The Garden City Fire Department, 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 fireman when necessary, even though they might be regularly employed as clerks or gardeners. The fire department, with its dual mission of fire prevention and fire fighting, still performs a vital service for safety and security of the lives and property of Village residents. From the beginning, when 31 local residents became “charter” members, over 400 local men and woman have served in the ranks of the Volunteer Fire Service in Garden City. With a current four company roster of 100 volunteer firefighters, residents are always welcome to join the ranks, as it is “the highest form of community service.”