Snyder Fire Department

Snyder Fire Department Snyder Fire Department provides fire, rescue, and emergency services to approximately 20,000 residents within a six square miles radius in the Town of Amherst.

Snyder Fire Department provides fire, rescue, and emergency services to approximately 20,000 residents in a six square miles radius in the Town of Amherst. It is staffed by over 70 volunteers who respond to approximately 1200 calls per year. The main governing body of the Snyder Fire Department is referred to as the Snyder Fire District. It is a political sub-division of the State of New York and

is governed by a five member Board of Fire Commissioners elected by residents of the Snyder Fire District.

08/26/2026

Commissioner O'Leary recently visited the Snyder Fire Department in Amherst and met with three inspiring young members of the team.

To recruit the next generation of volunteer firefighters, we must support them, which is exactly what our training stipend program is designed to do.

Learn more about the Volunteer Firefighter Stipend Program: www.dhses.ny.gov/new-york-state-volunteer-firefighter-stipend-program

Good reminders to think about as the days become shorter and your fall clean-ups start!!
08/26/2026

Good reminders to think about as the days become shorter and your fall clean-ups start!!

๐Ÿš’ Wednesdays Are for Driver/Operator Training! ๐Ÿš’Every July and August, our members hit the roadโ€”and the training groundโ€”...
08/20/2026

๐Ÿš’ Wednesdays Are for Driver/Operator Training! ๐Ÿš’

Every July and August, our members hit the roadโ€”and the training groundโ€”as part of our annual Driver/Operator Training Program.

Becoming a fire apparatus operator is a multi-year process designed to build knowledge, confidence, and experience one apparatus at a time. Members progress through a structured program:

๐Ÿ”น Year 1 โ€“ Light Rescue Apparatus - Rescue 7 and Rescue 7-1: Members begin with our smaller rescue apparatus, learning the fundamentals of safe vehicle operation and apparatus systems as well as motor vehicle traffic laws for emergency vehicle operation.

๐Ÿ”น Year 2 โ€“ Heavy Rescue - Rescue 5: Members advance to our heavy rescue, with an increased focus on maneuvering and operating larger apparatus, as well as learning its purpose and capabilities.

๐Ÿ”น Year 3 โ€“ Engines 1, 2, and 3: Training moves to our engines, with a strong emphasis on pump operations, water supply, and fire suppression.

๐Ÿ”น Year 4 โ€“ Truck 6: Members can advance to our aerial apparatus, where training includes driving, fire suppression, and the operation of the aerial ladder.

But earning the driver's seat takes more than simply learning how to drive a fire truck.

Our members spend approximately six weeks training with our officers, learning the fundamentals and developing the skills necessary to safely operate each apparatus. After that, they complete six additional training sessions with experienced preceptors before being approved as operators.

It's a significant commitmentโ€”and an important one. When the tones drop, our drivers/operators need to be ready to safely get the crew and apparatus where they need to be, while also knowing how to operate the equipment once they arrive.

Training today helps us be ready for the call tomorrow.

Part of our history has come back home. We are so excited to have the original Snyder Hose Company (our name before it w...
08/07/2026

Part of our history has come back home. We are so excited to have the original Snyder Hose Company (our name before it was changed to Snyder Fire Department in 1949) speaking trumpet back in our firehouse. The trumpet was given to us by Jim and Donna who stopped by the firehouse while visiting from Florida - their grandfather was Chief Shorty Ludwig who served as Chief of Department from 1941 until 1967 and their father Don Pirson also proudly served in Snyder from 1956 until leaving for Florida in the 1970's. Jim and Donna also gave us an old Snyder helmet for our collection. The speaking trumpet is seen being carried by chiefs in many archival Snyder photos like the one seen here from a parade in Kenmore held July 28, 1926. Back in the day, fire chiefs carried the trumpet in parades with roses placed inside of it. The trumpet symbolizes leadership as back before radios orders would be given by fire chiefs using a speaking trumpet to amplify what they were saying (emergency scenes can be very loud and chaotic). Over time, the trumpet made its way onto the badges and collar insignia for chief officers and the more trumpets you had, the higher in rank you were.

๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿš’ ๐—ฆ๐—ป๐˜†๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—™๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น ๐—ฉ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐—บ๐—ฒ ๐Ÿš’๐ŸšจIn July, the Snyder Fire Department responded to 107 calls for service, bringing...
08/01/2026

๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿš’ ๐—ฆ๐—ป๐˜†๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—™๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น ๐—ฉ๐—ผ๐—น๐˜‚๐—บ๐—ฒ ๐Ÿš’๐Ÿšจ

In July, the Snyder Fire Department responded to 107 calls for service, bringing the total for 2026 to 624 total alarms.

Every call represents a moment where our members were ready to answerโ€”day or nightโ€”to protect life and property. We are grateful for the continued support of our community and proud of the work our members do every day on alarms, in training, and around the community.

Early Thursday morning, just after midnight, the Snyder Fire Department was requested as Mutual Aid to the Eggertsville ...
07/30/2026

Early Thursday morning, just after midnight, the Snyder Fire Department was requested as Mutual Aid to the Eggertsville Hose Company for heavy vehicle extrication at the scene of a motor vehicle collision. Members operated at the scene and worked along with Eggertsville to extricate a patient from the vehicle. The complex extrication required additional support and equipment.

The Amherst Police Department is investigating the collision. No further information is available at this time.

Last night, July 22, Snyder Firefighters worked on their mask confidence skills in the Maze at the Erie County Fire Trai...
07/23/2026

Last night, July 22, Snyder Firefighters worked on their mask confidence skills in the Maze at the Erie County Fire Training Academy. Members worked through obstacles and tight passages to practice their skills in communicztion with their partner, and to develop more confidence in their abilities.

Snyder Firefighters Jasmine Gayles and Tyler Evans traveled to New York City to participate in a hands-on Training at th...
07/13/2026

Snyder Firefighters Jasmine Gayles and Tyler Evans traveled to New York City to participate in a hands-on Training at the FDNY academy, โ€œThe Rockโ€, this past weekend, presented by NYSAFC. The two-day course featured Engine and Truck Company skills. Great job, Jasmine and Tyler!

Photos from NYSAFC

It is rare for Hollywood action to accurately depict real life, especially in the Fire Service. It is even rarer to find...
07/11/2026

It is rare for Hollywood action to accurately depict real life, especially in the Fire Service. It is even rarer to find a TV show that inspired many to become firefighters, EMTs, or Paramedics. On July 9, 2026, Randolph Mantooth passed away. Normally, the passing of a TV star or Hollywood actor wouldnโ€™t have such an impact, but Mantooth was known for portraying Los Angeles County Firefighter/Paramedic Johnny Gage on the hit NBC show Emergency! The role of Johnny Gage inspired many across the country to join the Fire Department.

Emergency! debuted in January 1972 and depicted the life of Station 51, and the newly emerging role of paramedicine in the United States. It featured Johnny and Roy, paramedics comprising Squad 51, along with Engine 51 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Under the direction of the fictional Rampart General Hospital, and Dr. Bracket as the Paramedic Program Medical Director, Johnny and Roy responded to many emergencies from EMS calls, Fires, and Technical Rescues.

Around this time, in April of 1973, 42 Members of the Snyder Fire Department were certified as Paramedics in New York State. This was recognized as the first Paramedic program sponsored by an all-volunteer agency in the United States.

After the series ended, Randy Mantooth remained a steadfast supporter of not only the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Museum, but also of the Fire Service as a whole. The โ€œlittle show that never quitโ€ inspired many and continues to have an impact on the fire service today.

Vehicle Into Structure and Structure Fire July 6, 2026 Shortly after 3:00 am on Monday, July 6, 2026, the Snyder Fire De...
07/06/2026

Vehicle Into Structure and Structure Fire July 6, 2026

Shortly after 3:00 am on Monday, July 6, 2026, the Snyder Fire Department was alerted to an incident at the corner of Wehrle Drive and South Union Road for a reported vehicle striking a structure by the Town of Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office . Within minutes of dispatch, a Snyder Command Officer on location reported a vehicle into the structure with heavy fire involvement and requested the Balance of the First Alarm Assignment.

Shortly after arrival, Chief Tim Oliver of the Snyder Fire Department requested a 2nd Alarm. Firefighters faced heavy fire conditions throughout the structure and a partial collapse. Two Aerial Devices and several hundred feet of 2-1/2โ€ hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.

One Firefighter was evaluated for a minor injury and remained on the scene.

The driver of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Snyder Firefighters worked to remove the vehicle from the structure with equipment from the Amherst Highway Department. Following that, the body was removed and turned over to the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office.

The cause of the collision is under investigation by the Amherst Police Department, and the scene was left with the Town of Amherst Fire Safety Division.

Additionally, as part of the Mutual Aid response, the Williamsville Fire Department, Main-Transit Fire Department, Eggertsville Hose Company, and Getzville Fire Company responded. Additionally, at the scene, the Amherst Police Department - NY, Town of Amherst Emergency Services, Twin City Ambulance Corporation, and Amherst Highway Dept, along with National Grid, National Fuel, and the Erie County Water Authority, responded.

The Snyder Fire Department remained on scene until a little after 10:30 am. Chief Oliver listed damages at $420,000 total.

No additional information is available at this time.

Address

4531 Main Street
Snyder, NY
14226

Telephone

+17168395000

Website

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