Monroe-Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company

Monroe-Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company The official page for Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company, a 100% volunteer fire-rescue company Inc. has grown alongside its community.

Back in 1947, several friends who regularly gathered at the lakeside inn known as Bezdeks (later known as Mombasha Inn) became concerned with fire protection in this southern tip of Monroe. In particular they noted the winding and unpaved road, recognized the risks, and subsequently decided to form a fire company. The original Fire Company was inaugurated as Lake Mombasha Fire Company, but later,

to avoid being confused with existing Mombasha Fire Company the name was changed to "The Lakeside Fire Company". It was changed once more in June of 1991 to "Monroe Lakeside Fire and Rescue Company" as a more accurate reflection of the region it serves. Because the region was not highly populated in 1947, most of the early fires were barn and brush fires. The newly formed fire company purchased its first fire truck from the Mombasha Fire Company - a 1923 Mack truck that had no roof, a hand cranked siren, and could be outrun on foot. Al Berninger who was the fire chief throughout the 50's kept the fire truck at his service station garage (now known as 'The Hot Spot Deli & Pizza') until the new firehouse was built across the street in 1970. The First set of officers for Lake Mombasha Fire Company included: Harry Bonser, Ken Lewis, George Kup Jr., Bernard Judson, and Ernest Kloiber. The original complement of volunteers numbered 19, compared to today which numbers around 23. From its modest origins, the Monroe Lakeside Fire & Rescue Co. The volunteers pride themselves on their level of preparedness, and all members are cross-trained in rescue and EMS procedures. Lakeside runs fire and rescue drills every Monday evening. The range of drills run from Driver Training (for safe, effective operations, and getting to and from scenes) to Automobile Extrication, live burns at the Fire Training Center. In 2011 when the Monroe Joint Fire District was formed with the neighboring Mombasha Fire Company and Harriman Engine Company. From that point on, the company began responding in conjunction with the other companies to emergency situation throughout the Town of Monroe, Village of Monroe and Village of Harriman. Lakeside is currently represented in the district with a chief officer, a Captain, three Lieutenants and one safety officer. Just like the other companies in the district, Lakeside Fire & Rescue is professionally staffed by 100% all volunteers.

A lot of our calls are “routine”. Helping our neighbors through an automatic alarm, an expired detector malfunctioning, ...
05/26/2026

A lot of our calls are “routine”. Helping our neighbors through an automatic alarm, an expired detector malfunctioning, a minor fender bender, or a good faith call.

Sometimes we help our neighbors through the worst day of their lives. Sometimes we may see, hear, feel, or experience things that others don’t in their typical 9-5.

No matter what the feeling or experience, Orange County has resources to help. This past week may have been a tough one with structure fires and vehicle accidents. There is help if you need it.

*NEW RESOURCE FOR ORANGE COUNTY FIRST RESPONDERS*

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus is proud to share the launch of the First Responder Peer Support Program - a confidential, peer-driven resource for those who serve our communities every day.

This program offers support for stress, critical incidents, mental health concerns, substance use and personal challenges. It is staffed by trained peers who understand the job and the pressures that come with it.

📞 Call: 845-291-PEER (7337)
📧 Email: [email protected]
📍 Crisis Support: Dial 311

All services are completely confidential. If you or someone you work with needs support, help is available.

05/25/2026

We hold a special moment in our hearts for those that have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy our freedoms today.

Though the parade may have been cancelled; We don’t need pomp and circumstance to show honor and respect to those that earned it with the ultimate sacrifice.

God Bless America and the families that have been deprived for it.

05/10/2026

The members of Lakeside would like to wish everyone a Happy Mothers Day. 🌺 💐

05/08/2026

We wanted to recap the month of April for our neighbors.
We responded to 59 calls. Three days had no calls at all!
24 Automatic Alarms
12 Outside Fire
7 Structure (4 M/A)
6 MVA (1 M/A)
5 Gas
3 Misc (car in a building, tree)
2 Public
We had 18 members respond 184 times during the month. That averages 10 calls per member.

Interested in joining the Lakeside crew? Stop by the station Monday at 1830 for drill.

05/08/2026

The members would like to wish Past Chief Daniel Bennet a very happy birthday. 🎁 🎂

05/04/2026

Today is International Firefighter Day. It is May 4th in honor of St Florian. St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters. He is known for commanding fire brigades in the 3rd century Roman army.

We want to thank all our members, past and present, for their dedication to their neighbors.

We are all volunteers. Some of us are full time employees, business owners, retired, and students. While Cameron is dedi...
04/29/2026

We are all volunteers. Some of us are full time employees, business owners, retired, and students. While Cameron is dedicated hands-on in the classroom, he is also dedicated to his neighbors in the firehouse.
Thanks for being awesome Cameron Brown we are proud of your accomplishments.

04/18/2026

Come on down to Station 2 tomorrow from 9-12. 7 Short St, Harriman.
We will be there.

04/18/2026

You can call us: (845) 782-4165 to volunteer.
You can call or text us: (845) 837-5798 to rent the hall.
ALWAYS call 911 in an emergency.

We’ve been fooled. Drill Night is at the end of the rainbow…not a pot of gold. 🌈
04/13/2026

We’ve been fooled. Drill Night is at the end of the rainbow…not a pot of gold. 🌈

Address

145 West Mombasha Road/PO Box 779
Monroe, NY
10950

Telephone

+18457834165

Website

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