Community Workshop Notice:
West Sand Lake Fire Department Holding Next Community Workshop for New Station
The West Sand Lake Fire Department has spent the past several months completing additional MEP, site, and structural assessments of the existing station, fire hall, and museum. Using input gathered from previous community workshops, membership and community surveys, and space programming meetings, the facilities committee has developed a final conceptual option for consideration. To present the conception option, proposed site plan, and cost estimates, the West Sand Lake Fire Department is holding its third community workshop on Wednesday, March 22nd from 7:00pm – 9:00pm in the fire hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend to provide feedback and stay informed throughout the planning process.
150 Years of Service
2022 marks the 150th year the West Sand Lake Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the town. The West Sand Lake Volunteer Fire Company #1 was the 3rd rural volunteer fire company to be organized in Rensselaer County and the 1st in the Town of Sand Lake.
Mill owner, John McLaren, spearheaded the organization of the fire company as a way to protect the local mills. In the 1870’s the members protected the mills and homes in the village with “bucket brigades” until they raised enough funds to purchase their first apparatus, “Old Joe”, in April of 1876. “Old Joe” is currently displayed in the museum portion of our fire hall.
The West Sand Lake Fire Department currently protects over 10 square miles of rural and suburban Rensselaer County including over 5000 residents. We have approximately 40 active fire fighters, and respond to over 350 alarms each year.