Amber Fire Department 74 Plus Years Of Service
Our Proud Legacy Of Dedication

The Beginning
In the years following World War II, many municipalities and townships across the country created volunteer fire departments. This was especially true in rural areas outside of the cities and villages.  The same was true here in Onondaga County. Many of our neighboring fire departments were also started in those post war years. Defense and protection of the nation's public was a priority. Here in the town of Otisco there were not only personal residences but also  thriving dairy farms that needed protection against fire.

Thus the Amber volunteer fire department was founded in 1949.  A list of the original charter members is proudly displayed at our station. Although sadly the charter members are now gone, several of their decedents are current members. 

The original two bay single story firehouse was primarily constructed by the members. It was completed and dedicated in 1950. As in the spirit of those first members others have gone on to increase the number of truck bays, a second floor and our turn out gear room, and storage building.
In addition to the building the newly created fire district board of fire commissioners purchased a 1950 Ford fire engine to serve our area. that same truck remains at the station and is used for parades and ceremonial occasions.  As the years have progressed more apparatus was purchase including water hauling tank trucks, rescue trucks, and emergency squad trucks.  Also due to our location near Otisco lake a water rescue boat was purchased to answer on water emergencies.

Also in 1950 the fire department recognized a need to transport sick or injured people to the hospital.  A used Hearse was purchased which began the Amber Ambulance Squad.  It was the first fire department ambulance squad in this part of the country and a first for Onondaga County.  The ambulance squad, later known as Amber Ambulance Inc. remained in service until 2016 as one of the last basic life support ambulances in the county. By then and now they were replaced by advanced life support ambulances with paid paramedics. However the Amber Fire Department continues to respond to medical emergencies, accidents, and injuries with emergency medical technicians ( EMT's) and other staff trained in rescue procedures.  In fact these emergency medical services are a significant portion of the total calls the fire department responds to as in the case across the nation.

Volunteer fire and emergency services have evolved and changed dramatically in the last 70 years.  This is true in the Amber fire department as well, but the core mission remains the same as when we were founded..... To help people and protect property in our community in times of emergency.   THE LEGACY CONTINUES!

1950 FORD FIRE ENGINE