Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz
Generous Donations from Colden Fire District, Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association Give the Fire Academy a Dedicated Resource for Training
Erie County Executive Joins Firefighters at Fire Academy to Receive Trucks
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Services – Fire Safety Division is pleased to announce the acquisition of two fire engines through generous donations from the Colden Fire District and the Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association. These engines will become the first fire apparatus assigned directly to the Erie County Fire Academy, providing a valuable new resource to support firefighter training and safety throughout Erie County. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined fire officials at the Fire Academy to receive the vehicles.
“These fire engines will be a tremendous boost to training here at the Fire Academy and, by extension, will help to save lives,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “On behalf of the people of Erie County I thank the Colden Fire District and the Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association for these donations.”
The Erie County Fire Safety Division is responsible for coordinating and providing fire training to more than 4,000 firefighters representing 96 fire departments across Erie County. Over the past eight years, the Division has increased its training programs by more than 400%, significantly expanding both New York State-certified courses and specialized Erie County training programs.
This growth has included the development of several unique training initiatives, including the Smoke Divers program, Women's Firefighter Training Series, Junior Firefighter Day, Beyond the Smoke Fire Behavior program, and the Firefighter Seminar Series. The Division has also expanded its hands-on training capabilities through four specialized training trailers focused on Forcible Entry, Firefighter Survival, Roof Ventilation, and Engine Company Operations.
As the number of hands-on training opportunities has increased, so has the need for reliable access to fire apparatus. Historically, local fire departments have generously provided engines, equipment, and personnel to support these training events. While this cooperation has been greatly appreciated, it also requires departments to dedicate valuable equipment and manpower away from their communities for extended periods.
Recognizing this ongoing need, the Fire Safety Division began reaching out to fire departments last year to explore the possibility of acquiring older apparatus being replaced by local agencies. With limited funding available, the Division was seeking a cost-effective solution that would allow the Fire Academy to have its own dedicated training apparatus.
Two local departments stepped forward with an extraordinary show of support.
The Colden Fire District generously donated its Engine 2, a 1992 KME pumper equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank and a 1,250 GPM Hale pump. As the district downsized and removed the engine from service, its Board of Fire Commissioners determined that donating the apparatus to Erie County would provide a greater benefit to the community than attempting to sell it.
Similarly, the Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association donated Engine 4, a 1991 Pierce Arrow pumper equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank and a 1,500 GPM pump. The association made the decision to donate its apparatus to support the continued growth and development of firefighter training throughout Erie County.
These two engines will provide the Fire Academy with a dedicated resource for a wide range of practical training exercises. Instructors and staff will be able to use the apparatus for water supply operations, pump operations, hose deployment, fire attack, engine company operations, and incident command training. Having these engines available on-site will also reduce the reliance on local departments to provide apparatus and personnel for county training events.
The acquisition of these engines represents an important investment in the future of firefighter education and safety. As the Erie County Fire Safety Division continues to expand its training programs and opportunities, having dedicated apparatus will help ensure that firefighters receive the practical, hands-on experience necessary to operate safely and effectively in emergency situations.
The Erie County Fire Safety Division extends its sincere appreciation to the Colden Fire District and the Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association for their generosity, community spirit, and commitment to the future of the fire service. Their donations will have a lasting impact on firefighter training and safety and will help the Erie County Fire Academy continue providing high-quality training to the county's firefighters for years to come.
Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter?
Erie County's volunteer fire departments are always looking for individuals who want to make a difference in their communities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, contact the Erie County Fire Safety Division at 716-681-7111 or visit erie.gov/fire/volunteer to learn more.
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