Westmere Fire District
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Organized in 1935, the Westmere Fire District provides Fire and Rescue protection to a mixed residential/commercial response area within the Town of Guilderland. Operating from one station, 55 active volunteers answer an average of 450-500 alarms annually.
The department's original apparatus was initially housed outside the former H&H Barbeque where the original meeting to organize the department was held. In 1937, the first firehouse was built on land donated by Otto Gabriel (who served as the first chief) and his wife. The present day firehouse was dedicated in 1957 and has had five additions since that time to meet the growing needs of the department.
Engine 98 - 2012 Emergency One 1500 gpm/750 gal./30 Class A foam
Seating eight, this rig is assigned to respond first due to structure fires and auto accidents.
Engine 95 - 2003 Emergency One/Saulsbury 1500 gpm/500 gal./30 Class A foam
Seating eight, this rig is assigned to respond third due following Engine 98 and Truck 99.
Truck 99 - 1995 Sutphen 95’/1500 gpm/300 gal.
Holding the distinction of being the first aerial device operated in the Town of Guilderland, this rig responds as a mutual aid truck company to several neighboring districts.
Squad 93 - 2008 Spartan Gladiator/Rescue 1
Seating eight (seven with SCBA), this rig is one of several “wet rescues” in Albany County. Featuring a self contained 30 gallon Compressed Air Foam System with a pre-connected 1-3/4” attack line with a 1” fog nozzle, it is outfitted with two roll-off awnings, a high pressure air reel and portable winch. Its’ equipment complement includes three sets of pre-connected Hurst® MOC Series hydraulic extrication tools (cutter/spreader on both the front bumper and officers side as well as a ram/combi-tool on the drivers side). In addition, it also carries six airbags, Paratech® rescue struts, reciprocating saws, a Stokes basket and an AED.
Antique - 1937International/Darley 500 gpm/300 gal.
When originally organized, the department’s first apparatus was a Ford Model T with a 50 gallon soda/acid tank that was purchased for $25.00 from the Averill Park FD. When it was determined this rig was not suitable for firefighting, a used Ford truck chassis was purchased for $150.00 with plans to mount a centrifugal pump and water tank. As this project did not materialize, the newly formed fire district in 1937 approved a $5,000 bond to purchase a brand new pumper. Featuring a Champion high pressure pump, it served for 20 years until being rebuilt with additional compartmentation. It also served the Knox FD for some time before being returned to Westmere where it was fully restored to it’s original condition.