Albion fire chief worries about increased calls for small group of responding volunteers

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham, right, is shown during last week’s Albion Joint Fire District meeting at the Albion fire hall. From left include district treasurer Victoria Tabor, district chairman Al Cheverie, vice chairman Dave Buczek, and commissioner Derek Howes.

ALBION – The calls for the Albion Joint Fire District were at 140 the first two months of the year, putting the district on pace for about 840 calls. That is up from the 692 calls for 2025, Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham told the district’s board of commissioners last week.

Graham said a core of 10 to 12 firefighters respond to most of the calls. Most of them are officers.

The department has 98 members are the roster and needs more participation or the core group could get worn out. Graham said it’s not a sustainable situation.

He wants to see the district step up its recruitment and retention efforts.

He noted a new program will soon be offered by the Orleans/Niagara BOCES that could boost the ranks in the future.

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES center in Medina next school year will offer EMS and a fire science class. Incoming high school juniors are encouraged to sign up. It’s available for students in Albion, Barker, Lockport, Lyndonville, Medina, Newfane and Roy-Hart districts.

The program offers a rigorous and hands-on introduction to emergency services, which BOCES officials say could lead to a career or volunteer in emergency services.