Welcome to the Albion Joint Fire District
OVERVIEW & HISTORY
The Albion Joint Fire District (AJFD) became an independent entity and taxing authority on January 1, 2025, assuming full responsibility for fire protection and emergency services for the Village of Albion, Town of Albion, and Town of Gaines in Orleans County, New York. We are committed to protecting life, property, and the environment. Our district covers a community size of approximately 2.92 square miles and a protected population of around 6,056 residents and businesses.
24/7 Dedication
We are a dedicated team of professional volunteers working tirelessly 24/7 to ensure the safety and well-being of our neighbors. Our mission extends beyond emergency response; we strive to be an integral part of the community through education and outreach programs.
Mission
The Albion Fire Department is committed to protecting lives and property from fire and other emergency situations to all residents, neighbors and visitors as well as providing fire prevention and emergency preparedness education with compassion, courtesy and integrity.
Vision
The Albion Fire Department is dedicated to remaining a progressive and innovative fire department that ensures a safe community through public education, fire prevention, training and service.
Values
The Albion Fire Department is a professional agency. All members are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and not bring discredit to the organization.
Key Priorities
- Financial Stability: Establishing and maintaining dedicated “Apparatus Repair & Replacement” and “Building Repair & Replacement” reserve funds.
- Equipment Modernization: Addressing the critical need to replace aging apparatus, including a 30-year-old engine and a 27-year-old ladder truck. The district is actively working on procuring a new quint ladder truck.
- Community Accountability: Providing transparency through an independent board elected by the voters of all three municipalities served, eliminating “taxation without representation” issues inherent in the previous contract system.
History of Fire Protection in Albion
The Albion Joint Fire District is the modern continuation of a long and proud tradition of fire protection in the area, evolving from the historical Albion Fire Department.
Volunteer Spirit
Fire protection in Albion dates back to 1831 when the first fire department was formally organized as a volunteer group dedicated to protecting the growing village. The community relied on the dedication of these volunteers for over a century and a half.
Milestones
1828
Village
Village was formed.
1831
First Department
The first Fire Department was formed.
July 11, 1837
First Hand-Drawn Engine
Gooseneck hand-drawn engine purchased from William Pratt & Co. for $987.00
1839
First Engine House
First Engine House built on Beaver Alley. Located on the south side approximately halfway between Main and Liberty Streets.
August 24, 1879
First Steam Engine
A used steam engine was purchased in Rochester, NY for $1,000.00
1912
First Motorized Apparatus
The Dye Hose Company purchased a Thomas Hose & Chemical Truck. This was the first piece of motorized equipment in the Albion Fire Department.
1919
Expanded Protection
The Village signed the first contract with the adjoining Townships for fire protection. This was with the town of Gaines. Since that time, they have also contracted with Albion, Barre, Carlton and Murray. But as fire companies were organized in those towns, they were gradually cancelled, so at present, contracts exist only with Albion and Gaines.
1976
Consolidation
On May 1, 1976 the last four independent Fire Companies in the Village of Albion were consolidated into the Albion Fire Department. The four companies remained as Social Organizations. (flag patch picture attached separately)
- Green & White – Young America Hook & Ladder Co. #1
- Blue & White – Active Hose Co. #2
- Maroon & Yellow – Hart Hose Co. #3
- Red & White – Dye Hose Co. #5
2024
Into the 20th
The Albion Volunteer Fire Department responded to xxx incidents that year, including a high number of EMS calls.
Early 2024
Formal Joint Discussions Begin
Local officials formally started exploring the creation of a joint fire district as a permanent solution for stable funding and equitable cost-sharing between the Village of Albion, Town of Albion, and Town of Gaines.
February 16th, 2024
Planning the District
News reports indicated that the three municipal boards were actively moving forward with plans to establish the joint fire district.
April 24, 2024
Initial Board Vote & Public Hearing
The three municipal boards held a public hearing and then voted to form the new Albion Joint Fire District. Fire officials presented a needed budget increase to approximately $750k-$850k annually.
April 30, 2024
Procedural Revote
The boards revoted to form the district again to ensure correct procedure, specifically by not naming temporary commissioners in that specific vote, which began a 30-day period for a potential public referendum.
May 30 – June 2, 2024
Petitions Submitted
Residents successfully submitted petitions to force the issue to a public vote (a permissive referendum), citing concerns about potentially doubled property taxes for fire protection.
June 10 & 17, 2024
Public Information Sessions
Informational meetings were held at the Hoag Library to explain the proposed budget and the benefits of the new district to community members before the vote.
June 10, 2024
Public Vote Set
The boards officially set the date of the public vote for August 6.
August 6, 2024
Referendum Passed
Voters in both towns approved the formation of the Albion Joint Fire District in the public referendum.
August 20, 2024
First Commissioners’ Meeting
The five newly appointed temporary fire commissioners held their first organizational meeting and elected Al Cheverie as Chairman.
- Albert Cheverie Chair
- David Buczek
- Chris Kinter
- Craig Lane
- Joe Martillotta
- Victoria Tabor Treasurer
- Rachel Hicks Secretary (09/2024)
August – October 2024
Operational Setup
Commissioners held regular meetings during this period to establish foundational items such as policies, banking, insurance, and initial budget details.
November 15, 2024
2025 Budget Approved
The commissioners approved an $872,222 budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
December 10, 2024
First Election Held
The first general election was held at the Hoag Library for five permanent commissioner positions and a treasurer position.
- Albert Cheverie Five Year Term
- David Buczek Four Year Term
- Kevin Sheehan Three Year Term
- Craig Lane Two Year Term
- Chris Kinter One Year Term
- Victoria Tabor Treasurer Three Year Term
- Commissioner Martillotta did not seek another term
January 1, 2025
District Fully Operational
The Albion Joint Fire District officially became an independent, operational taxing entity, separating the fire department from the Village of Albion’s budget.
July 15, 2025 (approx.)
Ladder Truck Bid Accepted
The Fire District accepted a $2.5 million bid for a new ladder truck to replace the 27-year-old vehicle, with delivery expected in four to five years.
Line of Duty Deaths
February 5, 1926
Matthew Phillips
Malicious False Alarm
May 13, 1949
Lewis Grimes
Smoke Inhalation
November 6, 1974
Bruce Baldwin
Cardiac Event
Future
2031
200th Anniversary
Looking forward to the 200th anniversary of The Albion Fire Department