Officers

Jon Belcher, Chief; 1st Assistant Chief, Rich Bausam, 2nd Assistant Chief, Scott Mason

Responsibilities

The Fire Department of Westfield is steeped with deep tradition, a strong sense of honor and commitment, and perhaps most importantly, a true understanding of the words personal sacrifice. Absent the time clocks and bi-weekly paychecks, it is hard to imagine that this is an all volunteer group of dedicated men and women. From the concrete pads that support thousands of pounds of sparkling fire trucks and equipment, to the beautifully handcrafted hardwood chairs and tables that fill the individual company rooms on the second floor, the Fire Department of Westfield represents the best our community has to offer.

Officially formed on September 10, 1872, the Fire Department of Westfield provides fire protection and emergency rescue services to the Village and Town of Westfield, a geographical area of over 47 square miles and having a population (2000 census) of over 5,200 residents. With an active membership of just over 40 people, the ratio is roughly one member to every 130 residents. A daunting task in and of itself; however the Department has the added responsibility of assisting the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department and the US Coast Guard with covering approximately 8 linear miles of lake Erie’s southern shorefront. It doesn’t end at the waterfront, Westfield also has Interstate 90 and State Routes 5 and 20 coursing through it with CSX Transportation and Con-Rail railroads a scant half of mile north of Main Street. These are all potentially very high risk areas where Westfield crews would typically be considered first responders.

Currently located on Clinton Street in the heart of the Village, the Fire Department of Westfield has an impressive selection of fire fighting and emergency rescue equipment manned by highly trained volunteers to ensure the highest levels of safety for our residents.