4553 MAIN STREET:

Snyder firefighters were alerted to a building fire on Wednesday December 28^th at 2004 hours. Upon arrival firefighters were confronted with a large body of fire coming from a first floor storefront., threatening the second floor office area. The fire was quickly "knocked down" using a 2- 1/2" attack line. Fire damage was limited to the first floor, with smoke damage throughout the mix retail / office space building. The cause in under investigation. 

SNYDER INSTALLS 2012 OFFICERS:

Line officers and administrative officers of the Snyder Fire Department were installed Saturday evening, December 10th at a formal dinner held at the Snyder Fire Headquarters. Chris Sciolino will begin his second term as department president.

Officers installed for 2012:

LINE OFFICERS:

Captains:

Burton L. Bugbee
N. Creamer
Brian T. Januszkiewicz
Timothy S. Oliver
Sean M. Wilkinson

Lieutenants:

Ryan D. O’Connor
Christopher F. Oliver
Mark T. Orlowski
Zachary J. Polvino
Anders J. Sorensen

Safety Officer: Charles R. Henderson

SNYDER FIRE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS:

President: Christopher M. Sciolino
Vice-President: Diana M. Sitarski
Secretary: Frederick W. Balcom
Treasurer: Charles R. Henderson
Line Clerk: Eugene F. Kremzier

Board of Directors:

Alan L. Craik
Kyle T. Dean
Charles W. Pearson
Duane G. Probst
Thomas R. Tiberi

Examining Board:

Adam K. Johnson
James Sullivan

Park School Walk-a-thon Raises $1,470 for Snyder Fire Department

Amherst, NY (November 8, 2011)—On Friday, October 28, Park’s Lower School students (prekindergarten-grade 4) raised $1,470 in their first ever one mile Walk-a-thon to benefit the Snyder Fire Department. The event was designed to reflect Park’s four “life rules” of respect, responsibility, honesty, and kindness. The recipient was chosen by a unanimous vote of the Lower School Student Government, despite an option to use the funds to purchase new playground equipment. Many of Park’s Lower School students have previously traveled to the Snyder Fire Department on class field trips. Students wished to show their appreciation to the volunteer fire fighters as well as support the Fire Department's work in the community.

The Walk-a-thon coincided with Park’s final day of Fall Spirit Week and served as a Lower School “Community Day.” Roughly ninety students participated, sporting Park’s school colors of orange and brown. The one mile walk began and ended in the parking lot behind Park's Dining Hall adjacent to its tennis courts. Students and teachers walked up Chateau Terrace to Main St., passed the Snyder Fire Department, and then returned to Park via Harlem Road.

Lower School Dean of Students and third grade teacher Christopher Downey expressed great pride in the students’ generosity. “The idea to support our local Fire Department was an entirely student-driven effort. At Park we hope to foster students who have a sense of responsibility to others and who will grow to lead and serve their community. We’re pleasantly surprised by how much our Lower School students raised and equally proud of their kindness.”

On November 4, representatives of Park’s Lower School Student Government accompanied Downey to present the $1,470 check to the Snyder Fire Department. Chief of Department Thomas Merrill and President of the Department Chris Sciolino accepted the check and thanked the students on behalf of the Fire Department. Merrill surprised the delighted Park students by giving them an impromptu tour of several emergency vehicles and fire engines.

“We really appreciate that you students thought of us.” said Merrill. “Your support helps us to know that the work we do in the community really does make a difference.” 

Founded in 1912, The Park School is a college preparatory, independent school in Amherst, NY for students from pre-k through grade 12.

Chief Tom Merrill and President Chris Sciolino
accept the fund raising check from Park School students and Dean of
Students Chris Downey.

Tour Bus Fire on the I-90:

Snyder Firefighters responded to a tour bus fire on the I-90 Eastbound on Monday, October 24^th. The bus, carrying 53 passengers to Atlantic City from Toronto, was fully involved upon Snyder’s arrival. The fire was in close proximity to the Buffalo Airport runway, but flight operations were not interrupted and many planes continued to land and take off during firefighting operations. The Buffalo Airport Rescue Fire Department assisted Snyder by supplying large amounts of water via their tanker trucks. Snyder was able to quickly knock down a large amount of the fire using the 1500 gallons of water carried between their three pumper trucks, but needed additional water for complete extinguishment and overhaul. Snyder Firefighters were able to drag large diameter hose lines from Snyder’s Engine 1 through a field to the airport firefighters who then completed the hook up to their trucks.  The cause of the fire appeared to be a mechanical problem. The driver reported passengers alerted him to a haze developing in the rear of the bus, so he pulled the bus over and evacuated the passengers and the fire developed from there. No injuries were reported. The bus was completely destroyed.  

Fire Prevention Open House A Huge Success:

Spectacular weather and a Buffalo Bills home game did not keep the crowds away as droves of people stopped by Snyder’s annual fire prevention open house on Sunday, October 9^th. Veteran Snyder firefighters were all in agreement that not only was it the best weather ever for an Open House, but the attendance was record setting.

Residents started arriving even before the doors opened at 1 PM, and were still there as crews began cleaning up at 4 PM. They were treated to numerous fire safety displays and several demonstrations. Among the many displays were fire place safety, candle safety, generator safety, electrical safety, propane grill safety, proper use of outdoor fire pits, hot water tank safety, the proper use of gutter warmers and many more. In addition, hundreds of photos were on display showing the Snyder Fire Department in action through the years and visitors got to see and participate in many outside demonstrations including live fire extinguisher training, an interactive thermal imaging camera demonstration inside a smoke filled tent, and kitchen fire safety. Firefighters put on a show that demonstrated many of the training props used to enhance in-house training at Snyder, including forcible entry, entanglement emergencies and emergency window bailouts. A simulated bedroom fire caused by an electrical short circuit was the highlight of the outside demonstrations, and it was conducted both with and without a sprinkler system to highlight the success a sprinkler head can have limiting fire damage inside a structure.   

Visitors could also help themselves to free hot dogs and refreshments and relax inside the comfortable firehouse.

All in all, it was a great day for visitors and firefighters alike. Plans are already underway for Open House 2012. 

Snyder Firefighters responded to two potentially serious accidents within a few hours of each other on Tuesday, September 13^th. In the first accident, a car went into the Walgreens store at 2043 Kensington Avenue at the corner of Harlem Road. Fortunately, nobody was injured and no serious structural damage at the store remained open. The driver was treated by Snyder Firefighter/EMT’s and was not transported to the hospital.

In the second accident, a car lost control on the I-290 Westbound and rolled over into a water filled ditch. Fortunately, the two teenage occupants managed to crawl out the passenger side windows and avoided serious injury. They were also treated by Snyder Firefighter/EMT’s and were not transported to the hospital.  

The Stewart family stopped by the Snyder firehouse on September 8^th to thank the firefighters who helped deliver baby Mitchell back on January 12^th.

Karen and Tim Stewart realized they were not going to make it to the hospital soon after her labor pains began, so Tim called 9-1-1 and within two minutes Snyder Firefighter/EMT’s Dominic Creamer (captain), Allan Brown, Tony Pulera, Anders Sorensen and Firefighter/CFR John Canna arrived on location and began assisting with the delivery. Three minutes later, Mitchell Wesley Stewart was born.

Tim and Karen reached out to Snyder Fire Chief Tom Merrill and stated that they wanted to stop by the firehouse and personally thank all the firefighters who assisted, and also introduce Mitchell to them.

Robert G. Schrader, Past Chief of the Snyder Fire Department and still an extremely active member of the department up until the time of his death, was laid to rest on Saturday, September 3^rd.

Schrader was a decorated 44 year member of the department, and was well known in the local fire service. Firefighters from many area departments paid tribute to him and attended the wakes and funeral service.

Schrader received full department honors and an honor guard stood by his side for the duration of the viewing hours. Members stood at attention and saluted as his casket entered the church and again as it exited the church at the conclusion of the service. At the Snyder firehouse that he so dearly loved all the fire apparatus was lined up and firefighters stood at attention and offered one final salute as the funeral procession slowly passed by.

Schrader was also a veteran of the US Army, and he received military honors at the cemetery, and his widow Barbara was presented with the American Flag that his casket had been draped with. A bugler softly played taps to conclude the emotional service.

For additional pictures click here  

Past Chief Robert G. Schrader Passes Away.  

Past Chief Robert Schrader passed away on Sunday, August 28^th. Schrader was a decorated 44 year department veteran and he will be sorely missed.

Joining the department in 1966, he quickly rose through the ranks, and served as Chief of Department from October 1976 through April 1978. He also served in various other offices including Junior Captain (Lieutenant), Captain and on the department’s examining Board.

He was one of the most active, dedicated and respected members during the course of his entire 44 year career. He was still answering calls up until recently, including emergencies in the middle of the night.

Bob was a mentor for generations of Snyder Firefighters, and could always be counted on to be at the helm of one of the first out rigs for any call, day or night. Accolades from former members living across the nation have poured in, noting how Bob quietly led by example and was an incredible ambassador for not just the Snyder Fire Department, but the entire fire service as a whole. He is the only Snyder Firefighter to win the department’s coveted President/Chiefs’ award twice. This award is an honor bestowed upon firefighters who consistently perform “over and above” in the performance of their duties, and exhibit unparalleled dedication to the department.

But in addition to his dedication to duty, Bob also brought life to the firehouse with his zest for humor and he enthusiastically embraced the brotherhood and camaraderie associated with the fire service. 

Viewing hours are Thursday and Friday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Dietrich Funeral Home, 2480 Kensington Avenue in Snyder. His funeral is Saturday at 09:30 at Christ the King Church at 30 Lamarck Drive. Snyder Firefighters will be on hand at all the viewings and at the funeral, and an honor guard will stand by Bob for the duration, giving him the honor and respect he so deserves.

The Snyder firehouse will be a bit quieter now, but as one firefighter so eloquently stated, the best way to honor Bob is for firefighters to quickly suit up and climb aboard the rigs when the alarm tones sound.

Rest in peace brother.

             Captain / Paramedic Bob Schrader             Captain / Paramedic Bob Schrader

Bob Schrader Snyder 9A

                                                    Blossom Heath January 1976

                Bob Operating the Ladder 1994               Erie County Fair August 2004

Tower Drill with Williamsville May 2009

Snyder Firefighters Extricate Three at Rollover Accident:

Snyder Firefighters put the jaws of life to work at the scene of a rollover accident at Wehrle Drive at the corner of Lamark Drive. Fortunately, none of the injuries appeared serious an all patients were treated by Snyder Firefigher/EMT's and Twin City Ambulance Paramedics and transported to local hospitals. 

CAR into House:

Snyder Firefighters handled a two vehicle accident on Sunday, April 17^th  at the corner of Sheridan Drive and Frankhauser Road. One of the vehicles involved was a 1951 Buick, and it ended up going across two-lanes of traffic and striking a house. A total of five patients were treated by Snyder Firefigthter/EMT’s and transported to various hospitals.

 

CHIEF OFFICER INSTALLATION AND SERVICE RECOGNITION DINNER

Chief Thomas Merrill was installed to his fifth and final term as Chief of Department at the annual Installation and Service Recognition dinner held Saturday, April 16^th at The Westwood Country Club.  

Also installed were First Assistant Chief Paul Griebner and Second Assistant Chief Michael Gugliuzza. In addition, several members received awards for reaching career milestones and Firefighter Robert Schrader received the prestigious President/Chief’s Award for exemplary service and for continuing to go “above and beyond” in the performance of his duties”. Schrader is the first two-time winner of this award in the Department’s history.    

Melissa Holmes from WIVB-Channel 4 again served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and presided over a fun filled and lively recognition program.

Firefighters proudly wore their new Class A dress uniforms for the first time. This new look is the first overhaul of the official department uniform in decades.

List of Firefighters Honored at the Installation & Service Recognition Dinner

5-Years of Service:

Peter Bugiera

Bradley Chiz

William Neuman

Anne Neville

Nicholas Soda

Zachary Polvino

10-Years of Service:

Frederick Balcom

Charles Henderson

20-Years of Service:

Michael Gugliuzza

Peter A. Pulera

Anders Sorensen

35-Years of Service:

Alan Craik

John Fildes

45-Years of Service:

Thomas Kenney

President/Chief’s Award in Recognition of Exemplary Service:

Robert G. Schrader 

In addition, several members who held offices over the past years were recognized as well, including Alan Craik who served as Department President, Mike Cessario for holding the office of Vice-President, Peter Voss who served several terms on the Board of Directors, Nicholas Soda for two terms as Treasurer and Kyle Dean for one term on the Board of Directors. 

For additional pictures of the installation click here

Chimney Fire on Kings Highway:

Snyder Firefighters were alerted for a chimney fire on Friday, April 8^th. Firefighters encountered a plugged chimney and had to deploy their chimney chain kit via the tower ladder in order to gain access to the top of the hard to reach chimney. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the chimney.

CAR VS. BUILDING:

Snyder Firefighters responded to a reported car driving into a building call on Friday, March 18th at 561 Burroughs Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a car had gone off the road and plowed through the living room wall in one unit of a condominium complex. The driver suffered minor injuries, was treated by Snyder EMT's and transported by Twin City Ambulance to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. There were two people home in the affected unit at the time of the crash, but fortunately were not in the vicinity of the living room and escaped injury. Snyder Firefighters helped shore up the area, salvaged and protected the resident's valuables and assisted the tow agency in safely and efficiently removing the car.

ATTIC FIRE QUICKLY BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL:

Snyder Firefighters made quick work bringing an attic fire under control on Monday evening, February 21. At 9:00 PM, Snyder was alerted for a fire alarm activation at 10 Loch Lee, a group home housing for developmentally disabled individuals. Fire Chief Tom Merrill arrived on location within three minutes and was met at the front door by the group home manager who was starting to evacuate the residents. He informed Chief Merrill that there could possibly be a fire in one of the rear bathrooms near the bathroom fan. Chief Merrill investigated and confirmed there was a smoke condition in the bathroom, and assisted the manager getting the one remaining wheelchair confined man out of the home. Firefighters quickly discovered fire burning in the attic directly over the bathroom, and quickly brought the fire under control. However, the fire caused significant damage to a portion of the attic area and the home suffered smoke and water damage. Chief Merrill listed damage at $50,000 to the structure and $10,000 to the contents. The cause of the fire appears to be a defective or improperly bathroom fan. He reported the group home manager smelled smoke in the residence approximately two hours before the fire alarm activated but could not locate the source. At the time of the fire, there were five residents in the home. No injuries were reported.

SNYDER FIREFIGHTERS DEAL WITH CHALLENGING EXTRICATION:

Firefighters had their hands full late in the evening on Thursday, December 30th. This one vehicle accident occurred on the I-290 Westbound near Main Street, and the driver was trapped in her car. Firefighters had to deal with the guardrail, which tore into the car and presented quite an obstacle as they worked to free the patient. She was very carefully removed and packaged, and transported with serious injuries to ECMC.

For additional pictures click here

SNYDER FIRE DEPARTMENT INSTALLS 2011 OFFICERS

        Line officers, administrative officers, Exempt Association and Benevolent Association officers of the Snyder Fire Department were installed Saturday evening, December 11^th at a formal dinner held at the Snyder Fire Headquarters. Highlighting the incoming officers are Christopher M. Sciolino, a 17-year veteran, who will begin his first term as department president and Burton L. Bugbee who will serve his 23^rd consecutive term in the office of captain.  

       The Snyder Fire Department protects an approximately six square mile area in the Town of Amherst with over 20,000 residents. . The department responds to approximately 1000 emergency calls each year. Thomas A. Merrill is the fire chief and Paul R. Griebner and Michael P. Gugliuzza are assistant fire chiefs.  

Officers installed for 2011:   

 SNYDER FIRE DEPARTMENT LINE OFFICERS:

  Captains:

Burton L. Bugbee

Brian T. Januszkiewicz

Thomas J. Neuman

Timothy S. Oliver

Dominic N. Creamer

 Lieutenants:

Bradley E. Chiz

Karen E. Murray

Ryan D. O’Connor

Mark T. Orlowski

Sean M. Wilkinson 

SNYDER FIRE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS: 

President:  Christopher M. Sciolino

Vice-President: Diana M. Sitarski

Secretary: Frederick W. Balcom

Treasurer: Charles R. Henderson

Line Clerk:  Eugene F. Kremzier  

SNYDER OFFICERS:  

Board of Directors:

Michael S. Cessario

Alan L. Craik

Charles W. Pearson

Duane G. Probst

Thomas R. Tiberi 

Examining Board:

Peter E. Bugiera

Adam K. Johnson

SNYDER FIRE DEPARTMENT EXEMPT ASSOCIATION  OFFICERS: 

President:  Chris Rizzo

Vice-President: Geoffrey A. Goodwin

Treasurer:  Scott Linneborn

Secretary:  Kevin Devine

SNYDER FIRE DEPARTMENT BENVEVOLENT ASSOCIATION  OFFICERS: 

President:  Timothy S. Oliver

Vice-President:  Geoffrey A. Goodwin

Treasurer: Harold Davis

Captains (L to R): Bert Bugbee, Tim Oliver, Brian Januszkiewicz, Tom Neuman, Dominic Creamer

Administrative (L to R): President Chris Sciolino, Vice President Diana Sitarski, Secretary Bill Balcom, Treasurer Chares Henderson Jr., Director Duane Probst, Examining Board Adam Johnson. Director Tom Tiberi.

President: Chris Sciolino

Basement Fire: 127 North Forest Road:

An alert passerby noticed smoke coming from the roof area of the house at 127 North Forest Road and called 9-1-1 to report it. Snyder Firefighters arrived on location within three minutes and discovered a fire in the basement. Crews quickly extinguished the fire, and searched the house to make sure nobody was home. Chief Merrill estimated damage at $40,000 to the structure and $30,000 to the contents. The cause was determined to be combustibles stored too close to the hot water tank. No injuries were reported. 

Snyder crews had just returned from a fire in neighboring Eggertsville shortly before this fire occurred. Snyder had provided a Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST) while Eggertsville battled an apartment fire on Carmen Road. The two fires occurred 80 minutes apart.  

OPEN HOUSE 2010 A HUGE SUCCESS:

The annual Snyder Fire Department Fire Prevention Open House was held on Sunday, October 10th. Beautiful weather shined down upon all attendees and everybody enjoyed a fun filled and very educational day. Snyder Firefighters were on hand to demonstrate firefighting equipment and a variety of stations were available to educate the public on various fire safety topics including electrical, home generator, candles, fire place, propane grills, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, home fire extinguisher use, how to properly dial 9-1-1 and so many others. In addition, firefighters demonstrated their "jaws of life" and let kids use a real fire hose. Hot dogs and pop was provided and children had the opportunity to meet Pluggie the talking fire hydrant and have  they could take home a souvenir photo of themselves wearing real fire gear. Children in grades K-5 were encouraged to participate in a Fire Safety Hunt, and when completed they were eligible to enter into a drawing for various prizes. The Fire Department also handed out many fire safety door prizes, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Plans are already under way for  Open House 2011.

 For additional photos go to the fire prevention section on the left.

SMOKEY SECOND FLOOR FIRE/COLLIERS MANSION CONDITIONS CHALLENGE SNYDER FIREFIGHTER

Snyder Firefighters were confronted with a challenging fire on Sunday, September 26^th.  Not only did firefighters encounter heavy smoke conditions from a fire on the second floor, they battled through mounds of debris and clutter in the house to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading any further. Termed Colliers Mansion conditions, the situation forced firefighters to abandon their initial attempt at gaining entry through the front door because it could not be opened due to a large mound a debris and furniture piled against it inside. Firefighters were forced to extend their hose lines to reach the rear door where they climbed through, over and around mountains of clutter to access the second floor and prevent the fire from spreading any further. Quick work by the Snyder truck crews who coordinated their ventilation efforts with the fire attack crews allowed for smoke conditions to clear rapidly as the nozzle team advanced, greatly helping suppression efforts. The cause was traced to overloaded and improperly used electrical outlets and surge protectors. Damage was estimated at $150,000. Snyder was assisted at the scene by a crew from the Main Transit Fire Department and Eggertsville Hose Company filled in the Snyder firehouse.  

For additional pictures click here

August 29, 2010: Attic Fire

Snyder Firefighters had their hands full dealing with a stubborn attic fire on the hot afternoon of Sunday, August 29^th. Firefighters arrived on location and discovered heavy fire conditions in the attic and worked quickly to bring the fire under control. The firefighters worked their way inside and through the attic scuttle to access the burning attic and extinguish the fire. The fire was caused by a birds nest resting against an attic fan. The fan’s hot motor started the nest on fire and spread through the attic. Damage is estimated at $75,000 and luckily, no one was injured. Firefighters also rescued a family cat, fish and hamster. A Firefighter Assist and search Team (FAST) from Main Transit Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

For additional pictures click here

CLOSE CALL AT PARK SCHOOL

Snyder Firefighters were alerted for a fire alarm activation on Monday, August 16^th. After responding, they were notified of a fire in the dining hall. Fortunately the fire was out on arrival due to the quick actions of building maintenance staff. A gas line to a hot water tank was severed (accidentally) resulting in the fire, and subsequent fire alarm. Maintenance personnel were able to quickly turn the main gas valve off outside, causing the fire to go out.

AUTO ACCIDENT WITH EXTRICATION

Snyder Firefighters were called to a head on collision early in the morning of August 14.  One patient had to be extricated from her vehicle and three others were also treated by Snyder Firefighters/EMT’s. All four patients were transported to ECMC.

Vehicle Day at Born Hava Child Care

We love to spend time in our community, meeting our neighbors and showing the kids our equipment. In July, we were invited to Born Hava Child Care on Chateau Terrace for their annual vehicle day. Firefighter Justin Stacey met the kids and showed them the big fire engine.

Shortly after he left our station, he e-mailed copies of the photos he took, like the nice shot of the ladder truck pictured here.

 Life Member and former member of the Board of Fire Commissioners Bernard Mergler passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 26th. Bernie joined the Department as a Torch Boy in 1956, and was a very active member for many years. He served as Vice-President in 1964 & 1965, President in 1966 & 1967, Board of Director from 1968-1970 and a Junior Captain from 1972-1975. In 1973, he was elected to the position of Fire Commissioner, a position he held for 17 years. He was awarded Life membership in the Department in 1981, in recognition of 25 years of Active Service in good standing. He will be missed.

Snyder's three chief officers were formally installed in office on Saturday, April 17th. Chief Thomas Merrill, First Assistant Chief Paul Griebner and Second Assistant Chief Michael Gugliuzza were recently re-elected to their fourth terms in their respective offices. At the banquet, several members received awards for reaching career mile stones and Lieutenant Karen Murray received the prestigious President/Chief's Award for exemplary service and "going above and beyond" in the performance of her duties.

List of firefighters honored at the annual installation Dinner at Westwood Country Club

5 Years of Service: Lieutenant Sean Wilkinson

25 Years of Service (Life Member" Status): Firefighters Jeffrey Blatz and Mark Van Horn

30 Years of Service: Firefighter Duane Probst

40 Years of Service: Firefighters Richard Ansteth and Brian Parkot

President/Chief's Award in Recognition of Exemplary Service: Lieutenant Karen Murray

In addition, several members were recognized for serving in an office during 2009. Megan Soda was recognized for serving as the Department's President in 2008 and 2009. Her husband Nick, was thanked for serving as a Lieutenant in 2009. In addition, Anders Sorensen was applauded for his years as a Captain, and Charles Pearson was presented with a special plaque in appreciation for 19-terms on the Board of Directors.

 On March 19th, Snyder Firefighters responded to this rollover accident at Kensington and Roycroft. Snyder EMT's treated several patients and one was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.