Versailles Vol. Fire Co.

04/05/2026

What a Day at the Versailles Easter Egg Hunt! 🥚

We couldn’t have asked for better weather or better energy at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt. The Commons were buzzing with excitement as our young egg‑hunters tore across the park like seasoned detectives on a mission.

The competition was fierce, but the fun was even bigger:

2-5 yrs
Lil’ Snyder girl snagged the first prize basket, sweeping through the park with sharp eyes and quick feet.

6-9 yrs
• Lola Neu broke the dry spell next, using her top‑tier investigative skills to uncover the hidden treasure and claim the second basket.

10-up
• And then came Lucas Stockwell, who stormed through the park with pure determination, checking every nook, cranny, and crevice until he secured the final prize basket.

Every single kid left with extra goodies for their hard work, bright smiles, and unstoppable enthusiasm. It was one of those perfect small‑town days where the laughter carries, the memories stick, and the Easter Bunny definitely approves.

03/24/2026

03/05/2026

LAST CALL

Tuesday night, the hall had an emptiness we haven’t felt in years; but we carried on with the same laughter, the same teasing, the same easy rhythm of brothers who’ve spent a lifetime together. And in that spirit, we gathered not in sorrow, but in the way, Joel would’ve wanted: in friendship, in stories, and in the kind of fire family that defined his life.

This picture captures it perfectly... not just another training, but a crew standing shoulder to shoulder, doing what they loved, doing what he loved. That picture is more than a snapshot. It’s the spirit of his Versailles boys. It’s the pride, the brotherhood, the humor, and the bond that Joel helped build over 52 years.

Last night, that picture became our reminder that Joel wasn’t just part of this company… he shaped it, he shaped us. And even though his chair was empty, his presence filled the room.

When dispatch called his name for the final time, the silence that followed wasn’t empty, it was full. Full of memories. Full of gratitude. Full of the legacy he leaves behind in every firefighter he trained, every story he told, and every life he touched.

His Last Call wasn’t an ending; it was a passing of the torch.
Because the boys in that picture, the ones who trained with him, laughed with him, learned from him will carry him forward. His legacy will walk through these doors every Tuesday night for years to come.

Rest easy, Papa Neu.
Your Versailles boys will carry on.
We are Fire for Life.

02/27/2026

A Heartfelt Tribute to Lifetime Member Joel Neu

For more than 52 years, Joel Neu served this fire company with dedication, pride, and a spirit that lifted everyone around him. Today, as we share the news of his passing, we honor a man whose presence shaped generations of firefighters and left an imprint on this department that will never fade.

Joel was known first and foremost as a friendly, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable member of our company. He carried decades of experience, yet he shared it with humility and patience. Whether someone was a brand‑new recruit or a seasoned firefighter, Joel treated everyone with the same steady respect. He became a mentor to all of us, someone you could turn to for guidance, clarity, or a reminder of how things were done “back in the day.”

Joel served in every position within this company, each one carried with pride, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. For more than 25 years, he held a Chief officer’s position, guiding this department with steady leadership, calm judgment, and the kind of experience that only decades of service can build.

One of Joel’s greatest gifts was his ability to teach. Countless firefighters learned the ins and outs of running a pumper under his watchful eye. He didn’t just explain procedures… he passed down the craft, the responsibility, and the pride that came with doing the job right. His lessons became part of our culture, carried forward by every firefighter he helped train.

Above all, Joel lived by a simple truth he once said himself:
“I am fire for life.”
And he was. Every day. Every year. Every role. Every story.

And then there were the stories.
Joel was a master storyteller, the kind who could turn an ordinary moment into something unforgettable. More than once, he’d hijack a meeting with one of his famous tangents… stories that wandered, twisted, and somehow always found their way back to a point. Those stories filled the room with laughter, history, and a sense of family. They reminded us that this fire company isn’t just a place we serve, it’s a place we belong, it was family.

Joel’s presence made our department stronger. His knowledge made us better. His humor made us closer. And his kindness made us proud to stand beside him.

Today, we say goodbye to a man who gave more than five decades of service to this community. His legacy lives on in every firefighter he mentored, every story he told, and every life he touched.

The members wish to express our sincere condolences to the Neu family. May you find strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.

Rest in peace, Papa Neu – for we are “Fire For Life”

02/13/2026

ATTENTION
Versailles water district is using 3times the normal usage. Look for water leaks around town and houses.

12/27/2025

For generations , this company has stood watch over our community, our homes, our families, our roads, and our traditions. But today, like so many rural departments, we’re facing a challenge that can’t be ignored…there are fewer hands to do the same amount of work.

Being a volunteer firefighter is one of the purest forms of community service. Every house, every barn, every family or community event, this is the fabric of Versailles. You’re protecting the community you live in, the people you care about, the place you want to see safe. You could be the one person who gives the needed warmth and comfort during someone’s darkest hour.

When you walk through the doors of the fire hall, you’re not just signing up for training or calls. You’re joining a family, one built on trust, laughter, shared experiences, long nights, and the kind of bond that only forms when people face real challenges together. But, behind every firefighter is a whole network of support — the people who keep the doors open, the fundraisers running, the events organized, the equipment and hall maintained, and the community connected. Without them, the work on the front lines wouldn’t be possible. You don’t need to wear turnout gear to make an impact. You don’t need to ride the trucks to be part of our family. You just need the heart to help your community.

As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to choose a path that truly matters. The Versailles Volunteer Fire Company is looking for people who are ready to make a difference, people who want to start fresh, find purpose, and become part of something bigger than themselves. Joining our fire family might be the most meaningful one you’ll ever take.

New year. A new you. Join today.
Your family is waiting for you.

Call or text Fire Chief Steve Stockwell 1-716-597-4387 for any questions or details.

12/24/2025

Twas the night before Christmas
Peace throughout our little town.
Our equipment is ready, nothing is down.
The bunkers are hung in the lockers with care.
In hopes St. Florian will bless every pair.

The firemen are restless, but snug in their beds.
Visions of past traumas, danced in their heads.
The Chief hunkered down, his radio on his stand.
Trying to sleep, the Lord's cross in his hand.

The community feels safe, knowing we are here.
For they call upon us, to save them from fear.
We don't just fight fires, we save lives too.
In your moments of distress, we help you through.

We are not the type, who will say no.
Friends and neighbors, people you know.
We don't do it for glory, we don't do it for fame.
For years of training, taught us it's not a game.

So celebrate with friends and family this year.
You never have to question, the Volunteers are here.
Christmas is upon us, the time is near.
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.

Written by a member of Versailles Volunteer Fire Company.

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12/24/2025

It’s Christmas Eve and looks like these guys are up for some mischief.

12/20/2025

🚒 Santa Joins the Fire Crew🚒

’Twas the night before Christmas, the firehouse was bright,
The trucks all were polished, a gleaming red sight.
The bunkers were waiting, the helmets lined too,
When suddenly—guess who? It was Santa, in view!

He strolled through the bay with a grin ear to ear,
“Mind if I join you, just for this year?
I’ve got reindeer on standby, they’re hard to steer,
And I hear you’ve got engines that run without fear.”

The Chief scratched his head, “Well, I’ll tell you what—
We’ve got room on the crew, but you’ll need to suit up!
No sleigh bells or cookies while we’re on call,
And if you eat too many, you’ll sleep through it all.

So Santa suited up, boots clunky and wide,
He climbed in the truck, with the elves by his side.
They raced through the town, lights flashing so bright,
Delivering presents and spreading delight.

The kids all peeked out, staring in awe,
Santa in a fire truck? That’s what they saw!
He waved from the window, his cheeks rosy red,
“Ho‑Ho‑Ho! Merry Christmas!” was joyfully said.

And when the night ended, with the town safe and sound,
Santa thanked the Volunteers, the best crew around.
He mounted his sleigh with a look of delight,
Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!