Elsmere Firefighters Say Goodbye To Engine 32
Elsmere Fire Co. A, Inc. Honors Member Achievements
Captain John Zboray Named Elsmere Fire Company's Firefighter of the Year
KEVIN M SHEA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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WELCOME TO THE ELSMERE FIRE COMPANY A, INC.
The Elsmere Fire Company "A" was formed in June of 1922 through the persistent efforts of a few residents of the hamlet of Elsmere in the Town of Bethlehem. These residents, interested in fire protection and the resulting decrease in insurance rates, formed a volunteer fire company.
On November 18, 1922, a special election was held by the Bethlehem Town Board. At this meeting, the citizens voted to create the Elsmere Fire Company and to fund it accordingly. On the first Friday of December in 1922, the members of the Elsmere Fire Company met, organized, adopted a constitution and elected its first officers. This anniversary is still celebrated each year by the current membership.
The Elsmere Fire Company has grown since that time. The active membership (firefighters) is currently and consistently remains at or about 80 members. The Company boasts a social membership which numbers well over 200. Social members provide non-emergency support to and participation in Fire Company activities.
The Elsmere Fire District/Elsmere Fire Company relationship is a joint and mutually cooperative effort toward a common goal: the protection of life and property. While the Fire District, as described below, is responsible for the administration of taxpayer funds for fire suppression and prevention programs, the Fire Company, a fraternal organization, is appointed by the Fire District to actually carry out these goals and operates largely through private voluntary donations from its residents.
The Fire Company membership includes Chief Officers, Fire Line Officers and Civil Officers. These officers function as managers within the organization to ensure the continued viability of the organization and the accomplishment of the goals promoted by the Fire District.
The District Officers ( Chief and two Assistant Chiefs) supervise fire suppression, training, and safety program activities. They are assisted by Fire Line Officers ( Captain and Lieutenants) working together within a structured system toward a common goal of fire protection and prevention.
The Civil Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Quartermaster, and Directors) are responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the Fire Company.
The Elsmere Fire District was formed in 1928 in accordance with Town and County requirements. The Board of Fire Commissioners, consisting of five Fire Commissioners elected by the residents of the Fire District, is responsible for the administration and execution of a fire protection program. Please see the link to the Elsmere Fire District website for more information including budgeting, training, insurance, and future fire protection needs.
MAY FIREFIGHTER PROFILE
Chief William H. Webb
This month's profile features Elsmere Fire District Chief William H. Webb. Chief Webb joined the Elsmere Fire Company on June 27, 1985. He was elected Fire Company Treasurer in October 1987. He served as a Fire Lieutenant from April 1989 through April 1995. In April 1995, Bill was elected to the position of Fire Captain and served in that capacity until December 1997. He was elected 2nd Assistant Chief in December 1997. In December 2003, he was promoted to the rank of 1st Assitant Chief. In February 2004, he was elected to fill the position of District Chief, left vacant by the untimely line of duty death of Chief Kevin M. Shea. Chief Webb continues to serve as the Department's Chief. He is a member of the Elsmere FAST Team and chairs the Fire Company's popular Fish Fry Dinner Committee, which many residents of the Town enjoy on four Friday evenings during Lenten season each Spring. He is trained in Hazardous Materials Incident Command and Fire Department Leadership. Chief Webb was awarded the NA Blanchard Post 1040 Firefighter of the Year in 2008 for his brave action at a fire in a local nursing home that occurred at 3:01am on December 17, 2007. He responded to a report of a structure fire in an elderly resident's room. As one of the first firefighters to arrive, he was able to make his way through a smoke filled wing of the nursing home to the fire room. Upon reaching the room, he was able to remove the seriously burned resident from danger and further injury with the assistance of Bethlehem Police Officer Frank Muller. Chief Webb also received this distinguished award on March 7, 2005. Chief Webb is a Past President of the Town of Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Officers Association and a member of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs and International Association of Fire Chiefs. We applaud Chief Webb's many years of dedicated service to the Fire Company and Fire District.
Elsmere Fire Company A, Inc.
15 West Poplar Drive
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-9144
efcwebmaster@elsmerefire.org
