The Garden City Fire Department, celebrating 86 years of service in the year 2006, 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. Equipment consisted of only a couple of hand draw hose reels and a ladder rig.

In 1899, after the devastating Garden City Hotel fire, the Garden City Company promoted the formation of a regular volunteer organization staffed by the residents of the community.

In 1916, the Company notified all of the residents that they could no longer provide essential services. This led to the formation of the Incorporated Village of Garden City. Still independent, the Fire Department officially incorporated in 1920, and was brought within the Village Government.

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.