Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department

03/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At approximately 3:14 p.m. today, 3/8/2026, the Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 112 Pexton Street in the City of Sherrill. Automatic mutual aid was requested from the Oneida Castle Fire Department, Vernon Fire Department, Vernon Center Fire Department, and Munnsville Fire Department.

Car 1 (Chief T. Tormey) arrived on scene shortly after dispatch and confirmed a working structure fire, with smoke filling the residence and beginning to push from the eaves.

Sherrill Engine 1, under the direction of Captain Z. Hasty, was the first arriving apparatus and immediately secured a water supply while crews initiated an aggressive interior attack on the fire. As additional units from mutual aid departments arrived, firefighters established a second water source, deployed a backup hose line, and conducted a primary search of the structure.

The fire was ultimately traced to a dehumidifier unit in the basement and was contained to that area with minimal extension to the rest of the home. Despite the quick containment, the residence sustained significant smoke damage.

The fire was declared under control at approximately 3:30 p.m., with all units clearing the scene by 4:45pm No injuries to any civilians, pets or firefighters were reported.

The Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank our mutual aid partners from Oneida Castle Fire Department, Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon, inc., Vernon Center Fire Department, Munnsville volunteer fire Department, Vineall Ambulance, City of Sherrill Police Department and Sherrill Power and Light for their assistance and continued cooperation in protecting our community.

03/02/2026

Today, March 2nd, we pause to remember and honor Firefighter Michael D. Sowich, who made the ultimate sacrifice on this day in 2007.

Firefighter Sowich passed away while attending training at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, during the New York State Weekend program. Though he had been serving with the New Hartford Fire Department at the time, Mike was a longtime and dedicated member of the Sherrill-Kenwood Fire Department, where he left a lasting impact on our department and our members.

Mike was committed to the fire service and continually worked to better himself through training and education — a true reflection of his dedication to protecting others. His loss was felt deeply within our department and throughout the fire service community.

Nearly two decades later, he is not forgotten. We remember his service, his commitment, and the brotherhood he shared with us.

Mike, you are missed, you are honored, and you will always remain part of the Sherrill-Kenwood family.

March 2, 2007 - LODD
Firefighter Michael D. Sowich, 50
New Hartford Fire Department. NY
Sowich died while attending training during the New York State Weekend program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. Firefighter Sowich was discovered deceased in his dorm room. The cause of his death is unknown. While he had been at New Hartford for only a short time, he had been a long time member of the Sherrill-Kenwood Fire Department.

02/27/2026

On Thursday 2/26/2026 at 10:05 AM, Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to 303 E Hinds Avenue for a reported structure fire. Car 2, Assistant Chief A. Bennett, arrived on scene shortly after and reported smoke showing from the front door and immediately declared a working fire and requested 2nd Alarm. The fire was declared under control within 30 minutes. Car 2, Engine 2, Truck 1 and Rescue 1 responded to the scene with 16 members.

As always we would like to thank our mutual aid partners Oneida Castle Fire Department, Volunteer Fire Company of Vernon, inc., Vernon Center Fire Department, Munnsville volunteer fire Department, Verona Fire Department, Oneida City Fire Department, Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department and Vineall Ambulance.

We would also like to thank the Sherrill Police Department, Sherrill Power & Light, Sherrill water department and the Oneida County Sheriff’s office for their assistance on scene. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them!

The alarm was raised at 10:02 a.m. for a fire that started in the basement of 303 E. Hinds Ave., said Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Bennett. The residents discovered the fire and called 9-1-1 while fleeing the home. Firefighters from eight local departments responded to the scene.

02/12/2026

Structure Fire - 02/11/2026

At approximately 6:20 a.m. this morning, the Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department, along with automatic mutual aid companies, was dispatched to 3746 Graves Road in the Town of Vernon for a reported structure fire.

Sherrill Car 1, Chief T. Tormey, arrived on scene shortly thereafter and declared a working fire, immediately requesting a second alarm to secure additional tankers and manpower.

Sherrill Engine 2, under the direction of Assistant Chief D. Bennett, was the first arriving apparatus and initiated fire suppression efforts. The fire was declared under control at 8:18 a.m.

There were no civilian injuries reported. One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was evaluated on scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

The Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance:
• Oneida Castle Fire Department
• Vernon Fire Department
• Vernon Center Fire Department
• Verona Fire Department
• Munnsville Fire Department
• City of Oneida Fire Department
• Wampsville Fire Department
• Lincoln Fire Department
• Canastota Fire Department
• Westmoreland Fire Department
• Vineall Ambulance
• City of Sherrill Water & DPW Departments
• Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
• NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control

We appreciate the continued cooperation and support of our mutual aid partners.

01/20/2026

🚒 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 🚑

The Sherrill-Kenwood Volunteer Fire Department has officially taken delivery of our new Ford F-550 Rescue Truck, which will be placed into service following this week’s department drill.

This new rescue replaces a 2004 Ford F-350 that proudly served our community for more than 20 years. The upgrade is a major step forward in safety, reliability, and response capability for both our members and the residents of Sherrill and surrounding areas.

The truck features a custom-built rescue body by Stonewell Bodies (Genoa, NY) and is the result of a two-year planning and build process to ensure it meets the specific needs of our department.

🚑 The rescue will primarily respond to medical emergencies, which make up the majority of our calls, and will also respond to:
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Brush fires
• Structure fires

📊 In 2025 alone, the rescue unit responded to 274 of our 378 total calls, highlighting its critical role in daily operations.

We’d like to thank the City of Sherrill Commissioners, the City Manager, our department members, and everyone involved in making this project possible. We remain committed to providing professional, dependable emergency services to the community we proudly serve.

📸 Stay tuned for photos and updates as the truck officially goes in service!

01/01/2026

🎉🚒 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥-𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭! 🚒🎉

As we welcome 2026, we want to thank our amazing community for your continued support throughout the past year. It’s an honor to serve the residents of Sherrill and the surrounding areas, and we’re proud to stand ready whenever you need us.

✨ 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬!
We are always looking for new volunteers — whether you’re interested in firefighting, EMS, Fire Police, or helping at community events. No experience is required, just a willingness to serve your neighbors. Training is provided!

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to give back, this is your sign. 💪
Message us here or stop by the station to learn how you can become part of our fire family.

Here’s to a safe, healthy, and happy New Year for everyone in our community! 🥂

12/22/2025

🚨 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐒 🚨

We are incredibly proud to share this powerful op-ed published in the Rome Sentinel, written by one of our very own junior members! 🧑‍🚒💪

The article highlights a critical reality: our volunteer fire companies are the backbone of community safety, but they face growing challenges with funding, rising equipment costs, and a declining number of active members. These volunteers don't just fight fires; they are our neighbors who drop everything at a moment's notice to protect our homes and lives.

𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞.

Whether you have an interest in firefighting, emergency medical services, or helping out behind the scenes with administration and fundraising, there is a place for you here. You don’t need experience—just a willing heart.

📖 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://www.romesentinel.com/opinion/volunteer-fire-companies-deserve-support/article_2b808502-8168-46d0-98d5-53c966d20c66.html

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞? Message us today to learn how you can join our team and serve your community!

Policies in New York State are placing a strain on our volunteer fire departments, and the resulting shortage of volunteer firefighters is becoming a public safety crisis.

12/07/2025

Our SKVFD members are hard at work decorating the trucks to bring Santa to Sherrill tonight! 🎅🚒✨

Start the evening at the Tree Lighting at 3:00 PM, then keep an eye (and ear!) out as the trucks roll out from the station at 4:15 PM to es**rt Santa around the city.

See you tonight! 🎄🔥

11/27/2025

🦃 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥-𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭! 🦃

From our firehouse family to yours, we hope your day is filled with good food, great company, and plenty to be thankful for. As you celebrate, please keep these 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 in mind:

🔥 Stay in the kitchen when cooking—unattended cooking is the leading cause of holiday fires.
🔥 Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from hot stoves, fryers, and anything that can burn.
🔥 Use turkey fryers outdoors only, on a flat surface, away from homes, decks, and garages.
🔥 Keep flammable items—like oven mitts, towels, and decorations—away from the stovetop.
🔥 Double-check smoke alarms to ensure they’re working properly.
🔥 Have a lid nearby to smother small stovetop flames—never use water on a grease fire.

We’re grateful for the continued support of our community and wish everyone a safe and joyous Thanksgiving! 🧡🚒

— 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥-𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

11/17/2025

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Nelson Halladay’s family, friends, and the entire Vineall Ambulance team. Nelson’s service and spirit will not be forgotten.

Rest easy, Nelson. We’ll take it from here.

We at Vineall Ambulance are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our own, Nelson Halladay. Nelson served our agency for over 30 years, touching countless lives with his compassion and dedication. He was truly one of a kind, always providing care to those in need with a generous heart and unwavering commitment.

Nelson will never be forgotten. We ask everyone to keep his family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Fly high, Nelson. This isn’t goodbye—it’s until we meet again. Rest easy, Nelson. We have it from here.

10/31/2025

We will have the station open 5-8pm, we will have donuts, cider and candy. Stop by with the kids!! Have a safe Halloween 🎃