HISTORY OF THE SNYDER FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

Snyder, or Snyderville as it was first called, was named for its first postmaster and one of the first settlers in the area, Michael Snyder. It developed into a small farming community that saw little growth for many years. But the area began to develop rapidly at the turn of the 20^th century as attention was directed to its desirability as a residential community and several subdivisions opened up. 

In July of 1905, twelve buildings in the Snyder area were destroyed by fire. The fire began at approximately 5:00 in the afternoon in the loft of a barn loft located to the rear of Helfter's Blacksmith Shop and Wagon Works on the north side of Main Street, just east of Harlem Road. Bucket brigades were formed, and the community turned out to battle the blaze. Winds carried embers to the south side of Main Street and the west side of Harlem Road starting fires at barns and sheds. The Buffalo Fire Department was summoned, but by the time they arrived most of the intersection was in flames. All the wells and cisterns were drained quickly. Within two hours, only smoldering ruins of the twelve buildings were left. Estimated damage was $50,000.00.

With a good supply of water, most of the buildings might have been saved. Ironically, only a short time before, a water company had offered to install hydrants at the cost of $60.00 each, but frugal town fathers rejected the offer.

Coupled with the hamlet’s continued steady growth, the memory of the not just the 1905 fire, but other disastrous fires as well (indeed, Snyderville experienced a raging fire in December 1881 and yet another burned the Kabel barn to the ground in December 1906 killing fourteen cows, two horses, and seven pigs), citizens began to discuss the need for fire protection. Snyder residents had been dependent upon other fire departments to assist in time of need and records indicate both the Williamsville and Buffalo Fire Departments had responded over the years to help extinguish fires in the community. When the Western New York Water Company placed water mains in the area, spirited citizens continued to discuss the need for adequate fire protection and held meetings in Fischer's Hall on Main Street.

On October 29, 1915, a meeting was held at the Snyder schoolhouse for the purpose of forming a fire district. The Town Board called the meeting to order and appointed Edward Weitz as the chairman and Paul Camp as the secretary. At this meeting, five fire commissioners were appointed to five-year terms. The first five fire commissioners for the newly formed Snyder Fire District were:  W. Allan Gardner, M. Fischer, William Suor, Frank Eiss, and C.J. Hamlin. H.E. Crouch was appointed treasurer.

Department records indicate that paperwork was signed for the purpose of forming an Incorporated Hose Company on November 26, 1915, and was approved by the Amherst Town Board on December 6, 1915.

A taxpayers meeting was held at the schoolhouse on December 20, 1915, to finalize plans for the establishment of a fire district. This is recognized as the first meeting of the Snyder Hose Company. At this meeting, the company’s first officers were elected. Edward Weitz was elected the department's first President and Edward Helfter the first Chief ? a position he held from 1916?1921 and again in 1925.

On January 3^rd, 1916, a meeting was held at the schoolhouse to install the first elected officers and review the proposed company by-laws. Meetings would continue to be held there held there until January 1918. The old schoolhouse was located where the Eggertsville?Snyder Branch Library now stands at 4622 Main Street. From January 1918 until January 1919, meetings were held in Dr. Robert Conn's barn on North Harlem Road. These meetings were referred to as the "meetings in the loft". In January 1919, they moved the meetings to the Amherst Community House, where they continued to meet until a fire station was built.

The original Constitution and By?Laws were adopted on March 13, 1916, and the Justice of the Supreme Court of New York State approved the Certificate of Incorporation on March 24, 1916 and it was then filed in the Office of the Secretary of State on April 13, 1916. The Hose Company’s charter remained open until July 2, 1917.

There seems to be some confusion regarding the official date the department was founded. It is well documented that the first meeting to organize the company was on December 20, 1915. It is interesting to note that the original company banner (preserved today in the department’s club room) lists the date of the hose company’s organization as May 3^rd, 1916. That date is also stamped on some early hose company badges, and can also be seen printed on a flag being carried by Snyder firefighters in a parade from the 1930’s. However, in a photo taken August 9, 1924, there is a banner listing the organization date as May 13, 1916. After an extensive review of all department minutes, correspondence and other records, nothing can be found indicating the importance of either May 3^rd or May 13^th, 1916.  One possible explanation is since the date the hose company approved the certificate of incorporation was March 13^th, that date might have been mistakenly used instead of May 13^th. However, that does not explain why May 3^rd is also seen. In 1991, during the planning for departments 75^th Anniversary Celebration, April 13^th, 1916, was adopted as the official date of incorporation. That is the date the certificate of incorporation was filed in the office of Secretary of State.

The first major problem the newly formed Snyder Hose Company had to address was the lack of any firefighting apparatus or equipment. The company also lacked the funds to purchase anything necessary. At the department meeting January 3^rd, 1916, Michael Fischer, a well-known Snyder businessmen and hose company director, announced his business, Fischer Brothers, would donate 250 feet of fire hose and a hose cart.  Later that year, ladders, axes, and lanterns were also purchased to equip the cart and member Allen Gardner donated a hose nozzle. In 1918, the department purchased its first turn out gear. $89.03 was paid for 15 used raincoats and 12 hats.

To help raise funds, the Hose Company hosted a card party and dance on February 15, 1916. This proved so successful that dances and card parties became an annual event hosted each February. Later, annual St. Patrick Day card parties and dance parties were held every March, and the Hose Company became an integral part of community activity.  

Hosting picnics was another way the Hose Company generated much-needed revenue and no time was lost organizing the first one. It was held on August 5^th, 1916, in an area known as Snyder’s Grove. It resulted in a profit of $951.55. The Hose Company continued to host picnics every summer except in 1918 when many members were away fighting in Europe during World War I. The entire community looked forward to the picnic and it was always well attended. One of the highlights was a grand parade down Main Street, which featured members of the hose company as well as other visiting fire companies. It was common practice for area fire departments to attend each other’s picnics to support the fundraising efforts. A variety of games were played, and a grand parade was held in the afternoon, followed by a large dinner. Music and dancing would continue well into the evening.

Apparently, the donated hose cart was in poor condition. At the department meeting on June 5, 1916, three men were appointed to meet with the fire commissioners to ask that they get the fire apparatus and hose in shape.

In February 1917, a motion was approved that the company purchase a new wagon designed to carry hose, ladders, buckets, lanterns, and wrenches. The company agreed to make the purchase on the condition that the Board of Fire Commissioners would agree to reimburse the company as soon as tax money was collected. A committee was appointed to meet with the commissioners to discuss this proposal. No action was undertaken the following few months however because some of the commissioners were out of town.

On May 7, 1917, Chief Helfter reported that he received communication from the Fire Underwriters severely criticizing the condition of the company’s equipment, especially the hose cart. He stated he could “purchase a rubber-tired running gear for $10.00 second hand and that approximately $40.00 would build a good box with necessary attachments for ladders, lantern, wrenches, etc.”

The minutes indicate that two carts needed to be provided, so a motion was approved at this meeting to draw $60.00 from the company treasury towards the purchase of two carts and Chief Helfter was authorized to purchase the running gear and build a body on it.

At the department meeting held on August 6, 1917, it was agreed to pay $53.25 for the hose cart, ladder hooks and a sledge handle. It's interesting to note that the hose cart was built at Helfter's Wagon Works ? the site where the famous fire of 1905 started.

The hose cart was first stored in a barn located on Firefighter Joseph Beck's property at Main Street and Harlem Road. In 1917, it was moved to a barn located on the Snyder Estate, which was leased by Firefighter Michael Fischer. In late 1920, a garage was built at Main Street and Lincoln Road for the purpose of storing the cart. At the company meeting on December 6^th, 1920, Erven Doan reported the new building was completed for a cost of $205.94. On January 3^rd, 1921, the company authorized electric lights to be installed inside and on the front of the building and at the March meeting, Erven Doan reported the cart was finally stored there. The garage was often referred to as "the little red barn" and remained on-site until late 1948.  

It appears the early years were very lean for the Snyder Fire District, and it was difficult for the Board of Fire Commissioners to help furnish the company with the necessary equipment. However, at the company meeting on January 9^th, 1922, the commissioners reported that they had a small surplus of funds available to help pay for the two hose carts. The company was paid $100 for the carts. 

To get the carts to an alarm, a passing motorist was stopped whenever possible and the cart would be attached to their vehicle. When no vehicle was available, the firefighters would use a long rope and pull the carts to the scene of the emergency.

To call out the volunteers for an alarm, a sledgehammer was used to strike a huge iron rim fastened to a tripod. The first tripod was installed on May 13, 1917. Eventually, two iron rims and tripods were installed. One was located in the rear of Helfter's Wagon Works and the other was located on Washington Highway, approximately 300 feet in from Main Street.

The construction of an actual fire station was an ongoing project, and several committees were appointed to seek property to build on. But due to the increased value of the land in the now thriving area, the members felt they could not afford to purchase any.

Emil H. Bergens, President of the company, gained possession of the Snyder property located in the Main Street and Lincoln Road area and offered to sell a lot to the company. If the company decided to purchase the lot from him, he offered to donate an additional, larger lot adjoining it.

At the company meeting held on September 8, 1919, a resolution was approved allowing the company to pursue purchasing the land, measuring 50 feet x 150 feet, from Bergens. The deed to the property was delivered at the meeting held February 2, 1920 and after the Search and Title was deemed in order, a special meeting was held on April 12, 1920 and the company officially agreed to purchase “from Mr. E.H. Bergens lot no. 35, on Main Street, Snyder, NY, next to the property of Mr. William Berryman for the sum of thirty seven hundred fifty dollars, paying cash therefore”.

At this meeting, Mr. Bergen’s re-iterated his intent to donate an additional, larger plot of land, but only after a new building was assured of being built.

Emil Bergens turned the deed to the donated plot of land over to the Hose Company at the company meeting on April 3, 1922. The extra land, actually four lots, was to the rear of the original plot of land, and was to be used for parkland and would be used for picnics, outings, etc.  Bergens donated the land together with his business partner Mr. Adam Shabtac.

Ground was broken for the new station on Monday, March 20, 1922. A team of horses and skids dug out the basement. It could not be dug very deep because of bedrock. A grand ceremony was held to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone on Sunday, May 14, 1922.

The first meeting was held in the new building in August 1922. At the regular department meeting that August, a motion was made and posted to ban intoxicating beverages in the building at all times. Violators would be fined $25.00 and could be expelled. (This was later rescinded).

A special meeting was held on August 21^st, 1922, for the purpose of organizing a Ladies Auxiliary. 22 charter members were present, and the auxiliary was formed to help raise funds for the department and support the firefighters in any way they could. They also responded to emergencies to assist the firefighters and provide refreshments. The auxiliary was in existence until approximately December 1933, when minutes indicate they sold their china and silverware.

A grand “opening ball” and reception was held at the new Snyder Hose Company home on Wednesday, September 27^th, 1922. 

The old steel rims used to summon Snyder firefighters were replaced in 1922 with a modern fire siren. Jacob Fruehauf, a member of the department, stated he would provide a large bell when the new fire station was built. However, he passed away before completion of the new facility, but his wife pledged to honor his word. A fire siren was deemed more modern and efficient than a bell, and she footed the $525 cost in Jacob’s memory.

1922 was also the year that Snyder’s Torch Boy program was introduced. The program exists to attract teenagers between the ages of 16-18 years of age to the fire service. They train and are allowed to respond to calls, but their duties are limited to scene support only. The term “Torch Boy” stems from the early days of organized firefighting in America when firefighters would run to the fire pulling the apparatus with them. Typically, a young boy would be out in front, carrying a torch lighting the way and keeping people back. Records indicate that on October 2, 1922, the first four Snyder Torch Boy’s were accepted into the department – Anthony Binner, Lester Blouch, Frank Brunner and Joseph Fischer, Jr.

On February 12, 1923, Snyder was summoned to help Williamsville fight a fire in an old brewery in the heart of the village. Firefighter Tony Fischer secured the hose cart to the rear of his truck and firefighters Fred Ludwig and Bill Sanford jumped into the back of the truck and tried to keep the cart steady as they went down Main Street. The cart rocked back and forth and just at the edge of the village, the cart struck the curb, knocking off a wheel. The men continued on with the broken cart and helped extinguish the fire. After the fire, the cart was dragged back and placed behind the red barn where it remained for many years.

Now the Hose Company had only one hose cart in service. The story collected from an old newspaper article and confirmed in department minutes, tells of the Williamsville Fire Department sending Snyder, as a joke, a two-wheel hose reel. But the Snyder Firefighters ended up using this reel for several years.

Snyder's first motorized fire engine, an Ahrens?Fox, was purchased in 1925. It was shipped to the department on July 20^th of that year and served the department proudly for many years. The Ahrens Fox would be proudly displayed at parades and conventions and collected many prizes over the years.

On December 13, 1926, 24 members formed the Exempt Association of Snyder, N.Y. The exempts, along with honorary members, assisted the active members in raising funds to pay for the new fire station. The organization continues to exist today with members assisting the active firefighters in many different ways.

In the March 1927 edition of ‘The Audubon Topics”, a community newspaper, the proper procedure was outlined for Snyder residents to follow to report a fire:

 

      "Use phone. Tell operator you want to report a

      fire to the Snyder Hose Company. She will then

      connect you with Beck's Meat Market. Give him the

      location of the fire. This applies day and night.

      Should operator fail to get Beck's Meats, she will

      attempt to notify several other members listed."

 

After one of the firefighters was notified, he needed to go to the fire station to sound the siren and summon the others.

In December 1929, a contract was signed between the Snyder Fire District and New York Telephone Company to provide a separate telephone line direct to the Amherst Police in Williamsville. Residents would call the police to report a fire and the police would sound the fire siren and firefighters would report to the station and talk directly with them to determine the nature and location of the emergency.

The decade of the 1920’s came to a close with several important by-law revisions approved at the company meeting on December 4^th, 1929. Approved amendments included moving the monthly meeting to the first Monday of the month (previously was the first Wednesday), the position of captain was created and would be next in line after assistant chief, and the position of chief mechanic and mechanic was created and that office was to be filled according to appointments by the commissioners.

Community residents eagerly joined the fledgling Snyder Hose Company and at the company meeting on February 7^th, 1933, the members voted to cap the roster at 110 members.

In 1934, the siren donated by Mrs. Fruehauf was replaced and the cupola, which was featured so prominently in early firehouse photos, was removed from the roof.

Because the area was growing rapidly, it was decided that more equipment was needed. In August 1934, the Board of Fire Commissioners approved the purchase of a small REO fire engine from American Fire Appliance for a price of $254.00. This fire engine remains the only piece of fire apparatus that the department has no photo of. In 1936 the REO engine was traded in with the purchase of a new pumper.  This new piece of apparatus was referred to as Engine 2 and was manufactured locally by the Buffalo Fire Appliance Company. The cost was $4000.

In 1939, a 1932, 16-cylinder Cadillac chassis was purchased by the department from local resident George Waite for $200.00. After volunteers added a body to it, the car was presented to the Fire Commissioners. The vehicle was painted white and was referred to as "The white car" or "squad car". It was utilized at EMS calls and parades.

First aid training began taking on a more prominent role in all town fire departments in the late 1930’s, and Snyder was no exception. A Red Cross first aid training class was announced in October 1939 and at the installation dinner held at the Park School on February 6, 1940, special recognition was extended to Snyder’s graduates from the class. Later that year, Chief Russel Rhea reported the firehouse was designated a first aid station by the Red Cross, and it officially dedicated as such at the October meeting in 1940.  

At the department meeting on April 3^rd, 1939, it was announced that a new law required the chief’s election to be held in April. A motion was made and approved to extend the 1939 chief’s term until April 1940. It’s interesting to note that the line officers were elected with the chiefs in April 1940, but then both the line officers and chiefs were again elected in December 1940 as the State law was reportedly amended again. In 1953, the law was amended yet again to have the Board of Fire Commissioners appoint the chief and assistant chiefs during the month of April, a tradition that continues still today.

On December 16^th, 1940, a special meeting was held to discuss the formal installation of officers and it was decided for the first time that women would also be invited for the installation, and it would be a more formal affair held outside the firehouse. This first formal installation with the ladies was January 9^th, 1941, at the Buffalo Trap and Field Club. However, the few years leading up to this decision appeared to have formal dinners outside the firehouse. Records indicate that on January 4^th, 1938, the annual meeting of the company was held at the Mansion House in Williamsville, followed by dinner for members and guests. In 1939, the annual meeting and installation of officers was held January 10^th at the White House in Williamsville.

The size of the membership roster again took center stage in 1941, as Russel Rhea reported that it was necessary to limit the membership to 80 active members to comply with a new insurance policy purchased by the commissioners. At the meeting on April 7, 1941, a motion was approved limiting membership to 80. A committee was appointed to designate who would remain as active members and who would be designated exempt members or reserve members. The process was lengthy and contentious, and the monthly meeting adjourned at 2:25AM.

New by-laws approved the following September listed membership categories as Active Member, Reserve Members and Exempt members. It appears Torch Boys were no longer allowed to be accepted. Indeed, at the meeting on May 5, 1941, Chief Ludwig attempted to appoint Thomas Burgoyne as a Torch Boy, but was informed that new by-laws being worked on would prohibit the appointment of Torch Boys, so the chief stated he would not do it.  

The department’s annual booster drive had its origins at the department meeting held on June 2^nd, 1941, when a recommendation was made that the department begin soliciting donations from the community. At the department meeting on February 2^nd, 1942, the ‘booster club” reported a profit of $1105.65.

Another long-standing tradition still continued today also had its beginnings in 1941. On October 6^th, 1941, Leo Burgoyne made a suggestion to pledge to the flag before meetings. He had attended a meeting at the Rescue Hose Company in Cheektowaga and observed that they did this. The tradition continues today.

The United State's involvement in World War II presented many challenges for the membership. Because so many men in the community were called to the armed forces, there was a shortage of personnel. To ensure 24-hour protection, Chief Ludwig instituted a night watch system in 1942. Two men slept at the fire station between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. One member would drive a rig to the location of the alarm while the other would telephone the other members who might not hear the firehouse siren.

At first, members on night watch slept on cots in the rear of the truck room. Later, a bunkroom was constructed on the second floor (later, when night watch was no longer needed, this room became the chief's office). The night watch program continued even after the war ended, however it was not without controversy. Many attempts were made over the years to discontinue the mandatory sleeping nights, but it wasn’t until the April meeting in 1966 that a majority of the members voted to discontinue the night watch. 

A second Buffalo appliance vehicle was dedicated in 1942. It was a quadruple combination or "quad" and was known as Truck 1. The purchase price was $13673.50 with a trade in allowance of $1673.50 for the Ahrens Fox. Total cost to Fire District was $12,000. Along with being used as a pumper, it also functioned as a ladder truck. It carried 200 feet of assorted size ladders, enabling the firefighters to reach any structure in the district. Another unique feature of this truck was the fact that it featured a fully enclosed cab. The firefighters rode safely (and warmly) inside the truck, and did not have to stand outside, unprotected on running boards. This was very forward thinking for the early 1940’s!

In December 1942, the manpower shortage caused by the war was serious enough that it was suggested by Edwin Schenk that the Chief again have the authority to appoint Torch Boys. The following month Everett Guest reported that the board approved the appointment of Torch Boys. Others argued that due to general municipal law, members could only receive insurance protection if they were an active member over the age of 18. Much discussion followed regarding making temporary changes to the company by-laws to include Torch Boys as “active members”. Finally, Gerald Gleason introduced the following resolution, which was passed:  

“Resolved: That the chief of the Snyder Hose Company be authorized to appoint as Temporary Active Volunteer Firemen of the Snyder Hose Company, Inc., youths between the ages of 16 and 18 years who reside within the Snyder Fire District, for the duration of the present war emergency. That the youths so appointed shall not be required to pay initiation fees or dues, excepting that they shall pay dues for the years following their 18^th birthday. That the youths so appointed be subject to dismissal by the chief without trial. This resolution is offered in keeping with that provision of the by-laws providing for temporary amendments thereto.”

Yet another tradition that continues today had its origins in the 1940’s. On July 25^th, 1943, the first open house was held at the firehouse. Dubbed a “public inspection”, the community was invited in to meet the members and see the equipment. This was done on the suggestion of Gerald Gleason who suggested the company do a better job of selling themselves to the public and at the meeting on April 5, 1943, suggested inviting the public in to an open house.

In October 1945, Gleason reported that the week of October 7^th-13^th was dubbed Fire Prevention Week and discussed ideas for promoting it. This was the foundation for establishing the annual Fire Prevention Open House that Snyder continues to host in October every year.

1943 was also the year that Snyder hosted its first family picnic. In August, members and their families gathered on the grounds of Park School and began a long-standing tradition that continues today.  

As World War II raged on, Snyder Firefighters continued to enlist or were drafted continuing the strain on company membership. In 1943 alone, 17 members left for service and by the end of 1944, Snyder had 23 members serving in the armed forces.

Because of the war effort, purchasing firefighting equipment was nearly impossible. The government reportedly loaned an auxiliary pumper to the department in early 1944, but it was recalled by the end of the year. Not much is known of this rig, often referred to in the minutes as “Old Niagara”. On July 3^rd, 1944, Chief Ludwig mentions that since Old Niagara didn’t have any safety chains on it, he would prefer that the men not ride on it. 

New by-laws were adopted in September 1944. Torch Boys were again officially listed as a membership category (indeed, a Torch Boy named Rudy Hitzeman was appointed a Torch Boy by Chief Ludwig on July 3^rd, 1944). The new by-laws also introduced the “points’ system still in use today. Active members were required to attain 40% of the maximum number of points earned by attending calls, drills, and details.  In June 1945, Chief Ludwig recommended that Ken Shetler be appointed as a "Record Clerk" to help keep track of member’s participation in activities. This was the predecessor of the current Line Clerk’s position, and in 1946 the position was officially adopted in a by-law revision. It remained an appointed position until 1978, when a by-law change took effect making it an elected position. Membership activity percentages were published for the first time in October 1945, which at that time was the end of the department’s fiscal year. Chief Ludwig led the way with a whopping 97% attendance rate for calls, drills, and details.

Even during the war, Snyder continued to experiment with ways to better serve and protect the community. In 1941, a new air whistle was installed on top of the firehouse. This would continue the long-standing practice of summoning all members to the firehouse, where they would contact the Amherst Police Headquarters to learn the location and nature of the emergency. At the monthly meeting on September 11^th, 1944, Chief Ludwig discussed an “alarm index” and reported that he would soon be issuing a new “alarm index” to all members. He was referring to a booklet that was handed out, which contained an index of all the streets and some major buildings within the fire district. The roof top horn would blow a coded signal to indicate the street an emergency was on. Coded signals also indicated if it was a fire emergency, first aid call or a house call (all members report directly to the firehouse). Members could consult the index booklet and respond directly to the street the call was on. Of course, they wouldn’t know the actual address, but hopefully someone would be in the area to flag them down and point them in the right direction, or they would see the fire. Chief Ludwig also ordered that the coded list be known only to members to limit congestion at fires, which seemed to be a real problem back in the day.

When World War II ended, the department was free to continue purchasing needed apparatus. Their third and last Buffalo Fire Appliance manufactured rig, a pumper, was put in service in 1946. The cost was $10,205.79 with a trade in allowance of $705.79 for the white car.

Because the department had three fire trucks, a plan was put in place to assign members to a vehicle. In addition, a new assistant chief position was created, and three new captain and three new junior captain (present day lieutenant) positions were created and formally adopted in July 1946.

In 1947, a Chevrolet Sedan car was purchased for Chief Ludwig. The Snyder Fire District purchased the vehicle from Glen Campbell Chevrolet for $1212.10. This was the first time an Amherst fire department supplied its chief with a vehicle.

The members decided to install the officers at the firehouse at a “stag affair” in January 1947, followed by a formal dinner dance at the Lamm Post in Williamsville on January 16, 1947.

It’s interesting to note that a Junior Firemen program, separate from the Torch Boy program, was initiated in Snyder in 1947. An organizational meeting was held on March 22^nd that year, and 175 community youngsters enrolled in the program, which was designed to teach lessons on first aid, fire prevention, false alarms, safety, and hose practices. Because so many were involved, a suggestion was made at the May meeting to possibly limit the program to boys between the ages of 8 and 14 or 15 years of age. A news clipping and photo of the juniors appeared in the Amherst Bee on June 19^th, 1947, and the article stated the program had come to a close and would resume in the fall. In November, the chairman of the program, William Baer, suggested keeping the membership limited to children between 9 and 14 years of age. At the December meeting it was reported the program was very successful and receiving lots of support from the community. Funds were appropriated to cover the cost of films to be shown at the junior firemen meetings. However, no mention of the program is seen in the minutes following that meeting. 

1947 was also the year the department began issuing members an individual equipment number along with personally issued firefighting gear. Members had been complaining about not enough gear being available or not properly fitting them at incidents, and the chief reported he was having trouble getting all the gear back afterwards as well. Personally assigned gear with individual equipment numbers would help take care of both problems.  

At the suggestion of Chief Ludwig, a Building Committee was established on May 3, 1948, to investigate expanding the fire station or building a new facility. To make room for the growing fleet, it was decided that apparatus bays should be constructed facing Lincoln Road. Apparatus would exit the station both on to Main Street and Lincoln Road. A hose tower was also constructed to hang wet hose in. The addition was completed in March 1949.

With the assistance of the Town of Amherst Highway Department, the members volunteered to construct a parking lot to the rear of the hall. The parking lot was completed by October 1949.

At the department meeting on October 3, 1949, Chief Ludwig informed the membership that a new mutual aid set up had been established and went into effect for the Town of Amherst as of October 1^st, 1949. This appears to have been the first formal adoption of a town wide mutual aid plan.

Also in 1949, the use of blue lights by volunteer firefighters was authorized by the State and many Snyder Firefighters joined others in purchasing them for their personal vehicles.

The Snyder Hose Company officially changed its name to Snyder Fire Department with the adoption of new company by?laws on November 7, 1949.

Things were going relatively well as the department entered the decade of the 1950’s and the Board of Fire Commissioners announced that they would provide uniforms to members as long as they attended a minimum of six functions. Snyder also purchased their first TV set in October 1950. At the department meeting on October 2^nd, $1500 was appropriated to purchase the TV and some furniture to make a lounge room on the second floor of the firehouse.

In June 1951, Chief Ludwig announced that training drills would be moved to Wednesday evenings from Friday evenings, a tradition that continues to this day. 

Two Ward La France pumpers were placed in service in 1951 and 1954 respectively. A small rescue vehicle was purchased in 1953. Known as Rescue 2, this Ford panel truck served for years as the department's primary EMS response vehicle.

Snyder began the tradition of an annual April inspection dinner in 1954 when the first one was held at the Buffalo Trap and Field Club. It’s interesting to note that this first dinner was on a Thursday (April 22^nd) because no Saturdays were available at the Trap and Field Club.

Erie County began plans for a countywide fire radio alerting system in the year 1951. In November 1953, Snyder completed the installation of two-way mobile radios in all the apparatus. Using radios was a relatively new concept at the time, and there were some learning curves for the members. At the department meeting on June 6, 1955, a letter was received from Erie County Fire Coordinator Harold Becker noting that improper language was being used over county radios and he requested it stop immediately.

In 1955, the Snyder Fire Department had the distinction of becoming the first 100% radio equipped volunteer fire department in Erie County. In addition to the radios installed on the apparatus, all 73 members received radio receivers for their home. Installation of home receivers was expected to be completed by July, and from then on the members would not have to rely on the telephone or fire siren to alert them to alarms. The Amherst Police activated the home receivers. Putting home receivers in the homes of firefighters allowed for the siren to be silenced between the hours of 10:00 PM and 06:00 AM, much to the satisfaction of the neighbors.  

On April 15, 1953, a routine grass fire response resulted in a severe injury to Firefighter Robert Drexelius, Sr. He was riding on the back step of Engine 3 and as it exited the firehouse his left leg was caught between the running board and the pavement as the engine dipped slightly while driving over the gutter in the street. Two other firefighters also riding on the back step held onto him until they arrived on location at the grass fire, which was at Main Street and Park Club Lane. Drexelius suffered a fractured leg, but unfortunately gangrene set in resulting in the amputation of the leg from just above the knee.

As a result of the incident, Drexelius’ son Robert, Jr., also a firefighter who happened to be in the front cab of Engine 3 at the time, was persuaded by his mother to resign his membership. He would re-join the department again in 1960 and played a prominent role for many years, serving as Chief of Department from 1972 until 1976.

This was the second career-ending injury suffered by a Snyder firefighter in seven years. On February 4, 1946, Firefighter J. Clark Ryan suffered a fractured left leg while battling a three-alarm fire in the gymnasium at the Park School. He was at the top of a ground ladder, which was resting on the beams inside the gym. The ladder slipped and Ryan fell to the floor and was badly hurt. He was never able to return to duty and was awarded life membership in the department. Ryan later served as a Snyder Fire Commissioner.

In March 1956, Chief Ludwig announced the formation of a squad system that placed members onto one of four squads to be on duty for a month at a time. The squads were designed to handle nighttime first aid calls and the system is still in place today, although five squads rotate weekly.  

In July 1956, a motion was approved to purchase a shuffleboard table that was available in Gowanda. The company agreed as long as the purchase price did not exceed $100. The table was purchased and remained a prominent and popular fixture in the meeting room on the second floor of the firehouse. It was given to the Amherst Youth Group when the firehouse was torn down in 1996.

At the company meeting on August 6, 1956, Chief Ludwig raised the possibility of extending the current building to accommodate a new ladder truck that was being purchased by the Board of Fire Commissioners. He brought up for discussion the feasibility of closing off the front of the building entirely and moving all apparatus from the Main Street side to apparatus bays located on the Lincoln Road side. A building committee was established.

The committee moved quickly and on October 31, 1956, construction began on a new truck bay. The new addition was built next to the other bays located on the Lincoln Road side of the building and was completed in early 1957.

In March 1957, the department accepted delivery of the new Ward La France 75’ aerial truck. Costing $34,955, this was the first aerial ladder in the Town of Amherst and one of the first owned by a volunteer department in all of Western New York. Over the years, it responded to fires throughout Amherst and into many other communities as well. In August of that year, all apparatus started responding out of the Lincoln Road bays, and the ramp facing Main Street was filled in. The original apparatus bay was turned into the department’s clubroom.

As the decade of the 1950’s came to a close, both the department and the Snyder Fire District continued to grow. In September 1958, it was reported at the monthly meeting that the Amherst town board had re-drawn fire district boundaries to ensure that no point was more than three miles from a firehouse. There was a section north of Sheridan Drive not in any fire district, but incidents there were being handled by the Getzville Fire Company. On October 29, 1959, the department membership voted to acquire this territory and make it a fire protection district. They also agreed to provide first aid protection as well.

At the department meeting on February 1^st, 1960, Chief Ludwig reported that a card system was being developed listing every street in the fire district along with directions to the street from the firehouse. Captain John Bresnahan worked tirelessly along with Junior Captain Chester Durr compiling street information and typing out and copying each individual street card. This “running card” system was launched in early 1962 and is still in use today.

On April 4^th, 1960, Chief Ludwig reported a new rescue vehicle was in service. The new rig, designated Rescue 7, was designed to respond to first aid calls as well as fires. It was manufactured by Ward LaFrance and the body work was done by the Gerstenslager Company in Ohio. The vehicle cost $22,400.

To properly take charge of this new rescue truck, and because first aid work was taking on an increasingly larger role, a new fifth captain position was created in 1960, followed a couple years later by a fifth junior captains position

When Shorty Ludwig was elected to his 20^th term as chief of department in 1961, the department voted to fund a trip to Bermuda for him and his wife as a sign of appreciation for his hard work and dedicated service.

In 1962, Amherst Fire Control began operating as a dedicated fire/rescue communication center, and two Snyder firefighters, Harrington B. Woodworth and Herbert McKenna, were among the first fire dispatchers.

On April 23, 1963, the Snyder Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association was established. Derived from legislation in the New York State Legislature, the association was formed to provide relief for sick and indigent firefighters and their families. The association is still active today.

In 1964 a blue light was installed in front of the firehouse. The light would turn on and rotate when an emergency call was received alerting passing firefighters. The blue light tradition was carried over when the new firehouse was constructed in 1996, and still illuminates every time a call is received.  

On April 6^th, 1967, Shorty Ludwig’s reign as chief of department ended when Clarence “Bud” Wilson was voted into office. Chief Ludwig not only served as chief for 26 consecutive terms, but also was very well known and extremely respected throughout Western New York. The election result sent shock waves through the local fire service community, and even Buffalo Fire fighters were surprised, and their dispatch center contacted the Amherst Fire Alarm Office to jokingly ask if the flag was flying at half-mast at Snyder.

However, Wilson was an extremely competent and well-liked chief officer.  He successfully led the department for the next five years, and when he decided to not seek another term, it became the basis for a gentleman’s agreement (later a by-law) that chiefs would not seek re-election for more than five consecutive terms.  

Snyder continued its relationship with the Ward La France Corporation in Elmira, New York, when replacing all three pumpers during the decade of the 1960's. The engines were placed in service in 1961, 1965 and 1969.

Rescue 2 was replaced in 1969 when a Chevrolet Suburban was delivered. Snyder continues to utilize this type of apparatus as its primary EMS response vehicle. A new one is placed in service approximately every five years.

In April 1970, the Snyder Fire Department Examining Board made a recommendation that the maximum number of members be capped at 70. This recommendation was adopted, and some applicants were placed on a waiting list. They were brought into membership as needed, in chronological order. An exception was made for applicants who were available for daytime calls, and they were placed at the top of the list. The membership limit was debated throughout the decade, and at one point was raised to 75 because there were many applicants on the waiting list, and there were a lot of life members counting toward the membership quota.

In December 1970 administrative and firematic officers (excluding chief officers) began being installed at the department’s annual Christmas party in order that spouses and significant others could be present and share in the celebration.  

Also in 1970, the fire station underwent a major remodeling. The kitchen, clubroom, upstairs meeting room and offices were all renovated and new lighting and boiler-heating system were installed as well.

Two significant projects undertaken during the early part of the 1970’s helped define Snyder’s reputation as a progressive fire department and a leader in the Town of Amherst fire service. Two projects that were on opposite ends of the fire services overall mission.

In 1971, Snyder firefighters began experimenting with a large diameter 4” water supply hose. The workhorse for the industry at the time was 2 ½” hose, and this was a truly innovative idea adopted from the Europeans. By 1972, 4” hose was being placed on the Ward LaFrance pumpers. Snyder became the first department in the area to employ large diameter hose in firefighting operations. This is a very common practice today, but it really wasn’t until the 1990’s that most other departments converted to the larger diameter hose.  

On April 20, 1973, 42 members of the Snyder Fire department completed extensive training and were certified as Paramedics. This was a new concept at the time, and this was recognized as the first Paramedic program in the United States sponsored by a volunteer fire department.

On November 4, 1973, a mobile cardiac care unit was dedicated. This was the final step needed to complete the Paramedic program initiated by Chief Robert Drexelius, Jr. The cardiac care unit was used to transport patients to the hospital while monitoring and transmitting vital information to the hospital. If required, emergency room personnel could direct the Snyder Firefighters/Paramedics to administer drugs, defibrillate, start IV’s, or take other medical actions to assist the patient. Previous to this, patients had to wait until they arrived at the hospital before receiving this advanced care. Snyder residents benefited from paramedic care before it was even offered in many other areas of the country, including major metropolitan areas. This is routine care today but at the time, it was truly bold and progressive.

The 1957 ladder truck and 1959 heavy rescue vehicle were both replaced in 1976. When the new apparatus were delivered, they sported a new color scheme. Popular at the time, lime-yellow was designated as the color of all new Snyder fire apparatus and would remain so until 1994, when the department again returned to red.

In 1976, Erie County adopted a new, uniform numbering scheme for fire apparatus and Snyder pumpers were identified for the first time as Engine 1,2 and 3 (previously were 3,4, 5), the ladder truck was given the numeric designation 6 (previously was 1), the heavy rescue was designated 5 (previously was 7) and the light rescue was 7 (previously 2). Rescue 7 responded to its first call with the new designation on September 14, 1976.  

Two Pierce pumpers were delivered in 1979 and another in 1981, replacing the tired Ward La France vehicles purchased during the 1960's.

New equipment and apparatus purchases and upgrades continued throughout the decade of the 1980's. In November 1982, Chief Tom Kenney announced that new one-hour SCBA air packs were in service. These new packs provided firefighters with an additional 30 minutes of precious air compared to the standard packs being worn at the time yet increased the overall weight of the unit by only one pound. Amkus “Jaws of Life” hydraulic rescue cutters and spreaders were placed in service and used for the first time at a motor vehicle accident in front of 501 North Forest Road on December 13, 1985.

A new heavy rescue rig was commissioned in August 1986, replacing the rescue purchased in 1976. Over a two-year period beginning in 1987, the three Pierce pumpers were extensively refurbished. Among the enhancements was the installation of a fully enclosed cab, which eliminated the need for firefighters to ride on the tailboard of the rigs. Snyder was the first department in the area to equip all its pumpers with fully enclosed cabs.

The 1980's presented new challenges to the volunteers at Snyder. For various reasons, membership started to decline. Residents were not volunteering fast enough to fill the ranks depleted by the members who had left. The department began sponsoring recruitment programs.

In 1989, with the passage of state legislation, a benefit program was initiated. It was designed to attract and retain volunteer firefighters. The program provides a monthly payment to the individual firefighter based on years of active service. The benefit payment begins when the firefighter reaches age 55.

Today, the fire department enjoys a healthy compliment of firefighters, with approximately 85 active firefighters on the rolls.

As the 1980’s drew to a close, Chief Tom Hammond led an apparatus committee assigned the task of designing a new ladder truck to replace the 1976 unit. In August 1990, Snyder accepted delivery of a Sutphen Tower ladder. The third ladder truck to be placed in service in Snyder, the rig featured compartments that were built and installed by Super Vacuum Manufacturing Company in Loveland, Colorado.

In 1991, the Board of Fire Commissioners agreed with Chief Hammond’s request to provide all three chief officers with a department vehicle, and three Chevrolet Caprice Sedans were delivered. This marked the first time that an Amherst company provided vehicles to its entire chiefs' line.

Snyder entered a new era in emergency medical care by purchasing a cardiac defibrillator in 1993. The Board of Fire Commissioners and firematic officers recognized the importance of having a unit available for the residents and the potential life saving impact it would have. Over the next few years, defibrillators were placed in service in all Snyder vehicles.

Three new Sutphen pumpers were delivered in June and July 1994. This marked the return of the red apparatus for Snyder. After lengthy discussion, the Board of Fire Commissioners decided to return to the traditional color. In addition, the lime-yellow ladder truck and lime yellow heavy rescue were re?painted red. The commissioners decided to have all future small rescue and chiefs' vehicles painted white.

By far, the largest and most ambitious project ever undertaken by members of the department and Board of Fire Commissioners concerned demolishing the old fire station and constructing a new one. While discussions concerning a new building went on for years, and a private residence two doors away from the station was purchased in June 1991 with expansion in mind, it was not until September 1993, when the department purchased neighboring McMahon's Restaurant on Main Street that efforts really got underway.

In February 1994, at a special department meeting, it was agreed to transfer the new property along with the firehouse to the Snyder Fire District, allowing them to lead the new building project. Snyder Fire Commissioner Bud Zimmerman was appointed chairman of the building committee and along with Chief Jim Koeppel worked tirelessly with other committee members, officers, and the general membership to plan the new firehouse. Within the next few years, several other neighboring parcels of land were secured and demolished and plans were developed for constructing a modern 20,000 square foot firehouse. The building would face Main Street and all apparatus would exit the station on to Main Street, just as the Ahrens?Fox did 70 years before.

An emotional farewell party was held at the old station on February 17, 1996, and on February 28, 1996, after a series of moves, all operations commenced from Chateau Terrace.

In March 1996, members gathered to watch a wrecker’s ball demolish 74 years of history as the venerable old edifice came tumbling down.

All apparatus was moved into the new facility on the evening of Wednesday, January 15, 1997. The first call out of the building was an EMS run on January 16 to 100 Lakewood Parkway at 06:18 hours. Over the next several months, finishing touches were applied, new furnishings were ordered, and members adjusted to life in the new station. A grand dedication party was held on June 22, 1997. It was truly one of the most exciting times in the department's colorful history.

Even through the busy years of planning, building, and moving into the new station, equipment and apparatus was purchased and the department continued to progress forward.

A new Chevrolet Suburban rescue squad was placed in service in 1993 and a back up rescue squad and support vehicle was added in 1994. Also in 1994, three new chief cars, Ford Crown Victorias, were purchased.

In 1996, the very familiar “red phone” system was rendered obsolete with the introduction of digital pagers as the way to contact chief officers to handle silent alarms or to relay important information. Chief officers began carrying the pagers and dispatchers at the Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office could page them 24/7. This replaced the “red phone” CENTREX system that had been in place for decades. With the “red phone” system, Chief officers would have the phone (usually red in color) installed in their homes utilizing a dedicated phone line, and the dispatchers would call them directly when required.   With the new pager system, the chief officers could be contacted even when not home.

Continuing the tradition of replacing the chief vehicles every three years, three new Fords Crown Victorias arrived in March 1997. The Board of Fire Commissioners, in conjunction with the firematic officers, decided it was best to keep one of the old Chief cars for use on a rotating basis by captains. It was referred to as a command vehicle. Captains would now handle squad calls and assist with an adequate and timely response during all hours of the day. The concept had actually been tested a few years prior to this when captains were allowed to utilize the back up rescue squad during the day for the same purpose. This was the forerunner of the successful command officer program now utilized town wide. Commonly referred to as 9-5, the program in Snyder was called 9-3x, and 9-3 before 9-5 was adopted town wide in 2000.  

In 1997, two Snyder firefighters made a presentation to the Town of Amherst Fire Chiefs’ Association and recommended that a town wide program be adopted to ensure a firefighter rescue team is dispatched for all fire incidents. Captain Michael Gugliuzza and Firefighter Mark Van Horn made the recommendation based on information they received while attending a training class in New York City sponsored by the FDNY. The Town of Amherst Fire Chiefs’ Association agreed with the recommendation and launched the present-day Firefighters Assist and Search Team (FAST) program in the later part of 1997. Snyder’s first FAST response was to a fire in Getzville at 82 Candlewood Lane on September 10, 1997.

The SCBA units purchased in 1982 were all replaced beginning in 1997, and department leaders elected to go with ultra-light 45-minute bottles. By 1999, additional air packs were being purchased or existing packs modified to include integrated Personal Alert Safety System devices (PASS) offering firefighters with even greater protection.

Thermal imaging technology came to the fire service in the later part of the 1990’s, and Snyder added a thermal imaging camera to its arsenal in 1999. The camera was purchased by the department and donated to the fire district in January 2001.

A new Chevrolet Suburban EMS response vehicle was purchased in 1999 and as we entered the 21^st century apparatus purchases continued to dominate the work of Snyder leaders. Three new Ford Crown Victorias were purchased for the chief officers and went into service in 2000. One of the 1997 Crown Victorias was kept for use by department captains as the 9-5 command vehicle.

In October 2001, under command of Chief John Fildes, the department accepted delivery of a new heavy rescue vehicle jointly manufactured by Sutphen Corporation (cab and chassis) and Super Vacuum Manufacturing (body and compartments).  Responding to the ever-changing fire-rescue environment, this new rescue vehicle was designed to carry a large compliment and variety of equipment, including a state-of-the-art vehicle extrication package. Dubbed the Amkus Ultimate System, it allows for the simultaneous use of up to six Amkus hydraulic tools. Because the department responds regularly to serious motor vehicle accidents on both the New York State Thruway (I-90) and the Youngman Memorial Thruway (I-290), the new rig was set up to allow for instant deployment of these emergency tools and also carries wide variety of emergency medical, lighting, extrication and mass casualty equipment. 

When it came time to replace the chief vehicles in 2003, Chief Allan Brown opted to switch away from chief cars and purchase 4-wheel drive SUV’s which would help tremendously during periods of inclement weather and allow for additional and more organized storage of equipment. Three Chevrolet Tahoes were delivered in 2003, and again one of the 2000 Ford’s was kept for use by captains as a command vehicle.  The chief vehicle replacement schedule was modified slightly with the switch to SUV’s, and they were replaced every five years. When three new Tahoes went into service in 2008, it was decided to discontinue the practice of keeping an older vehicle for captain’s use. With the 2013 model, the chiefs and fire commissioners elected to switch back to the traditional red color for the chief vehicles. Not since 1965 was a Snyder chief vehicle ordered in the color of red.

Both light rescues were replaced in 2008. The Chevrolet Suburban was again selected for the main light rescue vehicle, continuing the tradition started in 1969. For Rescue 7-1, it was decided to purchase a one-ton, dual rear wheel pick up truck. The dual wheels allowed for deeper compartments to better house EMS and rescue equipment. The rear bed gives the vehicle a multi use agenda as it is used to haul equipment and supplies to emergency incidents and other details throughout the district. Currently, the light rescue vehicles are the only two white vehicles left in the Snyder fleet. 

Chief Tom Merrill led a committee that worked on plans to replace the 1990 tower ladder and on October 21^st, 2009, the fourth ladder truck in Snyder’s history went into service. Manufactured by Sutphen Corporation, the vehicle costs close to one million dollars and has an expected service life of over twenty years. The truck carries 254 feet of ground ladders and is an important piece of Snyder Firefighting arsenal due to the numerous high-rise buildings located throughout the Snyder fire district.  

The official dress uniform worn by Snyder Firefighters was redesigned in 2011. The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the chief’s committee recommendation and adopted a blue shirt for firefighters and lieutenants while fire commissioners, captains and chief officers were assigned white shirts. In addition, striping, the official department patch, and the American flag were added to the uniforms and new badges were selected for all ranks. The new Maltese cross firefighter badges have the member’s equipment number prominently displayed in the center, and the officers’ badges have a colorful insignia in the center designating rank. To finish off the uniform, service bars were adopted to be worn by select firefighters in honor of accomplishments in any of the following six areas: having served as a chief of department, president, fire commissioner, achieving life membership, winning the department’s prestigious president/chiefs award in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to the department, and a service award bar recognizing years of active service in five-year increments. The uniforms were officially introduced when worn for the first time at the installation banquet in April 2011.

The dress uniform modifications completed a project that spanned several years and provided Snyder firefighters with response clothing and light duty uniforms designed to give off a professional, clean look at both incidents and public events when the more formal Class A dress uniform was not required. The so called “duty uniform” was introduced late in the year 2006, and in November 2007, members began receiving official t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other clothing that was to be worn to emergency incidents. The Snyder Fire Commissioners had been providing winter and summer jackets for years, and occasionally would also provide various response clothing, but the new program allowed for regular disbursement of such clothing at the annual equipment inspection every November.

Because of the cost and work involved in replacing the ladder truck, the usual 15-year service life for the pumper trucks was extended another five years, and Chief Paul Griebner undertook the replacement of those rigs beginning in 2013. Apparatus manufacturer E-ONE was selected to build three new pumpers for Snyder, and they were delivered in mid 2014.

The long-standing and proud Snyder tradition of ordering three identical pumpers at the same time continued when the three E-1 pumpers were delivered. For decades, Snyder Fire Commissioners and department leaders have recognized that having three identical engines allows for more uniform and standardized training, better familiarization of equipment storage, and contributes to a better overall operation.

Over the course of its engrossing history, the department has engaged in some very memorable, spectacular, and disastrous fires and serious emergency incidents. The department maintains a very thorough database listing most of the large-scale fires and incidents handled over the years, but listed here is a shortened list describing some of the most serious incidents.

One of the first documented fires concerned a very large grass fire in August 1929. A new clipping detailing the fire reported that thousands of motorists flocked to the scene of the fire, located in the Audubon Terrace development. Sparks from a passing locomotive were believed to have started the fire. The fire burned for hours and threatened numerous residences.

A large fire extensively damaged a home at 191 Burbank Drive on May 16, 1935.

In March 1944, a fire destroyed the upper floor of a home on Folgersonger Road (now known as Park Club Lane). Members from the Williamsville Fire Department assisted with this call.

A three-alarm fire destroyed a gymnasium at the Park School in February 1946. Williamsville and Eggertsville Fire Departments delivered help and the Buffalo Fire Department sent Engines 23 and 34. Snyder Firefighter J. Clark Ryan injured his leg at this fire and was unable to return to active duty. He was awarded life membership in the department.

It was reported that the department handled 34 calls during the month of March 1946. 24 of those calls were for grass fires, a common response in those years.

D & E Motors, located at Main Street and South Forest Road, suffered a fire in November 1946 and three men were burned.

Eight members were overcome by smoke battling a fire at the Loblaw Supermarket at 2002 Kensington in August 1951.

A huge, general alarm fire consumed the old Larkin warehouse at 696 Exchange Street (corner of Van Rensselaer Street), in the City of Buffalo on March 8, 1954. Suburban departments helped fill in Buffalo firehouses, and at the monthly meeting on April 5, 1954, a letter was read from Buffalo Fire Commissioner Halloran thanking the volunteers for their role during the “recent general alarm fire”. Newspaper articles concerning the fire list the various volunteer departments which filled in, and Snyder is not listed however.

 On August 10, 1954, a stubborn fire raced through a home at 845 LeBrun Road. Snyder and Eggertsville battled the fire for several hours. The home was formally owned by Lawrence Bell, founder of Bell Aircraft Corporation and former member of the Snyder Hose Company.

On December 28, 1955, workers working in a home at 77 Brantwood Road spilled gasoline that ignited when the water heater went on. Responding firefighters found the three closet hydrants were frozen. Before firefighters could secure a water supply, the entire house was engulfed.

On March 15, 1959, the department was called to fight a raging fire at the Loblaw Supermarket at the Sheridan?Harlem Plaza.

On February 1, 1961, 150 volunteers from Snyder, Eggertsville, and Williamsville battled a fire at the Park School of Buffalo. Flames shot 100 feet in the air as firefighters contended with temperatures of twenty below zero. Hose lines had to be laid in from Harlem Road and hand dragged from the end of Fruehauf and Chateau Terrace in waist deep snow. Hose reportedly froze in place. The temperature still stands as the record low.

On May 23, 1962, Snyder sent its aerial ladder to the City of Buffalo to fill in at empty fire stations. Buffalo was fighting two five-alarm fires. One was located at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Washington Street and the other fire was at a burlap warehouse on Carolina Street. Both fires required all on duty and off duty firefighters and every piece of equipment available. Snyder responded to several small fires that night.

Smallwood Drive Elementary School was heavily damaged by fire on March 4, 1966.

A boiler room fire struck the Amherst Central High School on January 3, 1968. Spilled oil inside one of the boilers was listed as the cause of the blaze.

On Easter Sunday, April 14, 1968, Snyder, Eggertsville, Williamsville, North Bailey and Getzville Firefighters fought a raging fire at the old Four Winds Nursery at 4196 Main Street.

On May 22 of the same year a spectacular $75,000 fire destroyed the Kenmore Builder's Supply on Sheridan Drive. Another large fire erupted there one month later on June 26.

Although not in Snyder, it is worth noting that Snyder assisted in what were probably the two largest firefighting operations in town history when fire destroyed Glen Park Casino in the Village of Williamsville on September 23, 1968, and again on September 8, 1973.

The decade of 1970's began with a large fire at Hector's Hardware at Wehrle and Harlem on August 17, 1970.

Snyder sent its aerial ladder to Buffalo Fire’s Ladder 6 firehouse when an explosion and fire tore through the Pillsbury Plant on January 2, 1972.

Hundreds of residents, including 600 children, were evacuated from their homes and Maplemere Elementary School when fire struck the old sewage treatment plant on North Forest Road on February 4, 1971. Toxic chlorine gas endangered a large area.

On April 30, 1971, a large fire was battled at the old Amherst Builder's Company at Main and Union.

An explosion and fire ripped through the Rotary Gas Station on Main Street on August 10, 1973, killing a worker there. The presence of a gasoline tanker being offloaded presented an additional hazard.

Fire again struck Kenmore Builders Supply on September 22, 1974, destroying storage sheds.

Four days into 1975, a strange fire struck at the Amherst Chabad Center, a religious retreat located on Maple Road. Twenty-three occupants were forced to flee after the fire was discovered, but their religious beliefs prohibited them from using a telephone. Precious time was lost as the retreaters desperately tried to flag down a passing motorist to call the fire department. Luckily, no one was injured.