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Members of Dyke Street Engine Company pause for a photo. Life members are Robert Madden (front row, center) and Clifford Baisch, rear row second from right)
Family. As I drifted from table to table at the 125th anniversary of Engine 2 in Wellsville Saturday afternoon, the word "family" was often used to describe the membership. Over the past century and a quarter, equipment and technology changed, but the personal bonds among the volunteers hasn't. Not a bit. Kevin Fleischman is a member. He is the first assistant fire chief in Wellsville. Kevin is also a third-generation fire chief. His dad John "Flash" and grandpa Dick also commanded the Wellsville Fire Department. Kevin proudly reminisced about some dramatic moments from the past...along with the funny moments as well. There was a time Dyke Street had a solid membership of 50 volunteers strong, with a waiting list to join. Today, that membership has dwindled to 25 or so, he said today. The youngest member today is age 16. The oldest is, well, much older. The young and the older members were clearly visible today. It was a family setting. There was solidarity.
Company officials said they were enthused by the public turnout Saturday afternoon. As with any fire department, there was food...good food and plenty of it.
The engine company has fought hard to secure grants to ease the local tax burden. One of the recent grants, said firefighter Ryan Nixon, was to secure a generator to keep the station operating in times of crisis. Former state senator Cathy Young helped bring that money home.
There was an optical moment Saturday. Members proudly wore Dyke Street shirts with the 125th anniversary emblem. Not for a photo op...just because they were proud.
Is the Wellsville fire department undergoing a change. If it is, you wouldn't know it. Not a single member Saturday wanted to get political...they all wanted to celebrate the anniversary, eat some amazing food and share a moment with "family."
The Allegany County firefighters convention is headed to Wellsville in about two years. Assistant Chief Fleischman said departments were getting ready.
The older members in attendance admit, they might not remain on the 'fire line' today as they once did...but they, almost collectedly said, 'we'll be there if needed.'
The Dyke Street Engine Company sports an engine from 2014. The Wellsville company was joined by Allentown firefighters Saturday. Allentown purchased the last Dyke engine. Other engines from Dyke Street went to Falls Church, Virginia and Richburg, NY.
The training requirements to become a volunteer firefighter have enhanced. If you want to help...feel apart of something special...and truly make a difference...consider joining.
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