On October 29th and the subsequent days after a now historic Super storm known as "Sandy", pounded much of the Northeast with powerful winds and flooding. Although Yorktown was spared from significant flooding, it was impacted by sustained winds between 45 and 70 miles and gusts at times of almost 100mph.

As sandy made landfall YHFD Volunteers had already taken many necessary precautions days in advance such as checking equipment and securing needed supplies. With multiple full crews in quarters to respond to calls, members kept very busy for nearly 36 hours at times responding to dozens of calls simultaneously. Answering approx 50-60+ calls during the height of the storm and continued responding to storm related calls days after.

With nearly the entire town without power due to utility poles or trees down and dozens of roads closed, crews were forced to take alternate routes to calls and at times even cutting and moving the multiple obstacle's they encountered ultimately finding that some areas of our response district would not be able to safely reach and respond to. Members worked tirelessly responding to a wide array of calls including, Automatic Alarms, CO Alarms, Utility Calls, Trees Down, Wires Down, Gas Leaks, Auto Accidents, smoke and other investigations, reports of structural Collapses, and reports of Structural Fires.

Also during the height of the storm, The Dive and Water Rescue Team that are apart of the YHFD's Special Operations Division were also called to Centennial Village to evacuate civilians trapped by rising floodwaters in that area, and Tanker 14 was also called to Croton to the report of a structure fire.

For nearly two weeks after the storm both Stations 1 and 2 were on generator power with multiple members more or less "living" at both stations to respond to calls as they balanced volunteering their time assisting the community and taking care of their own homes which many had left behind for days to help others.

A reminder to all that the Yorktown Heights Engine Co. No. 1 has been an ALL VOLUNTEER Fire Company for OVER 100 YEARS and is constantly looking for willing volunteers to assist any way possible. Please visit the Recruitment section of our website to learn to become a member of Yorktown's Bravest.