Lima Volunteer Fire Department

08/06/2026

On August 3rd, 2026 Past Chief and long-time life member Dick Garey, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 90.

Dick lived almost the entirety of his life in Lima and Dick’s passion was the Lima Volunteer Fire Department. Dick joined the Lima Volunteer Fire Department just after his 18th birthday and remained an active member for almost 70 years, completing more than 1500 hours of state certified fire and medical training. Dick served in numerous key roles within the Fire Department including Carnival Chairman, Raffle Chairman, Convention Chairman, and Bicentennial Committee Chairman, and served in various line officer positions and Chief from more than three years. Dick was instrumental in the renovation of our current firehouse and the restoration of the department’s first motorized fire apparatus, a 1927 pumper which remains as a showpiece for the department today. Dick created a family legacy within the Fire Department where his son and several grandchildren currently serve as members. His positive contributions to Lima Volunteer Fire Department were significant, lasting, and far reaching.

Dick was well known for his contributions to the community as an active parishioner at the Saint Rose Catholic Church, The American Legion, the VFW, and The Stanley’s Exchange Slumlord Society. Dick was one of the original founding members and longtime race director of the now famous “Lima Bed Races” held each summer during The Crossroads Festival. Dick was intensely loyal to his friends and family and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Whether that was responding to a late-night fire call, providing someone a ride to work, a place to stay, a few groceries before payday, or a cold beer, Dick was someone that could be counted on, when having a friend mattered.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 15th at St. Rose Church, 1985 Lake Avenue, Lima. A burial will follow at the St. Rose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Lima Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 29A, Lima, New York 14485, in Dick’s memory.

https://stephensondougherty.com/obituaries/john-garey

07/09/2026

Congratulations to Hannah M for winning the 2nd early bird drawing. Get your tickets before August 2 for the last early bird drawing.

07/04/2026

05/29/2026

Good luck to three of our Junior Firefighter Athletes as they head off to Sectionals this weekend: Jaxson Seaver for Lacrosse and Henry Kirkwood and Evie Rose for Track and Field. Good Luck!!

05/27/2026

Congratulations to Jim P. For winning our first early bird drawing. Get your tickets before the next early bird drawing on July 4th.

05/21/2026

The first early bird raffle drawing will be held this coming Monday, May 25th (Memorial Day) at the Lima Volunteer Fire Department. Let me know if you want tickets!

Join us after the Memorial Day Parade—which concludes at the Town Hall with a service honoring those who have served and sacrificed—for a community gathering. The fire department will have the grill going, with hot dogs and refreshments available following the ceremony.

Come out to support the events, enjoy some food, buy a raffle ticket and take part in the early bird drawing. Tickets are selling faster than ever and we hope to see you there!

05/19/2026

Yesterday Junior Firefighter Evelyn Rose, was selected as EMS Youth Provider of the Year by MLREMS. Evelyn was recognized for her leadership in developing the Lima EMS Juniors Program and for earning her status as a cleared EMT with Lima Volunteer Ambulance at age 17. Her hard work, passion, and commitment to EMS continue to make a positive impact on our agency and community.

05/12/2026

Last night the Lima Volunteer Fire Department trained on tasks associated with vehicle crashes: assessment, stabilization, patient access, and extrication using a variety of hydraulic, power and hand tools. Led by 1st Asst. Chief Rick Crego and CAPT Dave Kirkwood members worked safely and efficiently to solve various problems and ultimately free a "victimn" through multiple scenarios.

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Elisabeth Kenny who graduated from Alfred State College this past weekend with her Associates Degree of Applied Technology of Welding!! Great job!!

05/10/2026

Congratulations to 2 of our outstanding Junior Firefighters. Sean Garey and Jaxson Seaver recently received Livingston County Teen Recognition Awards for giving back to their Community. Both Sean and Jaxson are both Dedicated Volunteers to not only the Fire Department, but also the Lima Volunteer Ambulance Corps- Village of Lima, NY while both being Student Athletes at HF-L School. Congratulations Gentlemen, and thank you for your Dedication to our Community.

We recently honored two of Lima's outstanding youth at the recent Livingston County Teen Recognition Awards.

Both were nominated and recognized for their leadership abilities and willingness to give back to their community by Lima Volunteer Ambulance Corps- Village of Lima, NY Chief Meg Rose.

Join me in celebrating both Sean Garey and Jaxson Seaver!