May 28, 1874 - The loss of 5 companies caused fear among property owners and a petition was sent to the legislature to establish a Police and Fire Commission. The state acted promptly and the commission began appointing police and firemen. They determined that the Utica Fire Department should consist of 60 men, with a chief and two assitants. Four steamer companies were each to have a Foreman, a Driver, a Stoker, and seven Hosemen. One Hook & Ladder truck company was also established. It was to have a Foreman, a Tillerman, a Driver, and 11 Laddermen. The Stokers of the engine companies were to be on duty at all times and to be the drivers of the hose wagons.

June 1, 1874 - The Board of Commissioners took formal possession of the fire department and found it in unsatisfactory condition. The apparatus were stored in seven buildings, only 2 of which the city actually owned.

August 20, 1874 - The first public parade and inspection of the new department was held. The uniform worn by the men was regulation blue with caps and badges in front. The callmen wore the regulation fire hat, red shirt, belt, black pants, and white gloves.

February 20, 1885 - Engine 5 enters service in a newly constructed station house on the corners of Albany and Blandina Streets.

???, 1893 - Truck 2 enters service. and is stationed at the Hose Depot on Cooper Street.

September 28, 1897 - Firemen John O'Hanlon and Issac Monroe lost their lives when the walls and floors collapsed at the fire in the Crouse Block, which was located at John and Broad Streets.

February 12, 1902 - Lt. John Biernie lost his life at the Maennerchor Hall fire on Columbia Street when the roof of the hall collapsed, trapping him between the building and Truck 2 which was also destroyed.

February 13, 1906 - Engine 7 enters service into the Utica Fire Department in a new station house at 1522 Whitesboro Street. This company was to serve the new growing "Highlands" area of West Utica.

February 20, 1906 - Engine 6 and Truck 3 enter service in a new station house on the corners of Wetmore and Bleecker Streets.

February 6, 1907 - Driver Charles E. Owens died on duty while thawing hydrants with Steamer 2. A jet of steam hissed out, causing the horses to bolt. In trying to control the horses his feet became entangled and fell beneath the wheels of the steamer.

August 1, 1909 - Engine 8 enters service in a station house on the corners of Eagle and Neilson Streets, in the section of Utica known as Cornhill. This engine house was the last to be built to accommodate horses.

September 6, 1915 - Engine 9 and Truck 4 enter service into the Utica Fire Department. These are the first companies to be strictly motorized. Their new quarters located on Sunset and Shepard Streets was the first to be designed without horse stalls and haylofts. 

January 16, 1916 - The Utica Fire Department hires its first mechanic as the city begins to move to all motorized engines.

November 11, 1917 - In 1916, the City of Utica annexed 4 square miles of the Town of Deerfield. The area soon became known as North Utica. This prompted the Utica Fire Department to extend its operations north. Engine 10 was placed in service in a fire house which was formerly occupied by Deerfield's Volunteers.

November 1, 1922  - The fire prevention bureau was enacted in Utica.

February 1, 1926 - Truck 5  enters service and is stationed with Engine 8 in the station house on the corners of Eagle and Neilson Streets.

November 29, 1928 - Tower 2 enters service into the Utica Fire Department. This company was housed in Central Station (2) and was the reason for naming it Tower 2. 

December 20, 1929 - Engine 12 enters service as South Utica continues to grow. A new station is also built for this company at 15 Woodlawn Avenue.

March 28, 1930  - Salvage 2 enters service at Central Station. This company is to carry various rescue tools and salvage equipment.

February 2, 1932 - An inaugural meeting is held for Engine 11 and its first Chief is elected. This meeting made the few year old organization permanent. Engine 11 was created for the following reasons: to maintain the fine tradition of fire fighting in the City of Utica, to promote and encourage community support for fire protection, to provide recognition for faithful and outstanding service by firefighters in the line of duty, to foster a relationship of comradeship between members of the Utica Fire Department and citizens of the community.

October 3, 1939 - Engine 13 enters service in the Utica Fire Department. A new house was built for it at 1522 Madison Avenue. It was incorporated to protect an extensive residential area east of Cornhill and south of old East Utica.

May 8, 1953 - Captain Somers of Truck 5 was killed at the Dresher Furniture Store fire. He was found in the basement of the building after the fire was extinguished.