Webbs Mills Fire Department

www.webbsmillsfire.com

Webbs Mills Fire Department was the first fire department in the town of Southport, New York. It was organized on November 27, 1933. The cited reason for its creation was because of the lengthy response time from the nearest fire department in Elmira, approximately 20-30 mintues away, and because of a monetary guarantee required by the department before responding to each fire.

The fire department was later incorporated on May 26, 1948. The current department is an all volunteer force.

Early equipment

First engine

The first truck bought by the company upon its organization was a used 1919 Reo foam truck, which was purchased in 1933.

Alarm relic

In the center of Webbs Mills, on the east side of the road, stood an iron frame, from which hung a hugh metal ring. The mechanism was not only functional for sounding a fire alarm but was aesthetically noted by passerbys. the mechanism was a discarded part from the Pennsylvania Railroad. According to Robert H. Black of the Webb Mills Fire Commission, "When you hit the fim with that sledge, you could hear a mile in any direction." The mechanism has been moved to station number 18

Present day assets

tations

The department has two stations. Station 1 is located just off Penna Avenue on Firehouse Lane. Station 2 is located on the top of Dutch Hill Road, off Sagetown Road.

Equipment

*One 6 crew class A engine
*One 5 crew urban interface engine
*One 3 crew 1650 tanker
*One 3 crew brush unit
*One 3 crew rescue/utility with power rescue tool
*One 5 crew BLS rescue fly car

Personnel

The department has 50 active members along with 28 junior firefighters who operate a 3 crew class A pumper of their own. There is also an active ladies auxiliary.