Background & History of the Branchport/Keuka Park
Fire Department
The BranchportKeuka Park Fire Department is a 100% volunteer department that provides fire protection as well as rescue and EMS services to the Town of Jerusalem, New York and a portion of the Town of Pulteney in Steuben County. The Town of Jerusalem is located in Yates County on Keuka Lake. We are located about one hour south of the City of Rochester.
We protect a constant population of about 4,525 residents in an area of 80 square miles. That fire district population, however doubles during the summer months due to seasonal cottages and tourist travel. Our organization is comprised of over 50 members, operating from two fire stations located in the hamlets of Branchport and Keuka Park. We cover a variety of territory, including farmland, residential areas, businesses, and over 20 miles of beautiful Keuka Lake shoreline. We also protect Keuka College as well as many of the vineyards and wineries that make our area famous.
In 2007, our firefighters, medical personnel, and S.C.U.B.A. divers responded to a total of 276 emergency calls. These calls included fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, rescues, weather-related emergencies, and numerous other hazardous situations. In 2006, we responded to 325 emergencies. Each year our call volume has increased tremendously since the beginning of this decade, when we averaged fewer than 250 calls per year. Just ten years prior to that, we responded to fewer than 150 calls per year.
The face of our community has changed greatly over the years,
and this fact is reflected in the scope of duties that we are called to
perform. While we still prepare intensely for fighting fires, we must also be
ready for the multitude of other situations that come our way. Our first
responders unit provides vital emergency medical care, placing trained
personnel on location to begin care before the arrival of an ambulance. Our
Underwater Search and Recovery team provides S.C.U.B.A. and ice rescue
services on Keuka Lake
and other surrounding lakes, streams, and ponds.
From his book Keuka College: A History, Phil Africa uncovers the humble
beginnings of the Keuka Park Fire Department.
"On March 14, 1928, the Keuka Park Volunteer Fire Department, with a district of a one-half mile radius from the college, was organized at Alley's Inn, with President Norton presiding. George Simonson, a surveyor living just on the edge of the park, was elected chief, with Sheldon Barrus of the college farm and Roswell Davis, a college steward, as his assistants. Professor Herbert Winters was elected permanent secretary. Membership in the department would come from both college and community, as an occasional class or convocation was disrupted by the wail of the siren atop Ball Hall. Less than two years after the company's organization came an unwelcome test of Dr. Norton's foresight:
'On December 26 [1928] a fire originated in the paper chute of Hegeman Hall, cause unknown. The fire was confined to the chute and the dark room in the basement. Our men did good work as firemen and amply proved the value of our equipment and of the fire squad. We have now installed a sprinkler head in the chute (pg. 142).'"
Our department’s activities are funded primarily through fund raisers and donations. The main fund raisers are our annual Fund Drive, 4th of July Chicken BBQ, and Turkey Party.
New members are always needed and welcomed. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department, please do not hesitate to contact us. No experience is necessary. We provide all of the necessary training and equipment. We can be contacted at bkpfd@roadrunner.com or by phone at 315-595-2296.
