Menands Fire Department

05/30/2026

Sometimes you just have to rip the bandaid off.

Today, the Menands Fire Department responded on our first mutual aid call since the fire, assisting our neighbors at the West Albany Fire Department using our temporary apparatus and equipment.

The trucks may be different, but the mission remains the same—answering the call and serving our community.

One call at a time. One day at a time.

💚🚒

05/30/2026

🚒 Menands Fire Department Update 🚒

Today at 10:58 AM, the Menands Fire Department reached another major milestone in our recovery process. We are proud to announce that all of our operational equipment is now back in service, and we have resumed responding to calls under normal operations. While we continue to utilize apparatus and equipment graciously provided by the Schuyler Heights Fire District and the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department, our members are once again fully equipped and ready to serve our community.

While we know there will be growing pains and plenty of bumps in the road ahead, this marks a significant step forward as we continue working toward a full recovery following last week’s devastating fire.

We cannot thank our community enough for the overwhelming support, encouragement, donations, and assistance we have received throughout this difficult time. Your kindness has meant more to us than words can express.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Schuyler Heights Fire District and the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department for their incredible generosity in allowing us to utilize their apparatus and equipment. Their support has been instrumental in helping us return to service so quickly.

Most importantly, we want to recognize the members of the Menands Fire Department. The countless hours of hard work, determination, and dedication put forth over the past week have been nothing short of extraordinary. Because of their efforts, we have been able to return to service in less than a week after one of the most devastating events in our department’s 102-year history.

We are not at the finish line yet, but today is a day to celebrate an important milestone. As always, we remain committed to protecting and serving the Village of Menands.

MENANDS STRONG

05/27/2026

Today at 2:36 PM, the members of the Menands Fire Department answered our first call since Sunday’s catastrophe.

While we are currently operating in a limited capacity, today marked an important step forward for our department. No matter the circumstances, our mission remains the same: serving and protecting the community of Menands.

The past several days have tested our department in ways we never imagined, but the support from our neighboring agencies, mutual aid partners, Village officials, and community has reminded us just how strong the fire service family truly is.

We may be operating differently right now, but the pride, dedication, and commitment of our members has never wavered. Today’s response was more than just a call — it was a reminder that the Menands Fire Department is still here, still answering, and still committed to this community.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for continuing to stand with us.

05/25/2026

*Official Statement from the Village of Menands, Menands Fire Department and Menands Police Department*

Today, the Village of Menands faces a moment unlike any in our community’s history. Yesterday’s fire within our own firehouse marks one of the most difficult and heartbreaking days our Village has ever experienced. A building that has long stood as a symbol of protection, service, and community was itself impacted by the very emergency our members dedicate their lives to fighting.

We are incredibly grateful that no or emergency personnel suffered serious injury during this incident. The swift and professional actions of the responding agencies helped prevent an even greater tragedy, and for that we are deeply thankful.

The Village of Menands extends its sincere appreciation to the responding agencies that assisted during this incident, including the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department, Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department, Maplewood Fire Department, West Albany Fire Department, Latham Fire Department, and Boght Fire Department, along with the many additional mutual aid partners, EMS agencies, dispatchers, and public works personnel who responded with professionalism, courage, and compassion during this challenging event. We are also grateful for the overwhelming support shown by residents, neighboring communities, and fellow first responders throughout the Capital Region.

We would also like to thank the Town of Colonie Department of Fire and Emergency Services and New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control for their assistance with the ongoing investigation into this incident. The investigation remains active at this time, and additional information will be released when appropriate.

At this time, the Menands Fire Department is working closely with the Schuyler Heights Fire District to continue operations out of their station utilizing their apparatus. In addition, the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department has provided an engine that will operate out of the Village DPW garage to help ensure a quicker local response for our residents during this transition period.

For over 100 years, the Menands Fire Department has stood ready to answer every call for help without hesitation. While this incident has deeply impacted our members and community, it will not define us. The strength of Menands has always been found in its people — in neighbors helping neighbors, in volunteers stepping forward, and in a community that stands united during difficult times.

As the investigation and recovery process continues, we ask for patience and understanding while our agencies work together to move forward safely and responsibly. Emergency services within the Village of Menands remain fully operational, and residents should continue to call 911 in the event of any emergency. The Menands Police Department will continue to operate as normal out of 250 Broadway while recovery efforts continue.

Together, we will recover. Together, we will rebuild. And together, we will continue serving our community with the pride and dedication that has defined Menands for generations.

—
Village of Menands
Menands Police Department
Menands Fire Department
Menands Fire Company #1
Menands Fire Auxilary

05/10/2026

04/28/2026

Official Statement from Chief David Ognan
Menands Fire Department

It is with sadness that we acknowledge the pending closure of the Schuyler Heights Fire Company. Their members have served their community with dedication and professionalism for the past 70 years.

The Menands Fire Department remains committed to providing the highest level of fire protection and emergency response services. We will continue to operate within the established mutual aid system, working closely with our neighboring departments to ensure seamless coverage and rapid response to all incidents.

Our residents can be assured that there will be no disruption in service. The Menands Fire Department stands ready, as always, to respond whenever and wherever we are needed, maintaining the safety and protection of our community as our top priority.

04/07/2026

🚨 Congratulations to Our 2026 Officers 🚨

The members of the Menands Fire Department and Menands Fire Company #1 proudly congratulate our newly elected officers for 2026. We are confident that this team will continue to lead with dedication, professionalism, and pride while serving the Village of Menands.

Line Officers
Chief: David Ognan
Deputy Chief: Mike Steurer
Assistant Chief: Jonathan Dudley
Captains: Tony Lipari, Nick Gingeresky
Lieutenants: Mike Rezey, Matt Jaskula, TJ Robertson

Company Officers
President: Kirk Montanye
Vice President: Sherri Bender
Secretary: Nick Kalogridis
Treasurer: John Stangle
Sergeant-at-Arms: Colin Schanz
3-Year Board Members: Mike Mackay, Colin Schanz
Financial Secretary: Mike Mackay

Fire Police Officers
Captain: Paul Dedominicis
Lieutenant: Mike Mackay

We thank each of you for stepping up to serve in these important roles. Your leadership ensures that our department continues to grow, train, and protect our community at the highest level.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and productive 2026! 💪🚒

#2026

04/03/2026

Today, we pause to remember one of our own.

Nineteen years ago, Fire Police Captain Edgar “Scotty” Scott made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His dedication, courage, and commitment to protecting others embody everything it means to serve in the fire service.

Scotty was a friend, family, and a devoted member of our department—known for his selflessness, dependability, and unwavering commitment to the Menands community. His legacy continues to live on through the members who proudly carry on the traditions and values he stood for.

We will never forget his sacrifice, and we remain forever grateful for his service to our community.

Please join us in taking a moment today to honor and remember Fire Police Captain Edgar “Scotty” Scott.

Rest easy, Scotty. We have it from here. 🚒🖤

12/25/2025

🎄🎅 Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the Menands Fire Department! 🎅🎄

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy holiday season. We truly appreciate the continued support from our amazing community throughout the year—it means more to us than you know.
Thank you for always standing behind us. We look forward to serving you and making 2026 an even better year together.
Stay safe and enjoy the holidays with family and friends!
🚒❤️

12/20/2025

🎅🏻 Thank you, Menands! 🎄

The Menands Fire Department would like to thank everyone who came out to support Santa in the Village this year. Your generosity and community spirit truly made the day special. Santa has safely returned to the North Pole, and thanks to all of you, we were able to collect an incredible number of toys for Toys fo Tots.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Little Patriot Flags for our Christmas gift. We are honored and proud to hang our new flag in the bay.

From our fire family to yours, thank you for making this holiday season one to remember. ❤️🚒🎄