Town of Batavia Dire Department
After a disastrous fire on Bank Street Road
without any responding fire apparatus, Leo Dorman decided it was time
the Town of Batavia had its own fire company. Under the leadership
of Leo Dorman and Jack Holt the formation of the company took shape.
On March 30, 1948, the first meeting of the new
company was held. The proposed by-laws were read and adopted.
Jack Holt was elected temporary chairman and the following people were
elected to serve as the first officers.
Vice President- Leo Geitner
Secretary- David Patterson
Lieutenant- Lester Dunham
Directors- 2 years: Leo Dorman and Jack Holt
Directors 1 year: James Dunham, Bert Harloff,
Donald Weller
At the second meeting April 27, 1948 eighty-three
members attended. At this meeting the first truck was purchased
and it was voted to incorporate the Department. Until the original
Station No. 1 was built in 1951, the meetings were held in the town
board rooms and the truck was kept in the town garage. The
departments first tanker was purchased in January of 1949. Over
the years more land was purchased and additions were built.
Station #2 was erected on its current site on Clinton St. Rd. in 1978.
The current station #1 on Lewiston Rd. was built in 1990 and the
original station #1 was converted to the recreation hall in shortly
after.
The growth and development of a modern,
professional fire department requires constant attention to the needs of
the community. Many different apparatus have been used since the
departments’ inception. Over the years the most common purchase was for
adding to or replacing the department pumpers. These trucks are the main
fire suppression apparatus and serve as the workhorses of the
department. The more recent apparatus purchases reflect the
changing demands of the fire service today. In 1995, due to the
increasing commercial growth in the town, it was decided that an aerial
platform or ‘ladder’ truck was needed to adequately protect the
district. The most recent acquisition was a 2002 Heavy Rescue
truck that is used to respond to the ever increasing number of motor
vehicle accidents and other rescue calls and also in fire support roles.
The largest contribution to the development of the
department has always been the commitment and dedication of the men and
women who volunteer their time and expertise for the protection of the
community. This holds true today, and the Town of Batavia Fire
Department is forever grateful to the members that have served before
us, committed to supporting the current membership, and always looking
for new people who are interested in helping to carry the department
into the future. |
