On a quiet Briggs Avenue block, the loudest location is also one of the most cherished by Bedford Park residents. The clang of fire engines rushing from the home of the Engine 79 and Ladder 37 Fire Department companies is a din that, as of this year, has been gladly tolerated for the past century.

Current and former firefighters celebrated that milestone last week during a Mass and ceremonial event at the modest, two-story firehouse. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and other top brass presented a mayoral proclamation and plaque to the companies before a crowd of residents, family members and rows of firefighters standing in the rear.

While trucks and technology have replaced the horses and steamers of the past, the Fire Department traditions here, as in many companies, are still revered.

"It’s hard to get a firefighter to change," said Msgr. John Delendick, the Fire Department chaplain, before a backdrop of black helmets and reflective jackets. "There are changes we don’t want, like when someone dies. But 100 years has not changed the attitude of what firefighters bring as people of compassion and commitment."

That fondness for their work, and each other, was clearly on display as firefighters hugged and reunited with colleagues. "This was the best five years of [my career]," said Captain Catalan Otto, at Briggs Avenue until 2001. "I had a lot of memorable days here."

"Da Bronx Bravest," as the companies are known, have witnessed plenty of action over the course of their 155,000 total runs. Founded in 1904 when Bedford Park was still farmland, the companies covered much of the same terrain they do today — from Fordham Road to Woodlawn Cemetery and the Jerome Park Reservoir to the New York Botanical Garden.

In a photo dating back to the 1920s, 12 firefighters from the companies stand with their helmets. One of them was Frank Turner, Jr.’s father.

"It hasn’t changed much," said Turner, 79, who drove all the way from Texas last year to donate his father’s memorabilia to the firehouse. With its well-preserved tin ceiling and wrought-iron banister, the red paint was the only thing Turner didn’t remember from his days delivering dinner to his dad while on duty.

As the neighborhood developed, the companies’ workload grew exponentially. Their runs tripled by the 1960s, and during the waves of arson in the 1970s, the units relieved other Bronx firehouses to the south. By 1982, Engine 79 ranked in the top 10 of total runs citywide.

The companies were dispatched to the site of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, but perhaps their most well known run was their response to St. Philip Neri Church’s devastating fire in 1997. While the five-alarm inferno almost completely destroyed the Bedford Park church’s interior, firefighters were able to save some of the church’s religious artifacts.

"Thanks to their hard work, many of the church’s treasures still exist," said Father John Bonnici, St. Philip’s pastor, who also presided over the event’s Mass.

Otto remembers that harrowing day well. "We couldn’t find the fire at first, there was so much smoke," he said.

Over the century, the companies have lost 12 men. But five Engine 79, Ladder 37 veterans, who were at the time stationed at other houses, perished on Sept. 11. Sue Gimley’s brother-in-law was one of them. "It’s always hard," said Gimley about attending public events.

Gimley has been embraced by the companies, a natural byproduct of the intense bonds formed within a firehouse. "It’s almost like marrying into a family," said Edward Burgess, 34, a Ladder 37 member. "We all think of each other as brothers."

But for new members, joining that brotherhood can be bumpy. "They busted my chops in the beginning," said Otto, who came from a Queens firehouse. Rivalry between the houses is intense, according to Otto.

Burgess, a former cop, had to get used to a whole new culture. "You come in the door, and think you know how to do things better," said the Woodlawn resident. "But you realize it’s that way for a reason. You as an individual have to adapt."

The Department has been criticized for its lack of inclusiveness in a particularly diverse city. Out of the city’s total force of 11,184 firefighters, 92 percent are white and only 30 are women, according to officials. Of the 801 members who have served on Briggs Avenue, there has been only one woman — who is currently serving there — and a handful of ethnic minorities.

But Kenny Akan, an African-American Norwood resident who joined Ladder 37 in August, felt welcomed from the beginning. "There are a lot of good guys here," said Akan, 32. "They are always willing to teach you."

There’s a lot to learn, including 24-hour shifts and an unpredictable schedule. "It’s hard getting used to," said Burgess, holding a tall cup of coffee after being up all night.

Many firefighters feel the appreciation from local residents makes the challenges worth it. "It’s a great neighborhood," said Tom Peterman, a former company member now stationed in Highbridge. "People really appreciate you here."

Grace Siemer, a 20-year resident of East 201st Street, says the companies deserve every ounce of gratitude. "They are very humble," said Siemer, who attended the event with other Bedford Mosholu Community Association members. Siemer, who recently witnessed a fire on Marion Avenue, said the companies were on the scene in seconds.

"I’ve seen them go into burning buildings," said Siemer, a St. Philip’s parishioner. "Whatever accolades they get, it’s never enough."