Defender Hose Company No. 1 was organized on October 9, 1895 by a group of 19 residents of the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre. Since that time, Defender has faithfully served the residents of Rockville Centre as the third oldest of the seven companies in the Rockville Centre Fire Department.

Over the past 100+ years nearly 500 residents have served as members. 80 of these men have gone on to lead the Company as Captain, and eight of this 500 have risen to become Chief of the Rockville Centre Fire Department.

This organization was formed to serve as a volunteer fire company in the days when hand-drawn hose carts were pulled to the fire scene and buckets were used to quench the fire. Since that time, we have progressed a great deal. This progress came as a result of innovations in firefighting, improved equipment and the sweat and dedication of the firefighter to his calling.