The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department, located in the Town of Canandaigua, celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday.
The department started with a grocery store discussion in March of 1945 when it was agreed by several residents that a local fire department was needed. A committee was formed, bylaws developed, and the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department was officially launched three years later in 1948. There was little money for even a used fire truck, so the newly formed fire department decided to build their own. A 1936 Brockway bakery truck was purchased with $350 of donations and was housed in the first firehouse, which is now owned by CVFD past President Bob Finger and his wife Nancy.
As time evolved the CVFD moved into its second firehouse, the former Yautzy & Sawyer Construction Co. building, currently owned by the Trowbridge family. And now, twenty years after construction completion, we are enjoying the amenities of our third Station 1 located on the old carnival grounds.
“Since 1948, many fire trucks have come and gone while many volunteers, like us, have come and gone,” said Chief Chris Brown. “It’s important that we all take a brief moment to think about and honor the many members who came before us and who shared our same values and dedication.”
“On our 75th anniversary, we’re so very grateful for our community’s support. The recent fleet additions of a new Engine and fireboat demonstrate our continuing commitment to best serving the Towns of Canandaigua and South Bristol.” – President Rick Roxin.
“With larger facilities to work from, it was one of my goals that CVFD increases its readiness for emergency responses and increasingly become a community center for Scouts, The Civil Air Patrol, and various free exercise events as well as a venue for family gatherings. CVFD has met and continues to meet the needs of its residents not only during emergencies but in everyday life.” – Past President Bob Finger.
Attending guests include:
- Town of Canandaigua Supervisor Jared Simpson (Presented Chief Brown and President Roxin with a Proclamation from Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan)
- Town of South Bristol Supervisor Dan Marshall
- Ontario County Undersheriff Mike Rago
- Past Ontario County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Harloff (presented Chief Brown with a plaque)
- NYS Police Tim Bucholtz
- Canandaigua Emergency Squad Chief Matt Sproul
The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department is located in the Town of Canandaigua and covers the southwestern portion of the town from the city line south. It also covers the northeastern part of the Town of South Bristol.
