WEST HAMILTON BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT
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OUR STORY

Courage. Community. Commitment.

A Legacy of Service

Neighbors helping neighbors since 1928.

For nearly a century, the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department has stood as a pillar of resilience for Southern Queens. Established in 1928, our department is one of only nine remaining volunteer fire departments in New York City.

Our history is one of evolution and determination. The department began with humble roots, operating out of a converted garage on Davenport Court. From 1928 to 1945, hand-drawn hose carts and basic pumpers were the only line of defense. As the community grew, so did we.

Today, we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our members, your neighbors, friends, and local business owners, drop everything when the alarm sounds to respond to fires, medical emergencies, floods, and vehicle accidents across our diverse response area.

97

Years of Service

24/7

Always Ready

100%

Volunteer Staffed

The Firehouse

More than a building - it's our second home.

The original firehouse stood on our current lot until 1992, when it was demolished due to an unsound foundation. During the reconstruction, our members operated out of a trailer on the property—a testament to our dedication regardless of the conditions.

The current two-story facility was built to meet modern demands. It features a specialized Fire Bay and a separate Ambulance Bay, ensuring rapid deployment for any emergency.

  • Living Quarters: Bunk room, full kitchen, lounge, and officers' office.
  • History Preserved: The facility still features the original brass pole from the old firehouse, connecting our past to our present.

Our Response Area

Serving the communities of Southern Queens and beyond.

We cover a diverse and challenging area that includes residential neighborhoods, major highways, waterways, and critical infrastructure.

Neighborhoods

Primary response for Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Rockwood Park, and Ramblersville.

The Belt Parkway

We cover the Belt Parkway (East & West) from Pennsylvania Ave to 150th St, and the Nassau Expressway. Calls here trigger a "10-70/10-90" response, deploying an Engine with the Ambulance for maximum scene safety.

JFK Airport

We respond to the "Crash Box" for aircraft emergencies at JFK. Our Ambulances are first-due for potential mass casualty events, while Engines standby to assist Port Authority Fire Rescue with water relay if needed.

Critical Infrastructure

Our area includes four churches, two synagogues, and challenging structures like the vacant nursing home high-rise, requiring constant vigilance and specialized training.

Department Leadership

Our dedicated officers who lead the way.

Fire Line Officers

Nicholas Spinelli

Chief of Department

Alvin Quiles

Deputy Chief, Fire

Jonah Cohen

Deputy Chief, EMS

Juwan Arnold

EMS Captain

Thomas Weldon

EMS Lieutenant

Executive Board

Daniel Amorim

President

Iggy Tamburello

Vice President

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