Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company
Established 1937
11603 State Route 22 Austerlitz, NY 12017
(518) 392 - 3839
About
We are a 100% volunteer supported fire company that provides fire response and emergency response services for our local community and greater Columbia County, New York
Who We Are
Our Mission
The mission of the Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company is to provide residents and other persons within the district’s coverage area, full Emergency Firematic and limited Emergency Medical Services.
Our Company strives to provide modern firefighting equipment and tactics, as well as trained firefighting personnel. We cover everything from actual fire calls, automobile accidents, flooding basements, and victims lost in the State Forest.
The health, safety and well being of the people served by the Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company, as well as its members, in any emergency situation is of the utmost importance.
The Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company realizes that firefighting is a truly physical and stressful service, one that is required for the safety of the community.
The Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company will do its best to provide its members with a structured, knowledgeable and safe environment in which their firefighting and EMS duties and responsibilities may be carried out.
Our History
The Austerlitz Village Fire Company as we know it today was organized in 1937 and has a great history. During the 20’s and 30’s, Henry McCreary garaged a vintage Chevy fire engine in a shed at his gas station near Green River. That Chevy fire engine survives to this day.
We Have Trucks
All fire apparatus is numbered to facilitate radio communication with the Columbia County 911 dispatch center and other fire companies that may be operating at an emergency scene.
The assigned identification number for the Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company is 80, therefore all apparatus begins with that number
80-12
The "Class A Pumper," 80-12, is a 2017 Kenworth truck with an Allison automatic transmission. It carries 1000 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam for the CAFS system, which uses 20% less water than conventional systems. Equipped with a Hale 1250 GPM pump, it also has 1000 feet of 5" hose, 2 pre-connected 1 ¾" attack lines, and 300' of reserve hose. It has a high volume nozzle and a deck gun that can deliver 500 gallons per minute for over 100 feet. It can draw water from hydrants, ponds, rivers, or other pumps. It carries six air-packs with integrated radios for communication. Other equipment includes ladders, entry tools, Sawzall, chainsaw, Honda generator, Jaw of Life, and an AED. Each truck also has a Garmin GPS unit.
80-60
While it may not look like a traditional firetruck, 80-60 is a new 4WD ATV in our fleet, designed for brush fire control and remote patient evacuation. Austerlitz has abundant forest land, leading to frequent calls for brush fires and accidents. The ATV carries an 80 gal. water tank with a foaming agent to extend its effectiveness. It has a gasoline pump for water application while in motion and can also refill backpacks from streams and ponds. For rescue work, there is a stretcher rack on the unit. A homemade trailer transports the ATV and can be hitched for personnel, equipment, and patient movement. While all 80-12, 80-13, and 80-60 can pump water, they have distinct purposes. Volunteers spend many hours maintaining proficiency and equipment.
80-13
New to our fleet, 80-13 is a water-pumping truck that not only carries water, but connects to a water source and pumps it to the scene. It can connect to 5" hose or fill tankers. Austerlitz Fire District has AVFC and SFC, both respond to all fires and emergencies. Water can be hard to find in our rural community. AVFC has 80-13 and SFC has 51-14, a 2,000 gallon tanker. Together, we carry 4,000 gallons or 4,000 feet of hose. 80-13 is a lightweight 4WD vehicle with a large intake port, pumping over 1000 gal/min up to 2,000 feet away. It carries 2 portable pumps for finding water sources up to 300' away. These pumps also assist in basement flooding situations.
Our History
The Austerlitz Village Fire Company was established in 1937, with modest equivalents before then. In the 20s and 30s, Henry McCreary housed a vintage Chevy fire engine at his gas station near Green River. This engine, owned by George La Branch, fought forest fires before World War II. People believe the fires were caused by blueberry pickers burning upland meadows for a better berry crop.
George La Branch's large estate, High Holt, on West Hill Road in Austerlitz, had a fire engine for estate protection. He allowed locals to use it for any area fire. A small fire company formed around this engine and was the only one until 1937 when Austerlitz Fire Company was established. Organizing a fire company around a privately owned engine was unique. Acquiring the first fire engine has always been a major obstacle in forming new fire companies. Thanks to George La Branch, Austerlitz had fire protection for many years before an official fire company was established.
In the early 30's, Spencertown Fire Company gave Austerlitz firemen an old Model T fire engine. It was kept in Eggert's barn. The engine was unreliable, and preferred going downhill. A fire in the Joseph Monsey house prompted the formation of a permanent fire company. During a square dance, a fire broke out and the men put it out using a bucket brigade. They ruined their suits in the process. Joseph Monsey was ungrateful and said they should have let it burn.
Mr. Monsey prioritized insurance money over his house, but thanks to the firemen, the house still stands and has been restored like other early houses in Austerlitz. Louie Stone, an Austerlitz resident, confirms Alfred Williamson's recollection of the fire. McDonogh thought the fire company should pay rent for storing the fire truck in his church, causing a conflict in Austerlitz. McDonogh resolved it by claiming the back rent equaled the engine's value, making the fire engine his.
To add insult to injury, McDonogh announced that he was taking the fire engine to Florida for his winter vacation. While others decided how to stop McDonogh short of shooting him, he took off for Florida with a huge load of personal belongings piled in the back of the fire engine. As he drove up the hill on Rt. 203 heading west out of Austerlitz, the front wheels lifted off the ground and McDonogh lost control of the truck. With the help of a few boys standing on the front bumper, he backed the truck down the hill and cancelled his trip to Florida. No one seems to recall what happened to that old engine, but a search began for a smaller engine more suitable for the hilly terrain of Austerlitz. The perfect engine found was on Fire Island in the village of Ocean Beach, NY. It was a fully equipped Ford Model A. On a sunny July day in 1947, the truck arrived in Austerlitz with sirens blaring. The old Model A stayed around for many more years mainly to carry men and equipment. Several larger engines followed over the years each more advanced than the last.
Today the fire company is the proud owner of a 1000/1000 Class A pumper custom made in 1992 by 4 Guys Stainless Steele Tank Equipment Company of Meyersdale, PA. The tank and equipment are mounted on a GMC Top Kick Chassis. The total cost of this state of the art equipment was $125,000, paid by the “Board of Fire Commissioners Austerlitz Fire District No. 1” and includes $10,000.00 raised locally by the Austerlitz Fire Company.
The fire company is now an up-to-date, well-equipped organization capable of protecting our community effectively.
Besides the constant effort to upgrade the equipment, there are other events and historical side notes worth mentioning. During World War II, the fire company was stripped of almost all its men. The few older men left did the best they could to man the company. In so doing, they helped maintain morale and some sense of security on the home front. This was more important than the young people of today may realize. During the early days of the war, the nation was gripped with a palpable fear of what was to come. The Axis powers were winning everywhere and German submarines were sinking ships off New York harbor. The possibility of some kind of German attack on the East Coast was on everyone’s mind. A copy of “Destruction Notice” that came with a small generator unit acquired by the fire company during the War illustrates this point. The need to possibly destroy the generator was taken very seriously.
A historical note of interest was the induction of the first female firefighter into the company. On June 12, 1972, Claudia Tillet became a member and as far as we know, the first woman volunteer firefighter in Columbia County, possibly the first in New York State. She remembers the experience with mixed emotions. There was encouragement from some fire fighters and hostility from others, but Claudia Tillet was definitely a pioneer in challenging the gender barrier of her day. Claudia still lives in Austerlitz and is married to Frank MacGruer.
On the lighter side, there have been a few amusing incidents.
On September 27, 1977, the Austerlitz Fire District chastised the Austerlitz Fire Company for “hot dogging” with their fire engines. The letter read as follows:
Gentlemen,
It has come to the attention of the Board that our fire trucks have been passing each other illegally. Fire trucks are liable to the same motor vehicle laws as civilian vehicles. Please see that they are obeyed.
Yours Truly,
Dona R. Ludington
Board of Fire Commissioners
Austerlitz, New York
The fire company has on file a letter from a former firefighter in which he signs off by saying “Keep the home fires burning.” Maybe that’s why he is a “former” firefighter.
Another letter from a fellow firefighter is signed “Firematically yours.” We need an interpreter for this one.
This informal history of the Austerlitz Volunteer Fire Company is based on the recollection of the old firemen and the few records that have survived over the years. Perhaps some readers of this history will supply new information and offer corrections.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers Needed!
The AVFC is looking for volunteers to join our squad. Would you like to volunteer? Do you know someone who would?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, there is no cost to join and no experience necessary. We will train you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming A Volunteer
What are the requirements to become a volunteer firefighter in Austerlitz?
To become a volunteer firefighter in Austerlitz, candidates must be at least 18 years old, pass a physical examination, and complete a background check. You'll also need to reside or work within the vicinity of Austerlitz to ensure timely response to emergencies..
What type of training will I receive?
Training encompasses the essentials of firefighting, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and rescue operations. It adheres to state and national standards to ensure volunteer firefighters are well-prepared for a variety of emergency situations.
Do I need prior firefighting experience?
No prior firefighting experience is necessary. Training will be provided, which includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises.
How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer firefighter?
The time commitment varies, including weekly training sessions, emergency response as needed, and participation in community events. Specific time requirements can be discussed with the local fire department.
How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer firefighter?
The time commitment varies, including weekly training sessions, emergency response as needed, and participation in community events. Specific time requirements can be discussed with the local fire department.
Are there regular meetings or drills I must attend?
A: Regular attendance at training sessions, meetings, and drills is expected to maintain skills and readiness. The schedule will be provided by the fire department upon joining.
Are there physical fitness requirements?
Yes, firefighting is physically demanding. You must pass a physical exam to ensure you're capable of performing the duties required, and maintain a level of fitness appropriate for the role.
How do I apply to become a volunteer firefighter in Austerlitz?
To apply, you should contact the Austerlitz Fire Department directly to express interest and obtain an application. They will guide you through the application process and subsequent steps.
What is the best way to get more information?
For more detailed information, you can visit the Austerlitz Fire Department's website, call them directly, or stop by the firehouse in person to speak with current volunteers and officers.
Does volunteering as a firefighter provide any compensation or benefits?
While the position is unpaid, there are benefits such as property tax reductions, state income tax benefits, and a sense of community and accomplishment. Additionally, there's the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), which functions similarly to a pension.
Can I volunteer if I have a full-time job?
A: Yes, many volunteers balance a full-time job with their duties as a firefighter. The department understands the need for flexibility and can work with you to ensure that your volunteer service is manageable alongside your career.
Get In Touch
avfireco@gmail.com
(518) 392-3839
11603 State Route 22, Austerlitz, NY 12017