South Bay Volunteer Fire Department was established in August of 1955 by a group of concerned citizens who realized that the area needed organized fire protection. With the surrounding community poised for development due to the installation of water, gas, and sewer lines, 35 volunteer firefighters worked nights and weekends to build the first 36’ x 40’ concrete block firehouse literally by hand.
They mortgaged their homes for the construction and the first piece of equipment which was a 1939 Buffalo Pumper/Tanker purchased for $3000
The department was created to serve an area approximately 10 square miles of area located mid-way between Cicero and Bridgeport on the south Shore of Onieda Lake. The early years were a difficult time to be a firefighter. Technology, safe equipment, standardized training, and many other developments hadn’t developed into today’s fire fighting standards yet. The hazards these firefighters faced were astonishing compared to today’s brave men and women. As the department grew, it stayed abreast of the ever changing requirements and standards of the industry. At one point, it was agreed upon that the rapid arrival of trained medical staff would help the ambulance providers save lives. The department trained for and purchased rescue equipment to further augment the service provided to the area. The original fire house was expanded to create a four bay garage measuring 36’ x 80’. On the community front, a Ladies Auxiliary was established to support the department and also to increase the social activities of the community. Later, a banquet hall measuring 60’ x 100’ was added to host hundreds of events organized by the tireless auxiliary. A fully equipped kitchen was built allowing citizens and guests to host wedding receptions, catered gatherings, and a host of other functions. Somewhere along the way, it was decided to become a charter host for the Cub Scouts of America and Pack 32 was created and sponsored. It is now the longest charted Cub Scout pack in the area and still sponsored by the department’s auxiliary.
