You would not know it by the start of November, but its that time of year. Please keep your hydrants clear of snow! Every Second Counts!
August brought us a couple weather events to South Vestal. Our division operation center was brought on line and Vestal Fire and Vestal Fire Water Rescue team was put on standby as the Choconut Creek decided to leave its banks. Station #2 dodged a bullet as you can see in the photos as it was not Choconut creek but Sugar Hollow that decided to be noticed! Town Highway, Vestal PD along with Vestal Fire was at the ready to serve!
Vestal Fire Department answered the call again from the NY State Fire Instructors from Broome County! Vestal Fire supplied Engine 32-4, Tower 32-4 and Pumper Tanker 32-2 at the Vestal Fire Training site. The firefighter students were introduced to the operation of the engines pump and hose lines. Students operated the pump using a fire hydrant with unlimited water supply. Those fire hydrants sure are nice to have... But what do fire departments do if there are no hydrants where they are operating? Well, the answer is that they need to draft water out of any available source... pond, lake, stream, someone's pool or the good ole drop tank carried by rural fire departments! The students were drafting with the Tower's pump out of the big yellow drop tank in these pictures.
On May 8th, there was a public information meeting on Separation of the town board acting as fire Commissioners with the Formation of a new fire district with dedicated Fire Commissioners and Treasurer - sole purpose focused on fire protection. Chairmen Tom McCartney did the presenting of the information on separation of the fire district from the town board. The Fire Department Chiefs and Governance Committee members supporting the presentation were in attendance along with member participation in support of the presentation to the town board and public. (inside and outside)
The last of the engine replacements has taken place
Firefighters association scholarship awardee, Molly Hubbard, Vestal Fire Department, reflects on service as a teen volunteer firefighter
Our 50 years plus members where recently acknowledged at our annual banquet!
“Storm Ready” certification
Vestal Fire Department was once again honored to be a part of the National Weather Service “Storm Ready” certification for the Town of Vestal’s Emergency Operation Center! Thanks to all of Vestal’s First responder agencies, Highway Department and the leadership of the Town of Vestal for their dedication to the citizens of the Town of Vestal that made this certification possible!
Up in Flames! Digging deeper into declining membership
The following is a recent Channel 12 WBNG News coverage relating to the need for new volunteers to join our ranks in the fire service. We are also experiencing a major decline in membership in Vestal, along with all other local departments. PLEASE consider joining today!