04/25/2026
Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates Community Support and Ongoing Commitment to Innovation and Safety
The Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) is proud to share the overwhelming success of its first-ever Community Appreciation Event, a new tradition that brought together residents, families, and supporters in a meaningful and memorable way.
Breaking from the department’s long-standing fundraising format, this event was designed to better connect with the community—and the response was extraordinary. With beautiful spring weather, a great live band, outstanding food, and a welcoming setting at Rich Harvest Winery & Vineyard, the event created an atmosphere that truly reflected the strength and spirit of Syracuse and the surrounding district.
Those who attended showed their support in person, while many who could not join still contributed through generous donations. Every aspect of the event reinforced the deep connection between the department and the community it serves.
“We are extremely humbled, thankful, and recharged,” said Fire Chief Keith McWilliams. “The support we received—both at the event and through donations—reminds us that when the call comes in, we have a community standing behind us. That means everything to our volunteers and their families.”
For nearly 140 years, the Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department has protected this community. Generations of families, friends, and neighbors have answered the call, continuing a proud legacy of service. That same spirit drives the department today—not only in emergency response, but in its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and firefighter safety.
SVFD has become known for its creative and resourceful approach to equipment and operations. Through the repurposing and strategic acquisition of apparatus, the department maximizes capability while remaining fiscally responsible. A recent example includes the purchase of a certified pre-owned pumper/tanker from New York, a significant upgrade that replaced multiple aging units with one more efficient and capable apparatus—better suited to the realities of a volunteer response model.
“We take a lot of pride in being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us,” Chief McWilliams said. “Whether it’s repurposing equipment or finding the right apparatus at the right time, our goal is always to provide the highest level of service in the most responsible way possible.”
In addition, the department has implemented uniquely designed grass rigs, generously built by Syracuse Iron Works. These units are tailored specifically to local needs, improving both response effectiveness and firefighter protection during vegetation and wildland incidents—an increasingly critical component of service in the district.
“Our grass rigs are a great example of local innovation,” added Chief McWilliams. “They were built with our district in mind—our terrain, our risks, and our responders. That kind of partnership makes a real difference on the fireground.”
SVFD continues to adapt its response strategies based on call volume, geography, and available personnel, ensuring that response times remain strong across both city and rural areas. This flexibility and commitment to improvement have allowed the department to maintain impressive response times while covering approximately 90 square miles and serving an estimated 4,000 residents.
Looking to the future, the department is also advancing plans for a new Public Safety Building. This proposed facility is centered on the health and safety of its volunteers, addressing long-standing challenges with space, storage, and post-incident decontamination. The new design will allow for proper cleaning and separation of equipment, gear, and personnel following emergency responses—reducing long-term health risks and improving overall readiness.
“Our volunteers give everything they have to this community,” Chief McWilliams said. “It’s our responsibility to make sure they have a facility that protects them as much as they protect others. Proper decontamination, safer workflows, and dedicated space are no longer luxuries—they are necessities.”
Chief McWilliams also emphasized the importance of the department’s history and the individuals who have shaped its evolution.
“When you look at where we are today, it’s because of those who came before us,” he said. “Members like Mike Goering, our longest-serving firefighter, represent the heart of this department. His years of service reflect the evolution of our membership, the changing needs of our community, and the dedication it takes to keep moving forward. That legacy is something we’re incredibly proud of and committed to carrying on.”
Mike Goering echoed those sentiments, reflecting on his years of service and the growth of the department.
“I’ve seen this department change a lot over the years,” Goering said. “What hasn’t changed is the commitment of the people. It’s always been neighbors stepping up to help neighbors, and that’s something special you don’t find everywhere.”
“The equipment has improved, the training has evolved, and the expectations are higher today—but so is the pride,” he added. “We’ve always found a way to adapt and make things work for our community, and that’s what continues to keep this department strong.”
Goering also noted the importance of community involvement, both past and present.
“You don’t have to be on the truck to be part of this department,” he said. “The support we saw at this event—and from those who donated—is no different than what this community has done for decades. That support is what allows us to keep going.”
“This department has always been built on neighbors helping neighbors,” Chief McWilliams added. “Whether you attend events, make a donation, or simply show your encouragement, you are part of what makes this all possible.”
The Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who attended, donated, and supported the Community Appreciation Event, as well as to Rich Harvest Winery & Vineyard and the event’s performers for helping make the day such a success.
With renewed energy and unwavering community support, SVFD remains committed to protecting the district it has proudly served for nearly 140 years—and to continuing that mission for generations to come.
Photo Credit Emily Holz
