Annual event includes tours, demonstrations & fundraiser drive
By Terry Duffy
Editor-in-Chief
Residents in the Village and Town of Lewiston are undoubtedly familiar with Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1. Headquartered on North Sixth Street in the village, Lewiston No. 1 has played a significant role in serving the community since its incorporation as a fire company in May of 1917.
And its services go far, far beyond just answering fire calls. Lewiston No. 1, as do all of the fire company responders, typically represents the live blood of the community.
"For over 100 years, Lewiston No. 1 has provided our community with fire and medical protection 24 hours a day," Fire Chief Les Myers said. "Our volunteers responded to 900 calls last year, including 13 structure fires, 639 EMS house calls and auto accidents, 125 false alarms, 60 carbon monoxide calls, rounded off with outside fires and miscellaneous calls."
Lewiston No. 1 does this all with an all-volunteer force. Comprised of men and women ages 16 and up, the trained specialties include firefighters, EMTs, fire police and scene support personnel.
The need for adequately sustaining the volunteer ranks is an ongoing challenge. With this in mind, Lewiston No. 1 will hold an open house from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, July 21, to coincide with its annual fundraising campaign.
"After a very successful community house last year, Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1 is excited to again invite the community to our main fire station and see firsthand we are prepared to help you in your time of need," Myers said.
Matthew Grainge, Lewiston No. 1 Fire Co. president, said visitors, as well as local residents with an interest in volunteer fire service, will be able to truly discover for themselves all that this fire company does.
"Members of Lewiston 1 will be on hand to provide fire safety education, tours of our fire complex" and more, Grainge said. Included will be Lewiston No. 1 fire truck and boat rescue rides (weather permitting), a fire safety house burning demonstration, plus EMS blood pressure and blood glucose screening - all by Lewiston No. 1 members. Still more planned events include demonstrations by Mercy Flight WNY (weather permitting), the Lewiston Police K-9 Unit, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office driving simulator, plus LPD child car seat checks and installations.
Lunch, including hot dogs and hamburgers, plus refreshments, will be available free of charge.
While visiting the open house, be sure to fill out a donation card to Lewiston No. 1 and become eligible to win a Vizio 40-inch smart HDTV in a special drawing.
"Your contribution helps us pay for the training as well as the purchase of vital equipment and supplies to respond to emergencies," Grainge said. "Together we can save lives and property."
He adds that residents can also assist Lewiston No. 1 by dropping off their empties at the Lewiston Redemption Center at 820 Cayuga St., where the fire company has an account. "You can return your cans and bottles year-round and designate your proceeds to be donated to Lewiston No. 1," Grainge said.
Above all, Myers, Grainge and fire company members urge residents to consider volunteering for fire service. Applications are now being accepted for firefighters, EMTs, fire police and scene support personnel ages 16 and up. Membership includes a wealth of training, financial tax benefits and the distinction of being an elite member in the community - that of a first responder.
"We appreciate your past and future support and hope to see you and your family at our open house," said Myers.
For more information on Lewiston No. 1 Fire Co., visit its website at
www.lfd1.com.
