WESTHAMPTON — The community will come together on Aug. 17 to celebrate and honor the 75th anniversary of the Westhampton Fire Department.
“We want to show the town our appreciation for their support for 75 years,” said David Antosz, fire chief of Westhampton Fire Department. He added that they’d also like to provide information to and connect with people who may be interested in volunteering for the fire department.
Established as a volunteer fire department in 1949, the department has seen many milestones and challenges in its 75 years. The department faced the typical challenges — tough fires, emotional days, bad accidents — without being paid. As a volunteer department, no firefighters are paid for their responses or training.
The department’s original station was shared with the town Highway Department and added onto throughout the years until it was no longer up to code. In January 2023, a new public safety complex for the Fire Department, Police Department and emergency medical services opened providing a fresh start.
Antosz noted that the anniversary gives the department the chance to recognize the confidence the town has in the services that the department provides. That support will continue to be needed as the department looks at the challenges and opportunities that the future will bring. One of the biggest challenges will be keeping the department, both fire and emergency medical services, staffed, something that is affecting most departments across the country.
The community open house and chicken barbeque will be held at the Westhampton Public Safety Complex from 2-6 p.m., with the barbeque at 4 p.m. The event will feature a short ceremony with speeches and sharing of the citation received from state legislators. Attendees will also be able to take tours of the department, play games, enjoy Herrell’s Ice Cream and peruse historical photos and memorabilia from the department’s history. Tickets are $10 a piece, with children 10 or under free. Reservations can be made on the town’s website.
“We’re hoping for good weather, lots of people, good food and lots of fun,” said Antosz.
