Town Line Volunteer Fire Department

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

This month in history .... In June 1990, EMS Captain Dave Szczudlik Sr. announced there would be a demonstration on a defibrillator machine which would soon be required for basic EMTs. The price was $7,500 per unit. The entire unit, which came with the dummy set up for practicing with the unit was $10,000. A motion was made and carried to purchase the unit.

An excerpt from the article reads: "In an effort to give the people of their fire district the very best service, The Town Line Volunteer Fire Department has purchased a Laerdal Heartstart Defibrillator. Research has found that lives can be saved if the patient is given defibrillation within the first few minutes of a heart problem. The Town Line Fire Department, after hearing the above statement, have entered a program to use the defibrillator and instruct their first aid squad in its use.

The Town Line Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary felt this was a worthwhile program and donated to the purchase of the complete kit. At one of their monthly meetings, the Auxiliary okayed the donation after given a demonstration on how it works."

We've certainly come a long way from this one defibrillation unit and now have an automatic external defibrillation unit on each of our trucks including our chief vehicles. This helps ensure each and every patient gets this vital service in the event of a cardiac event.

Check back next week when we share another fun fact from our 105 years of history!

06/17/2026

Before you head to bed this evening, take down your potted plants, secure your pool floats, and plan on hanging on tight to your dog's leash!!! The National Weather Service - Buffalo has issued a WIND ADVISORY for our area Thursday, June 18th from 2am to 8pm.

Affected Area: Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties

WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected late tonight through Thursday morning, becoming southwest during the day Thursday.

WHERE...Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties.

WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.

IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. A few trees and tree limbs will likely come down, resulting in isolated power outages.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Fully leafed out trees may result in more tree damage than with similar wind speeds during the colder months of the year.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

06/17/2026

While we are grateful for each and every member and the time they dedicate to our department, we’d like to take a moment to thank our Top 10 responders! We appreciate you. Keep up the good work!

Want to find out how YOU can join our team? We are currently accepting applications for interior firefighter, exterior firefighter, and EMTs. No experience necessary. We provide the training, you provide the dedication. Contact us today. We’d love to chat!!

06/16/2026

Last night’s weekly Monday night training was auto extrication, specifically use of the struts we carry on our Engine 1 and Truck 6. Our Amkus tool rep, Mike, from Fire Rescue Products joined us to go over proper use and placement of these valuable tools. Struts allow us to stabilize a vehicle that is on its side, roof, or not on stable ground and at a risk of tipping over. Stabilizing the vehicle ensures both our personnel and the patients are as safe as possible during rescue from a vehicle.

Our firefighters also reviewed use of our spreaders, cutters, and combination spreaders/cutter tools, as well as our various battery operated saws that can work along side our heavy extrication tools to quickly and efficiently cut glass or thin metal out of the way during extrication of a patient.

This weekly training helps us be sure that we are ready to respond and operate proficiently when seconds count.

Want to find out more about how to join our team and learn how to operate our extrication equipment? We are currently accepting applications for interior firefighters, exterior firefighters, and EMTs (including 16 and 17 year olds and out of district/hours based members.) Contact us today! We’d love to chat!

06/14/2026

“When we honor our flag, we honor what we stand for as a nation—freedom, equality, justice, and hope.” — Ronald Reagan

🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day 🇺🇸

06/11/2026

This month in history ..... on June 5, 2004, we dedicated our new aerial truck, a 2004 Metz.

In 2002, looking to replace the 1981 Seagrave Ladder 6, a committee was formed to research a new ladder truck. Headed by Committee Chairman Brian Kendall and assisted by Chief Norm Weber, Assistant Chief Rich DeVries, Captain Brett Broska, and Lieutenant Richard Damian, the committee researched various options and presented a Metz aerial to the department in August 2002. The department voted to approve the purchase in September 2002 and the contract was signed by President Jennifer Klas that December.

The department took delivery of the new truck in December 2003 and, in June 2004, the new aerial was dedicated. This piece was built in Germany and included a Spartan Gladiator cab. It had many features that were unique at the time that allowed firefighters to begin rescue immediately. Once the outriggers were set, the Metz aerial could be extended to its maximum height in just 40 seconds. It was able to operate on slopes up to 15% without leveling the truck. By simply putting the outriggers in and out, the truck was ready for action in 20 seconds. The total cost was $599,280.

Housed out of Station #2 on Cemetery Road, the Metz responded to countless fires and other emergencies for eight years. Unfortunately, in 2010 the Metz was having some issues and in need of repairs. It was difficult to obtain parts and often a mechanic had to be flown in from Germany to work on the rig. The department also decided a truck capable of carrying water would better suit the needs of the department and it was decided to replace the Metz and the 2011 Pierce 105’ Aerial/Quint was purchased. The Metz was sold in January 2012 to a broker to then be put on the market.

Stay tuned next week for another piece of interesting history from the past 105 years!

06/09/2026

🚨CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!!!! 🚨

A common misconception is that our firefighters and emergency medical personnel are paid for what they do or that we have plenty of members to do the job. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Our department relies 100% on volunteers from the community to respond to nearly 1,000 alarms each year including fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, alarm activations, hazardous conditions, weather emergencies, mutual aid to other departments, and more!

The members of our department are just like you; they are construction workers, finance and banking professionals, mechanics, ambulance workers, students, business professionals, and even retirees. They are fathers and mothers, spouses and friends. They all have one thing in common; they are neighbors dedicated to the safety and security of the communities of Lancaster and Alden.

We welcome you to join our family and give back to your community! We are currently accepting applications for:

👨‍🚒 Interior and Exterior Firefighters
🆘 Scene support personnel
🚑 Medical personnel
🚒Drivers

Additionally, we have a program for 16- and 17-year-olds as well as an hours-based program for those living outside the towns of Lancaster and Alden.

There are also some pretty great benefits to becoming a volunteer including:
✅FREE annual physical
✅FREE CPR/First Aid Training
✅$750 payment when you finish initial NYS fire training
✅$1,250 payment when you finish NYS interior training
✅Earn up to $800 per month retirement when you turn 62
✅$200 per year tax credit from NYS
✅Qualify for property tax credits
✅FREE EMT training
✅FREE gym membership
✅FREE gear and uniform
✅Rewarding pride in yourself when you are able to help others
✅A second family

Message, call, visit our website, or stop at one of our stations for more info! We can't wait to meet you! No experience is needed. We provide the training; you provide the dedication!

06/09/2026

Last night was the perfect night to get some pump training in for our new and prospective drivers. Engine 1 and crew spent the evening going over operation of the pump as well as deployment of the deck gun on top of the apparatus. One of our firefighters even used the opportunity to cool off on this otherwise sticky summer evening.

Meanwhile back at the station, six of our firefighters finished up the 35 hour NYS Apparatus Operator - Aerial Device course. This course provides operators of our ladder trucks the knowledge necessary to operate, inspect, and maintain aerial devices. Course content included emergency vehicles operation review, vehicle inspection, operation of various types of serial devices including platforms and ladders, proper placement, and setup at an incident including spotting and stabilizing.

Training such as the exercises conducted last night help ensure we are proficient when we are called to an emergency.

Want to find out how YOU can become a part of our team (and play with cool trucks??) We have positions open for interior firefighter, exterior firefighter, and EMT-only! Contact us today, we’d love to chat!!

We provide the training, you provide the dedication.