Johnson City Fire Department

By Jaxyn Boyce

First established in 1889, it served as an investment to protect the Lestershire Boot and Shoe Company. Referred to as the J.R. Diment Chemical Fire Engine Company, there were twenty-two members at that time, all serving under the command of A.J. Champagne. However, in 1892, a new station opened up as the Independent Hose Company Number One. Only two years later, an additional company, the G. Harry Lester Hook and Ladder Company Number One, named after the Lester family, was built. These three companies worked together to protect what was formerly known as Lestershire until they merged with the Lestershire Fire Department. In 1914, the first motorized tool was bought. Then the year of 1916, Lestershire was renamed Johnson City. Today, the Johnson City Fire Department Headquarters is located at 320 Harry L. Drive, with a second station located at 270 Floral Avenue.

Currently, thirty-seven members respond to approximately 2,600 calls annually. The fire department’s first mission in the event of a fire is to the people and any property. These firefighting duties include interior, exterior, fire suppression, and search and rescue. With the nearby Susquehanna River, they own an airboat that helped to rescue many residents during the floods in 2006 and 2011. In addition, there’s a code enforcement program. The Fire Department collaborates with contractors and developers to ensure construction safety codes and structural complaints are being addressed. All commercial locations have annual fire inspections. Also, for all rental units in the area, safety inspections are provided. For youth struggling with setting fires, they have an intervention program and are the only ones to offer it in the region. Many members are certified in the Nation Fire Academy at level two for the youth fire-setting program. The point is to tailor resources like counseling and help from other agencies specific to the individual at no cost to the families. It is a six to eight-week initiative and shows the dedication of its workers to the community. Child seat safety checks are also available. During a medical emergency, the Johnson City Fire Department supplies quick and efficient care and is available twenty-four-seven. 

Training and education are a significant part of their department, and all new members are required to attend and complete a basic fifteen-week course. An overview discusses fire behavior, fire suppression, code enforcement, emergency vehicle operations, and patient removal from car accidents. Every shift, the firefighters will work towards their several hundred-hour completion on the mentioned topics and other important skills. There is also the New York State EMT requirement, with an additional monthly refresh training. Open to the public, there are safety demonstrations that have educated thousands of people each year. For younger kids, the fire department hosts a puppet show. The older kids, however, receive an in-person lesson. High participation among students is the fire safety checklist that encourages children to explore home safety and awareness in case of an emergency. The class with the highest signed checklists receives pizza from the Johnson City Fire Department. They have conducted live demonstrations for the JC Senior Citizens Center and other not-for-profit places within the area. Community Involvement is a major goal for these members as they have assisted with the Senior Parade, National Night Out, Village Carousel Day, and the trunk or treat during Halloween. The Johnson City Fire Department is committed to giving their unwavering support for their residents. They can be reached by email at prevention@jcfd.org, or by phone at (607) 729-0428.

Photo by R.G. Blakeslee, Fire Marshall, Retired