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issue date - September 1, 2002
Town of Collins Fire Department
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Whether it was the devastation of the fire that burned neighboring Gowanda in 1856, or the similar threat that occurred in 1884, the unorganized fire brigades within the Town of Collins necessitated the establishment of an organized fire protection agency. No longer could the residents rely on neighbors gathering limbs to beat back flames, or forming bucket brigades from the nearest water source to the fire as a means of fire support within the town. Thus on Sept. 29, 1892, the Collins Center Volunteer Fire Department became the first volunteer organization within the Town of Collins. Twenty-six men headed by H. F. Clark, and their equipment, which consisted of hand-drawn apparatus, made up the newly formed volunteer organization. The equipment seemed appropriate since a neighbor from the nearby Town of Concord, George Holland (1805-1850) had invented the first force pump to be used by fire companies, as well as the horizontal movement in fire engines. There was no fire house, nor were there regular meetings. Meetings were held during times of fire and the pumper was stored in a barn owned by D. W. Wood. During the early years of the fire department, men who held positions of authority were paid at a rate of $10 per year for their services. In 1902, the barn used to store the pumper was devastated by flames. Athough the property was a total loss, the pumper was saved. During the same year, the fire deparment became incorporated. The former wagon shop of John Auwerter was converted into the firehall; it also served as the town jail. It was during this time of frequent meetings that the fire department began to serve as a club specifically meant for men. Minutes from early meetings indicated the erection of a sign indicating: "Men Only, Do Not Disturb," on the front doors of the old fire house. For many years, it appeared that the fire department would be utilized as a men's drama club, with firefighting being a Sideline. Fund-raising activities of the Collins Center Fire Department evidently coincided with performances by the Collins Drama Club. The company bought their first horse-drawn gasoline engine in 1922, for a price of $750. On April 21, 1925, the Collins Fire Department was finally formed. In 1932, the fire department purchased a new Chevrolet pumper which was kept in use until 1955. In 1943, the Collins and Collins Center fire companies were merged to become the Town of Collins Fire District with each company becoming solely responsible for fires within their own districts. Jennings Road was to be the dividing point for the districts, with the actual division running directly down the center of the road. At the same time, the Town Board of Fire Commissioners was created. The fire commissioners, elected by town residents, became responsible for the financial aspect of equipment purchases and maintenance, as well as purchases of safety equipment and major building renovations. In 1945, the Collins Center Fireman's Auxiliary was formed. This group of dedicated women assists firefighters in ftmd-raising efforts, remodeling projects as well as providing food and drinks during major fire crises. In 1954, after purchasing the property on the corner of North Division and Route 39, the Collins Center Fire Department moved the house that stood there, and built a brick fire hall in its place. Additions and other renovations have since been made, but the fire hall still stands. The original fire hall, which had maintained the outer appearance while being converted to a private home. burned in late 1991. The house that had been moved burned in 1994, and more recently demolished. On July 24, 1952, the Civil Defense authorities made the Gowanda State Hospital the base of operations for mutual aid runs. Collins Center fire trucks, as other area fire trucks, were equally numbered with their civil defense numbers in preparation for nation disaster. In late 1954 or early 1955, an area base station was added to Helmuth Fire Department and a two-way radio was installed in the Helmuth fire truck. On October 26, 1955, the signatures of GPC Supervisor Harold Becker and Erie County Coordinator Joseph created what would become known as the Helmuth Fire Control. For the first time, the new truck purchased by Collins Center in 1955 contained a radio dispatch unit as well as a booster tank and first-aid equipment. The control center became the heart of six local fire departments and a back-up for both Gowanda and Springville control. In the early days, people simply asked the operator to connect them with the fire dispatch. In late 1962, dial telephones were finally brought into the area and local residents knew they needed but to dial a simple telephone number to have a calm, responsive person dispatch assistance. In mid-1980, the 911 system was finally initiated into the area. During the 1960s the Zoar Valley Rescue Squad was also formed, many members of the Collins Center Fire Department joined this team in search and rescue operations. In the early 1980s the group welcomed their first female firefighter. Donna Dunkleman also held the position of truck captain, assistant chief and was a member of the executive board before moving from the district in the early 1990s. Mutual aid and firefighter training manuals easily show the changes the Collins Center Volunteers have dealt with. During the 1940s, firefighters were trained in the techniques of war. Training included disaster preparedness, including rescue and treatment from incendiary bomb and chemical warfare attacks. In the 1950s, the training included preparedness for nuclear attacks. The courses that have become mandatory for volunteers today include a fire essential course, which includes the fundamentals of firefighting, rescue and extrication techniques, care and use of breathing apparatus, basic hose use and care, types of fires and extinguishing methods, and hazardous material procedure. They are also required to take an annual OSHA-mandated training refresher course. The Collins Center Fire Department has spent 110 years faithfully servmg its community. While the company has never suffered a fatality, these volunteers eagerly respond to hazardous situations, save local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, and stand ready to put their lives on the line to rescue their fellow community members. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Collins Center Fire Department. In the past 10 years, they have strived to complete some renovation work on the hall. To show their community spirit they have added a new flag pole, and in support of the many POWs that have yet to be accounted for, a POW flag now flies before the hall. They sponsor a baseball team, and have even purchased new dress uniforms, continuing to utilize the traditional maroon and gray of yesteryear. A memorial plaque has been added to the fire hall, naming those who have served the community and have since passed on. In their goal to continuously update equipment, the company has a new defibrillator, purchased with money that community residents donated to their fund drive, and they have replaced another vehicle, spending a far cry from the $750 that they spent to purchase the horse drawn pumper in 1902. This KME Truck, the new Truck #3, cost a whopping $194,000!
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| (Material for this feature was submitted by Paul Gernatt) |
