Potsdam Fire Department

Potsdam Fire Department Our volunteers are unpaid professionals committed to protecting our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Potsdam Fire Department provides a variety of comprehensive services including: fire fighting; vehicle extrication; specialized rescue; water/ice rescue; and fire prevention education to the Town and Village of Potsdam community from our headquarters, a single centrally located fire station, in the Village of Potsdam. Our fire station is manned around the clock with one of four paid fire drive

rs, an employee of the Village of Potsdam, who immediately responds one of the village owned engines to all fire calls in the Village of Potsdam. The Potsdam Fire Department is a municipal fire department incorporated under New York State village law protecting the entire Village of Potsdam and contracting to provide fire protection to a portion of the Town of Potsdam. The Potsdam Fire Department currently maintains a fleet of three fire engines, one tanker, one heavy rescue truck, one light rescue/utility truck, and one aerial platform ladder truck.

In Memoriam: Past Chief Steven A. KeleherIt is with deep sadness that the Potsdam Fire Department announces the passing ...
08/31/2026

In Memoriam: Past Chief Steven A. Keleher

It is with deep sadness that the Potsdam Fire Department announces the passing of Past Chief Steven A. Keleher, who passed away on August 30, 2026.

Steve was a dedicated and active member of the Potsdam Fire Department until his passing and was currently serving as the department’s Treasurer. His commitment and service to the department and the community will be remembered for years to come.

Steve was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 1977 and again in 2006, recognizing his outstanding dedication and service.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Patricia “Patti” Keleher; his mother, Hilda Keleher; his son, Timothy (Melinda) Keleher; siblings Frank (Karen) Keleher, Dennis (Wanda) Keleher, Robin (Terry) Russell, Alice Farnsworth, and John (Kelly) Keleher; grandchildren Trevor (Kimberly) Keleher, Jacob (Angel) Keleher, Mathew Keleher, Megan (Jessie) Quealy, and Chase Berquist; great-grandchildren Lucas, Jameson, and Brady Keleher, and Mason Quealy; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Garner Funeral Service on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 3:00–7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Garner Funeral Service, with Rev. Scott Belina serving as celebrant. Burial will follow the service at West Stockholm Cemetery.

Contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to the Potsdam Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 756, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Condolences for the Keleher family may be shared at garnerfh.com.

The Potsdam Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to Patti, his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside Steve.

Rest in peace, Chief Keleher. Your dedication, service, and friendship will never be forgotten.

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/934/In-Memoriam-Past-Chief-Steven-A-Keleher

2 Car MVAAt 7:00 p.m., Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, and Car 10 were dispatched to a possible two vehicle motor vehicle ...
08/28/2026

2 Car MVA

At 7:00 p.m., Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, and Car 10 were dispatched to a possible two vehicle motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries. Upon arrival, Potsdam Fire assisted with traffic control, removed debris from the roadway, and supported Potsdam Rescue with patient care. Two patients were transported to CPH. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 8:18 p.m.

Units: E-80 (M. Bradish), R-30 (J. Keleher) 36-3, 36-4

Mutual Aid: Potsdam Rescue

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/933/2-Car-MVA

Potsdam Fire - Fireworks StandbyPotsdam Fire provided support to Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam during their welco...
08/28/2026

Potsdam Fire - Fireworks Standby

Potsdam Fire provided support to Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam during their welcome back fireworks events. Crews were present on both campuses this week to ensure safety and to respond in case of any incidents related to the fireworks.

As students are returning for the school year, we wish you all a safe and successful academic year!

Units: E-48 (M. Maroney), E-80 (M. Bradish)

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/932/Potsdam-Fire---Fireworks-Standby

Clarkson Mock Dorm BurnThe Potsdam Fire Department recently visited Clarkson University to discuss fire safety and fire ...
08/28/2026

Clarkson Mock Dorm Burn

The Potsdam Fire Department recently visited Clarkson University to discuss fire safety and fire alarms with students. During the visit, firefighters conducted a demonstration to show what happens when a fire starts in a dorm room. This “mock dorm burn” allowed students to witness firsthand how quickly conditions can change when a fire breaks out in a cluttered space.

As part of the demonstration, students observed the rapid growth of the fire while members of the fire department monitored the temperature inside the simulated dorm room. Temperatures rose to over 1300°F within just two minutes of ignition, highlighting the dangers of fire and the importance of prompt action.

Thank you to Clarkson University for making this event possible, giving students the chance to learn about fire safety on campus and to ask questions directly to fire professionals.

Units: E-80 (J. Keleher), 36-2, 36-3, 36-4

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/931/Clarkson-Mock-Dorm-Burn

Extrication TrainingPotsdam Fire recently held a district drill focused on passenger vehicle extrication, with members f...
08/18/2026

Extrication Training

Potsdam Fire recently held a district drill focused on passenger vehicle extrication, with members from West Stockholm Fire and West Potsdam Fire joining us for the training.

Members spent the evening working on vehicle stabilization using a variety of struts, jacks, cribbing, and other extrication equipment. Jerome Fire from Syracuse brought Res-Q-Jack equipment, giving our members the opportunity to work with strut/jack combination tools that allow firefighters to stabilize and lift a vehicle at the same time.

Members also had the opportunity to use the Jaws, cutters, and ram to remove vehicle doors and the roof. Training also included the “Tennessee Twist,” a technique where all but one C-pillar are cut. The roof can then be rotated while remaining attached, allowing it to be removed safely even when there are limited personnel available to lift the entire roof. This technique can allow as few as two firefighters to safely and effectively remove a vehicle roof and gain access to a patient.

Hands-on training like this is invaluable for preparing our members to safely and efficiently operate at real-world vehicle extrication incidents.

A huge thank you to Johnson Towing for donating the vehicles used for training, and to Jerome Fire and Res-Q-Jack for sharing their knowledge, tips, and expertise while giving our members the opportunity to work with new equipment.

Units: R-14 (S. Allen), R-30 (J. Bradish), 36-2

Mutual Aid: West Stockholm Fire, West Potsdam Fire, Car 10

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/930/Extrication-Training

Truck vs Bus MVAAt 4:55pm, Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, and Car 10 were dispatched to a reported truck versus transit b...
08/18/2026

Truck vs Bus MVA

At 4:55pm, Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, and Car 10 were dispatched to a reported truck versus transit bus, motor vehicle accident, with unknown injuries. E-49 and R-14 responded immediately. Upon arrival, no injuries were found. 1 lane was closed temporarily for investigation and patient care though no one was transported. The truck was towed and the roadway was cleared. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 5:27pm.

Units: E-49 (R. Crowe), R-14 (C. Corbett), 36-1, 36-3

Mutual Aid: Potsdam Rescue, Car 10, Potsdam PD, University Police

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/929/Truck-vs-Bus-MVA

2 Car MVA On State Highway 56At 1:28pm, Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, Car 10, were dispatched to a reported 2 car MVA wi...
08/14/2026

2 Car MVA On State Highway 56

At 1:28pm, Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, Car 10, were dispatched to a reported 2 car MVA with airbag deployment, unknown injuries. E-80 and R-14 responded. As E-80 arrived on scene, 1 car was in the roadway and the other was in a roadside drainage ditch, with the operator still inside. Crews limited traffic to 1 lane, assisted the entrapped vehicle operator out of their vehicle, and assisted Potsdam Rescue with patient care. All vehicle occupants were evaluated on scene and 1 patient was transported to CPH. Both vehicles were towed and the roadway was reopened to both lanes of travel. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 2:35pm.

Units: E-80 (J. Corbett), R-14 (M. Keleher)

Mutual Aid: Potsdam Rescue, St. Lawrence County Sheriffs, Village of Potsdam PD, University Police

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/928/2-Car-MVA-On-State-Highway-56

Motor Vehicle Accident – State Highway 56On Saturday, August 8, at approximately 1136 hours, Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescu...
08/08/2026

Motor Vehicle Accident – State Highway 56

On Saturday, August 8, at approximately 1136 hours, Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, and County Car 10 were dispatched to the area of 6588 State Highway 56, just north of the Village of Potsdam, for a three-vehicle motor vehicle accident.

Engine 48, chauffeured by Career Driver Grant, and Rescue 14, chauffeured by Captain Andrus, responded at the time of the alarm and arrived on scene approximately three minutes later.

Upon arrival, members established a safe work area and controlled traffic, which was reduced to one lane. One patient was transported from the scene by Potsdam Rescue.

Potsdam Fire members assisted with clearing debris from the roadway. One vehicle was removed from the scene by Bob’s Auto.

Also assisting on scene were the New York State Police and the Village of Potsdam Police Department.

Potsdam Fire cleared the scene and returned to service at approximately 1218 hours.

Units: Engine- 48 (Grant) Rescue-14(Andrus)

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/927/Motor-Vehicle-Accident--State-Highway-56

🍗 Potsdam Fire Department Annual Chicken Barbecue TODAY! 🚒Join us today, August 8th, starting at 11:00 AM for our annual...
08/08/2026

🍗 Potsdam Fire Department Annual Chicken Barbecue TODAY! 🚒

Join us today, August 8th, starting at 11:00 AM for our annual chicken barbecue!

🍽️ $15 — Chicken dinner
🍗 $10 — Chicken only

We’ll be selling until we run out of food, so come early!

🚒 Free delivery is available for those residing within our fire district.

📞 For Deliveries, please call: 315-265-4397

Thank you for supporting the Potsdam Fire Department! ❤️🚒

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/926/-Potsdam-Fire-Department-Annual-Chicken-Barbecue-TODAY-

Multiple calls for Potsdam FireAt 8:19am, Potsdam Fire was dispatched to a CO alarm at 32 Elderkin St. Upon arrival, Car...
08/02/2026

Multiple calls for Potsdam Fire

At 8:19am, Potsdam Fire was dispatched to a CO alarm at 32 Elderkin St. Upon arrival, Career Chauffeur B. McCluskey investigated and walked the property with a multigas meter, confirming it was safe for residents to enter. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 8:58am.

At 10:43am, Potsdam Fire was dispatched to 38 Market St, The Royal Indian Grill, for a possible flooded basement. The incident was investigated and the property managers were advised the next steps to handle the situation. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 11:18am.

At 11:31am, Potsdam Fire was dispatched to 150 Elm St for a fire alarm activation. This building was searched and the alarm activation was unfounded. The alarm was reset and Potsdam Fire was back in service at 11:57am.

At 11:57am, while clearing the prior call, Potsdam Fire, Potsdam Rescue, and Car 10 were dispatched to a 3 car MVA in the Pine St. and Sandstone Dr. intersection. E-48 and R-30 responded. Crews handled traffic control and assisted Potsdam Rescue while checking for injuries. 1 patient was transported to CPH. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 1:00pm.

Units: E-48 (B. McCluskey), R-30 (J. Keleher)

Mutual Aid: Potsdam Rescue, Car 10, Potsdam PD

https://www.potsdamfire.org/news/925/Multiple-calls-for-Potsdam-Fire

Address

42 Main Street
Potsdam, NY
13676

Telephone

+13152653311

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