| Starting in 1926 by volunteers, 100 years later, still being run by volunteers!
Before inception, fire protection for the West Webster area was provided by the Rochester and Webster Fire Department. The lack of telephones in those days caused a delay in communication, and response times were hindered by the lengthy traveling distances from surrounding Departments. Something had to be done!
In the early 1920’s, a group known as the “Social 20” was holding social events in West Webster area. They provided emergency help when needed, however their “equipment” was limited to buckets hung along the porch railings at the Store. Then disaster struck, On January 15th, 1926, a stove exploded, burning the entire Schoemaker block, extending to the Milliman block. Today, this is the Northwest corner of Ridge and Gravel Roads. Because of the distance it took for the surrounding Fire departments to arrive, there was significant damage to more than 3 buildings.
The “Social 20” reached out for funding from the area and on May 3rd, 1926, the group held its first meeting, thus beginning the West Webster Volunteer Firemen’s Association!
Over the years the department has grown, but the one thing that remains the same, it’s still run by people of the neighborhood, volunteers of the West Webster area, including multiple levels of generations of families from its inception to now.
As the West Webster Volunteer Firemen’s Association celebrates its 100 years of existence, we would like to thank you, the members, the residents, the West Webster, Webster, Penfield area, the neighboring Fire Departments, Police Departments, Ambulance Services, 911 Dispatchers, and everyone else that has helped to make us who we are! |
