To promote a safe environment for all areas, protected by the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. To respond to fire, rescue, medical and other emergencies and to provide non-emergency services to public benefit. The Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., however does not attempt to perform confined space rescue.To reduce the frequency and severity of fire and hazardous materials emergencies through prevention and education.To minimize suffering, loss of life and property from fire, hazardous materials, medical and other emergencies through response programs.To ensure preparedness through training and district wide community training and education.To provide the resources and support necessary for the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. to accomplish this mission.

The Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. is a not for profit corporation staffed by 100% volunteers, operating in the Town of Hamburg, Erie County, New York, along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie.Our Fire Company is proud to provide Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services, Rescue and Fire Safety Education for the residents and businesses of the Lake Shore Fire Protection District, which is 7.5 square miles and has some 12,300 residents. The District includes 3,500 single to three family homes and 234 Commercial/Industrial properties which includes apartment complexes.

Protection is provided by two stations, the Rogers Station and the Amsdell Station and our apparatus includes two (2) pumpers, a Heavy Rescue, Light Rescue, Special Rescue, Ambulance and Chief’s Vehicle.The Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company had its genesis during a pinochle game in late 1936 at a meeting of the Lake Shore Goodfellows Club, an informal organization which met weekly in homes of members to play cards, discuss the events of the day and have refreshments.Much of the discussion that evening was of a fire that had recently destroyed the Old Heidelberg Club, a nightclub on Route 5, near Walbridge Drive. Neighboring fire departments had responded but time and distance was too great for them to save the building.

One of the card players suggested, perhaps half-jokingly, “Maybe we should start our own fire company.” The remark started a general discussion. This led to formation of a committee to determine what would be involved. In early 1937, after writing many letters and taking with personnel of established fire units, they reported that, yes, it was possible but would require a lot of money, work and most importantly, support of the community.At the first meeting of the company membership September 3rd, 1937, they reported that through the efforts of Clyde W. Slater the Buffalo-Mount Vernon Development Company was “heartily in favor” of the fire company and had offered to donate a 200- by-300 plot on Rogers Road west of the railroad right-of-way. The property contained an abandoned 14-by-30 foot tool shed.
The directors told the company that the Buffalo Fire Department had offered to sell a 1919 Pierce Arrow chemical truck for $75 and recommended the purchase. The truck was no more than a mobile chemical fire extinguisher. It had no pump – but it did have a siren and a red light. Members concurred – the company had made its first expenditure.

A committee, headed by member William R. Doll, a local home builder, was appointed to study the best way of utilizing the offered Rogers Road property and building.The board of directors, on September 10, 1937, appointed William A. (Bud) Miller as chief, T. M. Dodds as financial secretary, and August Bindeman as sergeant-at-arms. A committee was named to draft a constitution, another to recommend what additional equipment was needed and ways and means of obtaining it.The company accepted the donated property September 17, 1937 and asked Mr. Doll to give an estimate on the costs of putting the building into condition such that it could be used as a garage and meeting hall. He later reported that a heating system, lavatory and primary kitchen facilities could be installed for about $1500 but only if the members would do all the work.A series of dinners, dances and card parties were held to raise money but it soon became obvious that another funding source would have to be found.

The answer of course was to borrow the money but the barely-established company, with no certain income, had no credit. In October, 1937, peoples Bank of Hamburg agreed to lend $1,500 if members would sign a note as individual guarantors.Thirty-five of the then 64 members agreed to take the risk. When debt was discharged, the note was framed and hung in a place of honor.