The membership of the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department consists of approximately 45 operative members, 10 of whom are women. The majority of the operative members are trained and certified as Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). A few respond as First Responders.
Several active (senior) members, who no longer volunteer in the fire or emergency medical aspect of the organization, attend the monthly meetings and assist in running the business activities.
The department has more than 30 (those with 15 or more years of service) life members. The department is fortunate to have a few life members who not only share their years of experience but continue to respond to the emergency calls and assist in the running the business activities.
The membership of junior members, who range in age from 16 to 18 years, fluctuates from year to year.
Our Fire Chiefs, some of whom have 20 plus years of experience in the fire service, can serve up to two years before having a break in service.
In April of 1998, to provide a quicker response to the needs of the community, (in cooperation with the
West County Paramedic Association) a full time Paramedic was assigned to our Station No. 2.
Varying from year to year, the number of calls the volunteers respond to consists of ambulance (emergency medical) calls, vehicle accidents, structure/vehicle/grass fires, fire or carbon monoxide alarms, hazardous material responses, and miscellaneous calls; i.e., basement pump outs, etc. The department owns seven vehicles, including two ambulances, two pumpers, one rescue truck, one grass fire truck and one tanker. The Department also responds to requests for mutual aid from nearby fire departments.
The volunteer fire service of Fairview Township has a proud history. In 1931, after the installation of hydrants in the Borough of Fairview, a volunteer fire department was organized in the Borough to operate a fire hose that could be connected to the Borough water system. This group was incorporated as the Fairview Firemen’s Relief Association. At that time the organization had two locations, the first was a garage on Pfeffer Avenue and the second a brick structure on Main Street built in 1941 that is now the home of the Tri-Boro Senior Center. In 1981 Station No. 1 (Erie
Co #52) was built at 7190 West Ridge Road in the Village of Fairview, formerly known as the Borough of Fairview. Station No. 2 (Erie Co #53) is located at 7040 West Lake Road.
The organization conducts an annual direct mail fund drive to raise money for its operations. The campaign kick–off begins with a letter mailed during the third week of February with follow-up as needed. In addition to needing funds to continue to provide quality service, the organization is always looking for volunteers to assist with the program; in particular, people who can respond to calls during daytime working hours.
For anyone with questions, those wishing to join, or to schedule non-emergency services, the business number is (814) 474-5091.
The fire and medical emergency number
is
911.
