HISTORY OF HY

Fire District #8 was formed in 1946. The Urban Fire Company was formed to protect the District that encompassed Hyland and Dean Roads. Urban Hose disbanded in 1959 and the Hy-View Hose Company was formed.

The Hy-View Hose Company was chartered on October 29, 1959. The first Fire Chief was Jesse Hyde and the first President was Charles Bickert. Our first Fire Hall was an old garage on Hyland Avenue. We had two trucks, a converted coal truck for a pumper (Truck #1) and a converted milk truck that served as a First Aid Rig. This First Aid Rig had no reverse and had to be pushed back into the hall after every call.

In 1966 the present Fire Hall on 8 Airport Drive was dedicated. In the Bond Issue that built the new hall we bought a new First Aid Truck and a Seagrave Pumper. In 1971 a second Seagrave Pumper and in 1974 a 75 ft Telesquirt were bought. The Telesquirt has its own pump and can service as a pumper or operate on its own.

In 1984 to better designate our function our name was changed to the Hy-View Fire Company and District #8 changed their name to Hy-View Fire District #8. In 1985 the Firemen donated an extension to the fire hall which is currently used as a day room and a weight exercise room.

In 1985 Truck #1 was retired and a new Pierce-Dash Pumper was bought to replace it. In 1986 our first aid rig was replaced with a Ford Heavy Rescue/First Aid Rig (Truck #7).

A Second Pierce-Dash 1250 GPM Pumper was purchased in 1989. The purchase of this vehicle allowed the Fire District to replace the original Seagrave Pumper - a 1996.

The Fire Company repurchased the original Truck #1, a 1949 Dodge. The antique vehicle is currently being refurbished to be used as a parade vehicle.

The Fire District, realizing that the growing demands were increasing, purchased its first Chief's Vehicle. The 1992 Chevy Blazer was equipped with EMS equipment and fire extinguishers.

The 1974 Pierce Telesquirt was starting to show its age. The price of a replacement truck exceeded 1/2 million dollars. It was determined that the Chassis/Pump/Ladder, were in good condition, needing only minimal repairs. The truck was refurbished in 1995, replacing the cab and repairing the body. A new coat of paint along with the addition of new warning lights and reflective striping, extended the lifespan of the truck, and made it safer.

In 1997 the District started a multi-phase program to revamp the Fire Hall. The Fire Hall was expanded to six bays with new chief's office , Commissioners Room, Training/Classroom and weight room. This will allow for the increased length of modern trucks and also permit purchase of a light first aid truck to take the load off the Ford Heavy Rescue. Once the addition of the new truck bays was complete, a light rescue was purchased. The 1999 Chevy 4x4, 4 Door pickup was purchased. A utility box was added to the chassis. This truck was used to answer EMS calls, as well as to transport manpower and supplies as required. Engine 3 - the 1972 Seagrave which was a reserve pumper, was past its prime. Repair costs outweighed the trucks usefulness. It was taken out of service. Meetings were being held to replace it.

Through a state grant, and the hard work of WREMS, Hy-View as well as the other fire companies in the town, received a AED. This advance in medical equipment greatly increased the chances of survival, for patients suffering from cardiac arrest. The Fire District, with the help of a local businessman who wished to remain anonymous, purchased 5 more units. Now, all of the first out units, including the 3 chiefs, are equipped with an AED.

The remodeling of the firehall's original section, which was built in 1959, was completed in 1999. The interior of the hall was remodeled, adding updated heating and cooling units, insulation and a fire protection sprinkler system.

The chief's truck was replaced, with a 2001 Chevy Tahoe. The decision was made to keep the old chief's vehicle, and pass it on the 1st Assistant Chief. This acquisition helped to take some of the position's burden off of the assistant chief's personal vehicle. As with the Chief's truck, this truck is equipped with EMS equipment and fire extinguishers.

Through the hard work of Sonwil Distribution, Cheektowaga Town Government and the Hy-View Fire District, an emergency access road was completed. The land was acquired and cleared. A road was built and a Railroad grade crossing was added. This emergency access road allowed responding emergency units to travel on streets through a commercial area rather than residential. The route now taken, eliminated 1 and sometimes 2 miles. This cut some response times in half, as well as made it safer.

In 2002, it was determined that the harsh northern winters, had not been kind to Rescue 7. The truck would have to be either repaired or replaced. The first out engine - a 1986 Pierce, was over 15 years old. Manpower levels were on the decline. After much discussion, the new truck design was finalized. A 2002 Pierce Rescue Pumper was purchased. This truck would replace Engine 3 as the first out pumper, as well as replace the Rescue 7. This one truck, which does the job of two, allowed the firefighters to perform more efficiently with less trucks.

The Diamond Hawk Golf Course opened during the summer of 2006. The club house and maintenance garage along with a majority of the holes, are in the fire district.

The Hy-View Fire District continues to grow. In the past 10 years, 5 large warehouses were built. A subdivision, with 72 patio homes was completed. There are presently plans to build 10 more commercial buildings in a Business/Industrial Park and another subdivision of 50 patio homes bordering the golf course. A parcel of land, also in the eastern part of the district, was considered as a possible location for the next Seneca Casino.

In 2006, a new Pierce Dash pumper was purchased. The new Engine 2, a hydrant truck, was delivered by Churchville Fire Equipment. It is a an 8 man cab, and ultimately replaces the original Pierce pumper.

Hy-View Fire District #8 currently covers the northeast section of Town of Cheektowaga. It is smaller than most of the other fire districts, however the fire company still responds to a wide variety of emergencies. Along with U-Crest and Cleveland Hill Fire Companies, Hy-View responds mutual aid to BNIA Crash Fire Rescue at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. In the early 70s, a small plane crashed into a residential area, destroying 3 houses. The crash was fatal to the planes occupants, as well as to several people in the houses. There is also a lake in the district, which has been the scene of several drownings in the past.

The current Chief is James Schuler, President is Michael Drzewiecki and the Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners is Al Blachowski. We currently are averaging 350 calls a year