It is with great sorrow that the Swormville Fire Company reports the passing of firefighter badge number 017, Michael Stafford, on December 13th, 2021 .
Michael has served the Swormville Fire Company for 42 years. Joining the company on February 4th 1980. Prior to joining Swormville, Michael was an active member for 9 years with the Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company.
Michael was a very active member of the Swormville Fire Company. He was known throughout the towns for his love and devotion to the bowling team and to the fire police. Michael was dedicated to serving the community and he will be missed. The Swormville Fire Company is mourning this loss.
The History of the Harris Hill Volunteer Fire Company
The formation of a volunteer fire company at Harris Hill was underway in October of 1936 with twenty-three men signifying their intention of becoming charter members.
The Harris Hill Volunteer Fire company would be incorporated on January 7th, 1937, with John H. Farrell acting as President and Chief to fifty brand new firefighters. The bi-monthly meetings were held at various members homes, the school basement, or The Rose Garden on Wehrle Dr. They battled fires with one truck and didn’t even have an established district until 1939. Some of their first equipment included a dozen rubber coats and boots they purchased for $10.50.
To raise operating funds, the new fire company held "Smoker Parties" every few months. The first Monte Carlo party required an outlay of $209.55 and returned $210.85. An annual picnic and carnival was held on Saturday July 20th, 1940. The affair was open to the public and attracted hundreds. The signing of a Fire Protection contract with the Town of Clarence in 1941 eased financial worries. The Town of Clarence paid 1/10th of the assessed valuation of all homes in the district. At the time of signing, it came to about $550.00.
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