Snyder Fire Department

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone due to COVID-19. The Snyder Fire Department members continue to train on skills and respond to medical calls (with new training and procedures required because of COVID-19), motor vehicle accidents, and fire calls within the community. We are 100% volunteer and respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your donation is greatly appreciated. Please visit snyderfd.com to make a donation, and find out how you can serve the community as a member of the Fire Department. We are always looking for new, energetic members to join us!

Thirty-Seven Years ago this evening, December 27, 1983, the Buffalo Fire Department experienced the darkest day in its history with the Division Street Propane Explosion at Box 191 at North Division and Grosvenor, where 5 Buffalo Firefighters from Ladder 5, Died in the Line of Duty. The force of the blast threw Ladder 5, an aerial tiller, nearly 35 feet into the front yard of a dwelling, instantly killing all five crew members (Firefighters Mike Austin, Mickey Catanzaro, Red... Lickfeld, Tony Waszkielewicz, and Matty Colpoys). Two civilians, Alfred and Jessie Arnold were also killed as they sat in the living room of their home, which neighbored the warehouse. Engine 1 was found across the street, injuring the Captain and Driver inside the cab and pinning them inside amongst burning debris. Engine 32 was slammed against the warehouse, buried in the rubble. Eleven firefighters were injured in the initial blast, several of them critically. During the rescue efforts, 19 more firefighters were injured due to the adverse weather conditions. Over 150 civilians were transported to hospitals for injuries suffered in the explosion and many more were treated at the scene. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 28, 1983, Snyder Firefighters were alerted for Mutual Aid to the Buffalo Fire Department. The Snyder Fire Department responded with Rescue 5. This was used to provide scene lighting, as the Heavy Rescue at the time had 2 large light towers. Firefighters operated from 01:19 to 04:00 hours. Pictured is the incident as logged in our 1983 Run Book. The location is listed as Seneca and Emslie, at the intersection of Swan, the quarters of BFD Engine 32/Ladder 5. Today, we join with our brother firefighters and honor the lives of the 5 Buffalo Firefighters who tragically died in the Line of Duty. As we count our blessings and time spent with family and friends, we also pause to remember fellow firefighters lost in the line of duty. #LODD #BuffaloFire #FireDepartment #BuffaloNY #Firefighter