5 Critical Ways The Mendon Fire Department NY Is Upgrading Its Vital Services In 2025
The Mendon Fire Department, NY, is more than just a local emergency service; it is the bedrock of public safety for the Mendon Fire District in Monroe County, New York. As of this current date, December 20, 2025, the all-volunteer department is actively finalizing its financial and operational strategies, with recent public notices and budget documents revealing significant capital investments and administrative updates aimed at enhancing fire suppression and emergency medical services (EMS) capabilities in the coming year.
From managing a substantial 2025 projected budget that allocates funds for critical capital equipment to engaging in the state's V-FIRE Grant Program for infrastructure upgrades, the department is demonstrating a proactive commitment to its community. This deep dive explores the department’s current leadership, its rich history, its vital community role, and the specific, recent developments that are shaping its future.
Mendon Fire Department NY: Leadership, Governance, and Quick Facts
The Mendon Fire Department operates under the Mendon Fire District, a political subdivision responsible for funding and apparatus acquisition. The department is staffed entirely by dedicated volunteer firefighters and emergency responders who provide round-the-clock coverage for the Town of Mendon and surrounding areas. The department’s governance structure ensures fiscal responsibility and operational oversight, with a team of elected officials and experienced firematic officers leading the charge.
Key Personnel and Governance (2025)
- Fire Chief: Steve Tschiderer
- Assistant Chief: Peter Kester
- Board of Fire Commissioners: The Board oversees the Mendon Fire District’s finances and operations.
- Ryan Wilsey (Chairman)
- Dick Joint (Vice Chairman)
- Dan Considine (Commissioner)
- Steven Shuler (Commissioner)
- John Shipe (Commissioner)
- Secretary: R. Thomas Sellman
Mendon Fire District Quick Facts
- Established: Volunteer firefighters have been protecting the Mendon community since 1932.
- Location: 101 Mendon-Ionia Rd., Mendon, NY
- Services Provided: Fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), rescue operations, and fire prevention.
- Community Role: The department is a key participant in local events, including organizing the annual Mendon Fire Department Carnival.
The 2025 Financial Outlook: Capital Equipment and Infrastructure Investments
For a volunteer organization, maintaining up-to-date equipment and facilities is paramount to effective service delivery. The Mendon Fire District’s 2025 projected budget and recent public notices highlight a clear focus on modernization and infrastructure stability. This financial foresight ensures that Mendon’s volunteer personnel have the best tools available for any emergency, from structure fires to medical calls.
The 2025 budget, which was the subject of a September 2025 budget workshop and finalized prior to November 4, 2025, includes several key appropriations that will directly impact the department’s operational capacity.
Critical 2025 Capital Expenditures
One of the most significant line items in the Mendon Fire District’s 2025 projected budget is the allocation for new apparatus and facility improvements.
- Capital Equipment: A projected appropriation of $85,425 has been earmarked for Capital Equipment (A3410.2). This crucial funding is essential for replacing aging gear, upgrading communications technology, or acquiring specialized rescue tools.
- Building Improvements: The budget also includes provisions for Building Improvements (200.85) and Computers (200.87), demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the physical fire hall and administrative technology.
Furthermore, the Board of Fire Commissioners has been actively pursuing state-level funding. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for design services related to the V-FIRE Grant Program (Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment) signals a serious effort to secure external financing for major infrastructure and response equipment needs, which could lead to substantial upgrades beyond the budgeted figures.
Operational Excellence and Community Roots: The Volunteer Spirit
The Mendon Fire Department's effectiveness hinges on its dedicated volunteer force. The department not only handles fire suppression and emergency medical services but also plays a crucial role in community engagement and preparedness, fostering a strong bond with the residents it serves.
The Role of Fire Police and Operational Updates
The operational framework of the department is constantly being refined. Recent meeting minutes from August 2025 indicate that Fire Chief Steve Tschiderer submitted a proposed update to the Fire Police SOG (Standard Operating Guideline). The Fire Police are an indispensable component of the department, responsible for traffic control, scene security, and crowd management during emergency incidents, ensuring the safety of both responders and the public. Updates to their SOG reflect a commitment to modern best practices and operational safety.
The department also maintains professional ties by continuing its relationship with the NYS Fire District Officers Association and the NYS Chiefs, ensuring that its leadership remains current on state-level regulations and training standards.
A History Forged by Community
The history of the Mendon Fire Department is unique, underscoring its deep community roots. It is proudly acknowledged that the women of Mendon were responsible for the earliest steps in establishing the department—a testament to the community-driven nature of the organization since its beginnings in 1932. This legacy continues today through extensive community involvement.
The annual Mendon Fire Department Carnival remains a cornerstone event, providing a vital connection between the volunteer firefighters and the families they protect. Participation in local outreach efforts, often alongside groups like the Mendon Public Library and local Girl Scouts, ensures the department is visible and accessible, encouraging new volunteers to step up and maintain the tradition of service.
Looking Ahead: Recruitment, Training, and Preparedness
The heart of the Mendon Fire Department remains its volunteer recruitment and retention efforts. The Mendon Fire District is always seeking new volunteers to sustain its critical mission, offering opportunities in firematic roles, emergency medical services, and administrative support. The continuous need for new members is a reality for nearly all volunteer organizations in Monroe County, NY, and the Mendon Fire Department actively encourages citizens to volunteer today.
With a significant capital budget for equipment, ongoing efforts to secure V-FIRE grant funding for infrastructure, and a focus on refining operational guidelines like the Fire Police SOG, the Mendon Fire Department is well-positioned to meet the challenges of 2026 and beyond. The combination of dedicated personnel, strong fiscal governance by the Board of Fire Commissioners, and deep community support ensures that the Mendon Fire District remains a safe and protected place to live. The commitment to professionalism, as evidenced by the discussion of the 2025 Department Annual Banquet, the pursuit of building improvements, and the oversight of the Monroe County government, speaks volumes about the quality of the service provided by these local heroes.
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