City of Tonawanda Professional Firefighters

08/24/2026

Today, on duty crews practiced various techniques for moving downed firefighters including drags and lifts. These skills would be utilized in the event of a MAYDAY situation where a firefighter has become incapacitated in an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) atmosphere and is in need of rescue.

08/16/2026

Local 859 would like to congratulate Captain Haskill and Captain Krzeminski on completing their FLSTP training in New York City!

This training gives newly promoted officers the skills and knowledge they need as they step into their new roles within the department.

Both Captains have since returned and are back in the house. Captain Krzeminski is assigned to A-Shift, while Captain Haskill is assigned to C-Shift.

Please join us in congratulating both Captains on this accomplishment and wishing them the best as they continue in their new positions.

08/02/2026

This past month several members spent time at the NY State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, taking classes at the State’s Swift Water facility. Captain Haskill, Firefighter Custer, and Firefighter Moore completed the Swift-water & Flood Rescue Technician course. This training provides skills and knowledge to perform rescues in swift-water and urban flood environments.

Also, Captain Sereno completed the Non-Motorized Boat Operator Specialist course. During this program he learned skills to navigate non-motorized water crafts (i.e. rafts, kayaks, etc.) through swift and flood waters, to enhance reconnaissance and rescue efforts.

07/29/2026

Today, C-Platoon firefighters spent time between calls to work on their craft. First up was drafting from a static water source. Having access to multiple water ways gives your professional firefighters the ability, when hydrants are out of service or more water is needed, to utilize water from the river, canal or creek.

The afternoon drill was auto extrication. Firefighters used tools ranging from simple hand tools & saws to the full compliment of hydraulic extrication tools. C-platoon firefighters meticulously disassembled the vehicle using multiple techniques and cuts to extricate simulated victims.

Each platoon trains regularly on and off shift to ensure they stand ready to meet the needs of the community.

07/23/2026

🚨🚨Avoid the area- Seymour St between Fletcher and Niagara St remians closed for an extended period of time due to an earlier accident. Crews have been on location working all day to get it back open as soon as possible. Avoid the area if possible but if you can not, expect significant delays. Anticipated completion of repairs is between 8-9pm tonight but it could be later. 🚨🚨

Main street between Broad and Adam will also be closing this evening for a planned event.

07/16/2026

There is still time to register your foursome and/or become a golf hole sponsor! Payment can also be made via Zelle account utilizing the tag [email protected]

⛳️ Tee It Up for a Great Cause! 🚒

The Tonawanda Professional Firefighters’ Memorial Golf Tournament is back, and registration is now open! Join us for a day of golf while supporting the Tonawanda Professional Firefighters’ Scholarship Foundation.

📅 Monday, July 27, 2026
📍 River Oaks Golf Course – Grand Island, NY
🕘 Registration: 9:00 AM
🏌️ Shotgun Start: 10:00 AM
💲 $125 per golfer (includes greens fees, cart, lunch at the turn, and a post-round outdoor reception)

📲 Scan the QR code to register!

🏌️ Hole Sponsorship Opportunity

Can’t make the tournament but still want to support a great cause? Become a Hole Sponsor for just $100!

Your sponsorship helps us continue our tradition of giving back to the community. Through this tournament, Local 859 has donated more than $50,000 to local charitable organizations and continues to fund scholarships for local high school students. Your support directly helps us carry on that mission.

For hole sponsorships, player registration, or additional information:

📞 (716) 692-8400
📧 [email protected]

Checks can be made payable to:

Local 859
P.O. Box 485
Tonawanda, NY 14150

Thank you for helping us invest in our community and future generations. We look forward to seeing you on the course!

⛳🚒

07/04/2026

07/01/2026

A huge thank you to Nothing Bundt Cakes for dropping off two boxes for cakes for our crews. We greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity.

06/27/2026

This morning, Firefighters McGuire and Schreader had the opportunity to train with Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue.

Firefighters operated Marine 5 alongside K9 teams specially trained to detect human remains on both land and underwater.

We would like to thank Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue for the opportunity to train together. Building these relationships before an emergency occurs helps us better serve our community, and we look forward to working together again in the future.