDEN (RIDGE)
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
RIVERHEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
1990 -
FARMINGVILLE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ MAIN-TRANSIT**
1991 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
SOUTHERN NEW YORK CHAMPIONS @ PATCHOGUE
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1992 -
FARMINGVILLE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1993 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ COPIAGUE
FARMINGVILLE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ HEMPSTEAD**
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
1994 -
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1995 -
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
1997 -
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
2001 -
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
2002 -
RIVERHEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2003 -
RIVERHEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2004 -
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
2008 -
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
2009 -
SUFFOLK COUNTY CO-CHAMPIONS @ CORAM (RIDGE)
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
ISLIP TOWN CO-CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
2010 -
SELDEN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ CLAYTON**
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
2011 -
SELDEN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
JOE HUNTER MEMORIAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ SELDEN (RIDGE)
RIVERHEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
HEMPSTEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
2012 -
SELDEN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ SELDEN (RIDGE)
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
2013 -
JOE HUNTER MEMORIAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
RIVERHEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
HEMPSTEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ HEMPSTEAD**
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
2014 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
SELDEN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ SELDEN (RIDGE)
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
HEMPSTEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ DEERFIELD**
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
2015 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
JOE HUNTER MEMORIAL CHAMPIONS
NORTH BELLMORE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ RIVERHEAD
SUFFOLK-NASSAU CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
**CO-NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ RIDGE**
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
2016 -
SELDEN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
JOE HUNTER MEMORIAL CHAMPIONS
2017 -
**NEW YORK STATE CHAMPIONS @ HEMPSTEAD**
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
LABOR DAY CHAMPIONS @ HAGERMAN
2018 -
NORTH BELLMORE INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2021 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ WEST SAYVILLE
ISLIP TOWN CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
DREW McCAFFERY HYBRID DRILL @ CENTRAL ISLIP
2022 -
LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONS @ LINDENHURST
SELDEN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
SUFFOLK COUNTY CHAMPIONS @ COPIAGUE
HEMPSTEAD INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
ISLIP TOWN CO-CHAMPIONS @ CENTRAL ISLIP
DREW McCAFFERY HYBRID DRILL @ CENTRAL ISLIP
Total Tournament Victories - 142
Past Captains of the “Hoboes” Drill Team
1949 - 1958
1959 - 1960
1961
1962
1963
1964 – 1965
1966
1967 – 1968
1969 – 1970
1971 – 1972
1973 – 1974
1975 – 1976
1977 – 1978
1979
1980 – 1981
1982
1983 – 1984
1985
1986
10/86 – 2/87
1987
1988
John Brewer
Eugene Brewer
Roy DuJat, Sr.
Robert P. Miller
Roy DuJat, Sr.
John Still
Roy DuJat, Sr.
John 'Fagan' McCarthy
Richard Donnelly
William Acker
William McCarthy
Daniel Cellamare
Henry Frank
Charles A. Murphy
Stephen P. Murphy
Donald W. Miller
John Grosskurth
Michael Doyle
Daniel Jackson
Kevin Jackson
Timothy Crawford
Daniel Jackson
1989 – 1990
1991 – 1992
10/92 – 4/93
1993
1994 – 1995
1996 – 1997
1998
10/98 – 6/99
6/99 – 2001
2002 – 2003
2004 – 2005
2006 – 2007
2008 – 2009
2010 – 2011
2012 – 2013
2014 - 2015
2016 - 2017
2018
2019 - 2021
10/21 - 3/22
2022
William J. Miller
Charles Doyle
Joseph Vereline
Daniel Jackson
James P. Miller
William J. Miller
David Ehrhardt
Kenneth Burhart
Phil Falco
Nicholas Moccia
James Dobbs
Christopher Murphy
Justin Correira
Richard McCarthy
Ryan Murphy
Gary Zdenek
David Miller
Gary Zdenek
Brian Kesler
Scott Letizia
Ryan Murphy