Wellsville community, volunteers welcome new fire engine

Members of the Wellsville Fire Company Truck Committee, and officers,
proudly stand in front of the new engine.

In April 2017, members of the Genesee Hose Company and McEwen Hose Company joined forced to create The Wellsville Fire Company. On Saturday, the merged company accepted its new Pierce engine, manufactured in Appleton, Wisconsin. Today, the volunteers presented their new engine to the community at the Main Street station in Wellsville. Wellsville Fire Company Captain Greg Day said today's open house was the result "of ten month's effort." The eight-member truck committee worked with several manufacturer's before making a final decision. Day, along with Steve Kear and Brian Smith collectively touted the advantages of the new piece of firefighting equipment that will protect Wellsville. Most notably, the cab seats the driver and 7 firefighters who can safely prepare for their firefighting mission. Smith said the truck color scheme was decided upon to reflect the storied history of both the Genesee's and McEwen's. The price? Suffice to say it cost more than $400,000. There were no loans taken. The engine was purchased outright, in part said former fire chief Chris Perkins from hard work, savings and the combined assets of the former companies. The McEwen's truck was sold to the Alfred fire department while the soon to be former 'Wellsville-3' is now up for sale.
New members always welcome

Wellsville Fire Company members- young and old...share a moment

Overall, the Wellsville Fire Department relies on the historical knowledge and expertise of its aging volunteers, combined with the vitality of younger members. The department consists of the Wellsville Fire Company, Dyke Street Engine, Duke Hose, Emerald Hook and Ladder and the brush or utility vehicle. The Wellsville Fire Company has a membership of 56...but new members are always welcome. In November alone, Wellsville fire handled 38 alarms.
Becoming a firefighter does require a commitment
I joined the Wellsville Fire department in the early 1980's. My service didn't last long...and that was back when things were 'easy' by most accounts. To be a firefighter in New York State today, you need to invest a minimum of 130 hours in basic classroom work...more for elevated skills. Then, there is the ongoing annual training and whatever policies your individual fire company may require. Yes, it is a commitment...but yes, the return makes it worthwhile.
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Part of that ongoing training for young and old came Saturday for the Wellsville Fire Company. Members attended a hours long session to become acquainted with the engine...it's new safety features, operations, etc. A manufacturing company service manager came to the training to assist members on the new technology and pump operations. While non-volunteers shopped, or spent time with family or binged-watched TV...these volunteers gave their time to learn how to protect people with new equipment. This commitment doesn't just apply to Wellsville...pick a volunteer agency-anywhere-and you'll find this level of dedication.

"professionally staffed by volunteers"

Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler on pump operations