History & In Memoriam

1800s

1876

  • January 21: First meeting of Livonia citizens ... no buckets ... no results

1878

  • January 29: Major fire ... row of wooden stores burned ... need for protection voiced to no avail

1879

  • September 15: Hook & Ladder Co. #1 organized ... 30 men ... E.C. Long, President; A. Swan, Foreman
  • November 27: Second row of wooden stores burned ... despite efforts of bucket brigade

1880

  • March 10: Hook & Ladder truck purchases ... two extinguishers ... 36 buckets ... cost $460
  • May 3: Hook & Ladder Co. #1 incorporated

1890

  • December 1: Due to incorporation problems, company reorganized ... 39 members on roll

1892

  • A new company, "The Extinguishers," formed ... chemical engine purchased

1894

  • January 2: Hook & Ladder Co. #1 moved into new building
  • "The Protectives" formed with 17 young men ... functioned for only a short time

1899

  • January 2: Hook & Ladder Co. #1 moved into new building
  • "The Protectives" formed with 17 young men ... functioned for only a short time
  • December 20: Erie Depot Fire ... "trucks all burned down' ... village water system just installed ... hose cart purchased by village

1900s

1900

  • April 2: "Hose Team" formed to operate hose cart

1910

  • Hook & Ladder Co. #1 sold their building to the Masons and ceased to be active ... firefighting carried on by "Extinguishers" ... had hook & ladder truck, 2 hose carts ... all hand drawn

1920

  • Masonic Temple burned ... company reorganized with new, young members
  • February 17: First motorized apparatus ... a Ford truck

1921

  • March: Ford truck not powerful enough ... fire body moved to used Oldsmobile chassis
  • May: Electric siren installed

1930

  • March 19: Brick Block Fire ... cry from village for better apparatus

1931

  • October 5: New rain coast purchased ... Lee F. Richardson elected Chief

1933

  • August: American LaFrance pumper purchased ... fire zone established

1937

  • New uniforms purchased ... blue caps, red shirts, blue pants, blue tie

(Picture Courtesy of Livonia Area Preservation & Historical Society)

1938

  • Livonia Fire Department Packard "Cruiser," painted white and gold, was purchased

1951

  • February 19: Gambre Block Fire ... destroyed Ray Fischer's Dry Goods Store, Livonia Luncheonette

(Picture Courtesy of Livonia Area Preservation & Historical Society)

  • March 2: Fire destroyed Reed & Reed Furniture, Livonia Liquor Store, Livonia 5&10¢ Store, Wingate Electric, Hollywood Beauty Salon, Grayce Dress Shop & John Bishops' Law Office
  • Firehouse built at 21 Main Street

1954

  • Young Pumper on Ford chassis

1964

  • Four-wheel drive pick-up grass fire truck purchased ... 300 gallon tank & portable pump

1970

  • Four-wheel drive pick-up grass fire truck purchased ... 300 gallon tank & portable pump

1974

  • Ford Diesel Pumper/Tanker ... 1250 gallon tank ... 1000 gpm pump

(Picture Courtesy of Livonia Area Preservation & Historical Society)

1983

  • Midi Pumper purchased

1989

  • Refurbished Rescue Truck put into service

1996

  • Livonia Joint Fire District formed

1998

  • Pumper/Tanker purchased ... 1250 gallon tank ... 1500 gpm pump

2002

  • July 7: Dedication of the New Livonia Joint Fire District Emergency Services Facility

2003

  • Pumper/Tanker 256 delivered

2004

  • 125th Anniversary Celebration & Parade

2006

  • Livonia Ambulance District formed
  • Rope Rescue Team formed

2007

  • F.A.S.T. Team organized and trained
  • Rope Rescue, Marrowback Road

2009

  • Unit Citation, Poplar Hill Road MVA
  • Unit Citation, Conesus Lake Rescue

2010

  • Acquisition of Tower 258

2011

  • Dedication of 911 Momument

2012

  • Livonia School fire

2013

  • BLS/CFR Certification

2016

  • 15th Anniversary of 911 Celebration

A Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage - Give me the strength to save some life whatever be its ageHelp me embrace a little child before it is too late - Or save an older person from the horror of that fateEnable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout - And quickly and efficiently to put the fire outI want to fill my calling and to give the best in me - To guard my every neighbor and protect their propertyAnd if according to your will I have to lose my life - Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife

Dedication of Andrew Eve Communication Room

November 11, 2012: Livonia Fire Department formally dedicated the upgraded radio room at Fire Headquarters to past Assistant Chief Andrew Eve.

The speakers included Chief John Ellis, President Lari Whiting, Sheriff John York and Emergency Manager Kevin Neidermaier.

The Eve family, mother Barbara Sundlof, father William Eve and brother Michael Eve presented Drew's fire department helmet and State award plaque, given to Andrew after his handling of the 2004 bus accident, to be placed in the communication room.

Photos by Firefighter Jeff Arnold, Livonia Fire Department

Ted Arnold

Ted Arnold, 68 years old of North Street, Livonia, died Friday evening, July 29th, 2011 at the Conesus Lake Nursing Home after a long illness. Ted was an active member of the Livonia Fire Department, a life member and served for 47 years. He was a founding member of the Livonia Ambulance Squad and served on the Livonia Village Board as a Trustee. Ted's son, Jeff Arnold, Photo 25, is the fourth generation of the Arnold family who have served on the Livonia Fire Department.

Tom Stigle

On June 25, 2011, Tom Stigle died quietly at his home in Livonia. Tom served the Livonia Fire Department as Fire Commissioner, Chief Engineer, Driver/Apparatus Operator and Firefighter. He began his fire service career at age 16 with the Five Points Company, New Castle County, Delaware. Tom's fire service in Delaware and New York totals some 50 years as a firefighter. He served with pride with the Livonia Ambulance Squad as a driver.

Tom's experience, knowledge, leadership and friendship will be sorely missed.

‍Memorial photos by Jen Arnold

Drew Eve

On Monday, August 13, 2007, Deputy Chief Drew Eve succumbed to his life-long battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Drew was 19 Year Veteran of the Livonia Fire Department, an EMS Volunteer, and 911 Dispatcher. Drew played a key role in coordinating the tractor trailer bus crash, January 29, 2005. His efforts were recognized at the 911 Dispatcher of the Year in 2006 by the New York State Sheriff's Association. Drew was a valued member of the Livonia Fire Department and he will be sorely missed by all.

Celebration of Drew's Life
Long Point Park, Conesus Lake-August 17, 2007

‍Photos by Firefighter Jeff Arnold, Livonia Fire Department

Livonia Fire Department
(585) 346-2257info@livoniafiredept.org