West Falls
New York
Add an Article
Add an Event
Edit
West Falls Volunteer Fire Company
The West Falls Fire Company/Aurora-Colden Fire District #6 has been serving and protecting residents within the confines of the Fire District, Town of Aurora and Colden, County of Erie and the State of New York for over 80 years. Our dedicated men and women will continue to provide for the preservation of life and property with integrity, courage and self-sacrifice for years to come.
The West Falls Fire Company was born in the year 1909 with a founding membership of 12. Their goal was to provide fire suppression to their growing town. At the April, 1920 meeting of the members, they approved the purchase of 6 - 14 quart pails to better their cause.
In May 1950, West Falls hosted their first Red Cross First Aid Course. Giving them yet another addition to the growing company. February 1951 brought the first Mutual Aid plan with the surrounding communities. Giving West Falls, more resources to handle emergencies. In May 1955, West Falls purchased the first ambulance for the town. It was a 1955 Cadillac for the price of $5000.00.
Years progressed and the town continued to grow rapidly. Fund raisers, dances and a lot of hard work by the members bought new and more advanced equipment. 1965 brought the first "Brand New" pumper/tanker. It had a pumping capacity of 750 gallons of water per minute and carried 1000 gallons of water.
The fire service as a whole, found itself undergoing radical changes-gone were the days of horse drawn pumps and leather buckets. It was obvious that the means by which firemen were alerted to calls also needed change. Consequently, at the April 1971 meeting of the company, they went on record as supporting the hiring of full-time dispatchers at East Aurora Fire Control.
January 1977 brought the Blizzard of 77. Numerous people were stranded at the fire hall. Several members of the company took these stranded people into their own homes to take care and feed them until the storm subsided. Moreover, numerous snowmobile teams were organized to assist in delivering medication and food to those who were trapped in their own homes. Again, the residents of West Falls could sleep soundly knowing their volunteers were there to help.
December 1978 the fire company elected their very first female firefighters into the company. They were the first female firefighters in the area. 1979 brought the first fire hydrants to the community. That bought a whole new change to the way fires were fought in the areas where the hydrants were placed. The fire company was accustom to drafting from ponds, pools, streams and creeks. 1979 also brought the "Jaws of Life" Extrication Tool. This tool is very critical for saving lives in automobile accidents. 1982 brought Advanced Life Support for the ambulance. Giving the fire company yet another step in providing the best possible care to the residents of the community.
The years to follow brought many awards and accomplishments to both the fire company and its members. 1998 brought the first computer to the fire hall. 1992, the first automated defibrillator was purchased. 1993 the fire company adopted and is to this day, fully compliant with Federal OSHA Requirements.
1999 gave the fire company a new home. The truck hall was completely renovated at 1864 Davis Road and a second floor was added. The old meeting hall at 1863 Davis Road was sold, making all of the fire company operations under one roof at 1864. In addition, in 1999, the West Falls Fire Company took another giant step in their strive to provide the best possible care to the community. The ambulance became Paramedic certified. The highest possible care you can provide in the State of New York.
The West Falls Fire Company was born in the year 1909 with a founding membership of 12. Their goal was to provide fire suppression to their growing town. At the April, 1920 meeting of the members, they approved the purchase of 6 - 14 quart pails to better their cause.
In May 1950, West Falls hosted their first Red Cross First Aid Course. Giving them yet another addition to the growing company. February 1951 brought the first Mutual Aid plan with the surrounding communities. Giving West Falls, more resources to handle emergencies. In May 1955, West Falls purchased the first ambulance for the town. It was a 1955 Cadillac for the price of $5000.00.
Years progressed and the town continued to grow rapidly. Fund raisers, dances and a lot of hard work by the members bought new and more advanced equipment. 1965 brought the first "Brand New" pumper/tanker. It had a pumping capacity of 750 gallons of water per minute and carried 1000 gallons of water.
The fire service as a whole, found itself undergoing radical changes-gone were the days of horse drawn pumps and leather buckets. It was obvious that the means by which firemen were alerted to calls also needed change. Consequently, at the April 1971 meeting of the company, they went on record as supporting the hiring of full-time dispatchers at East Aurora Fire Control.
January 1977 brought the Blizzard of 77. Numerous people were stranded at the fire hall. Several members of the company took these stranded people into their own homes to take care and feed them until the storm subsided. Moreover, numerous snowmobile teams were organized to assist in delivering medication and food to those who were trapped in their own homes. Again, the residents of West Falls could sleep soundly knowing their volunteers were there to help.
December 1978 the fire company elected their very first female firefighters into the company. They were the first female firefighters in the area. 1979 brought the first fire hydrants to the community. That bought a whole new change to the way fires were fought in the areas where the hydrants were placed. The fire company was accustom to drafting from ponds, pools, streams and creeks. 1979 also brought the "Jaws of Life" Extrication Tool. This tool is very critical for saving lives in automobile accidents. 1982 brought Advanced Life Support for the ambulance. Giving the fire company yet another step in providing the best possible care to the residents of the community.
The years to follow brought many awards and accomplishments to both the fire company and its members. 1998 brought the first computer to the fire hall. 1992, the first automated defibrillator was purchased. 1993 the fire company adopted and is to this day, fully compliant with Federal OSHA Requirements.
1999 gave the fire company a new home. The truck hall was completely renovated at 1864 Davis Road and a second floor was added. The old meeting hall at 1863 Davis Road was sold, making all of the fire company operations under one roof at 1864. In addition, in 1999, the West Falls Fire Company took another giant step in their strive to provide the best possible care to the community. The ambulance became Paramedic certified. The highest possible care you can provide in the State of New York.