Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161

08/18/2026

Your Medina Firefighters found a little time between calls today to get some technical rescue training in. Every career firefighter is certified in basic technical rescue and several have advanced certifications that expand our capabilities across a wide range of technical rescue emergencies. Today’s training also introduced our newest probationary Firefighter Paramedic, Cody Thomas, to some of our technical rescue equipment. These incidents are low frequency high risk, meaning they don’t happen often but when they do they carry significant danger for victims and rescuers. Training like this keeps skills sharp so crews can respond effectively when it matters most.

07/29/2026

This morning, your Medina Firefighters had the privilege of welcoming the kids from the Medina Joint Recreation Commission Summer recreation programfor one of their several visits to the station each summer. Even with overcast skies, nothing stopped them from enjoying a favorite tradition, washing the fire trucks.

These visits give the kids a chance to meet the firefighters, ask questions, and see the apparatus up close. It’s one of the many opportunities we share throughout the summer, all leading up to our end of summer tradition where we bring a fire truck and the grill to the park for a cookout with the kids.

This is a tradition your Medina Firefighters have enjoyed for many years and it’s one we always look forward to as do the kids.

07/26/2026

As many of you can imagine, we had a very difficult morning on Prospect Avenue. We are incredibly grateful that no residents or firefighters were injured. Sadly, some family pets were lost in the fire, and our thoughts are with the families affected during this difficult time.

We were dispatched at 4:22 a.m. and arrived on scene at 4:24 a.m. to find a significant volume of fire, with the possibility of occupants trapped inside. The crew of Engine 11 immediately began search operations until it was confirmed that everyone had safely escaped the original fire building.

A second alarm was struck at 4:26 a.m. as crews worked to protect the neighboring home at 206 Prospect Avenue, located approximately 20 feet north of the original structure. Once all occupants of that residence were accounted for, a third alarm was requested at 4:36 a.m. as additional manpower and equipment were needed after the fire breached the exterior of 206 Prospect Avenue. Multiple crews worked simultaneously to search for occupants while extinguishing fire throughout both floors and the attic space of that home.

Eight of Orleans County's eleven fire departments responded to the scene, along with two departments from Niagara County. Fire departments from Niagara, Monroe, and Genesee counties also staffed stations throughout Orleans County to ensure emergency coverage remained available while crews battled the fire.

We cannot thank our brothers and sisters from every department enough for their hard work, professionalism, and support today, whether they were operating on scene or covering our stations. We also appreciate the assistance provided by Orleans County Emergency Management and the Orleans County Highway Department.

To the many residents who stopped by with encouraging words, cold drinks, and support throughout the morning—thank you. Your kindness means more than you know. We wish we could thank everyone individually, but we know we'd unintentionally leave someone out.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Orleans County Fire Investigation Unit, with assistance from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

The photo accompanying this post was provided by a nearby resident and was taken just after they called 911 to report the fire.

Again, thanks to all that assisted us today.

Steve Cooley
Chief of Department

07/20/2026

Medina Fire Department is operating on scene of a Hazmat incident at Pridepak on Maple Ridge Rd. The situation is currently stable and there is no threat to the public. We are being assisted by numerous mutual aid, including Niagara and Genesee County Hazmat teams.

Middleport Fire and Wolcottsville Fire are currently standing by at Medina Fire Station for fire and EMS coverage.

07/15/2026

07/11/2026

This morning, The on duty crew was invited to the Canal Village Farmers' Market for Fire Prevention Day, Engine 11 and Ambulance 60 shining bright and ready for the kids to explore. It was a perfect morning for families to get up close to the tools and equipment our firefighters keep staffed and ready 24/7 for our community.

We’re proud of the work we do and even prouder of the people we serve. Days like this remind us why we show up: answering questions, sharing stories and connecting with the neighbors who make Medina feel like home.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, asked great questions and helped make Fire Prevention Day a blast.

07/11/2026

The members of the Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161 extends our deepest condolences on the passing of Lieutenant John “JJ” Joseph after his courageous battle with occupational cancer, a battle far too familiar across our profession. Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters of the Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 and with Lt. Joseph’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. His service, strength, and dedication will never be forgotten.

06/23/2026

This morning, your Medina Firefighters had the pleasure of joining the end of year Field Days at Oak Orchard Elementary School. The Chief and the on duty crew brought Engines 11 and 12, along with Ambulance 60, for the students to explore. We also set up our fire hose prop so the kids could try spraying water which is always a favorite.

We were proud to be part of the celebration and to help make the last week of school a little more exciting for the students.

06/19/2026

Four of your Medina Firefighters are hitting the links once again this morning for the 2026 Orleans Community Health Foundation Golf Tournament to benefit Orleans Community Health - Medina Memorial Hospital. Our union and the Medina Firefighters Benevolent Association have supported this event for many years and we’re excited to keep that tradition going. We’re proud to support local healthcare and spend the day representing the department at an event that brings our community together.