In 1908, 13 men organized the Smithville South Hook, Ladder, and Engine Company. Their equipment at the time consisted of one hand drawn fire wagon that was loaded with water buckets, sand and brooms. At the turn of the century, the town of North Bellmore did not exist, the area was then known as Smithville. When the area of Smithville asked to be recognized by the establishment of a post office they were informed that there already was a Smithville, NY located upstate. In order to create their own identity the locals changed the name to Smithville South. The name was later changed again when the LIRR created a station named Bellmore but the name stuck for the company located at the old Frederick Farms property at the intersection of Broad Street and Newbridge Road.

They pulled their lone fire wagon for 14 years to fire scenes until they purchased a Ford Chassis chemical truck in 1922. The following year North Bellmore Engine Company No. 2 was founded up north, the North Bellmore Fire Department was founded and Smithville Hook, Ladder, and Engine Company added a #1 to its title.