Mayor’s Corner – July 2026

The recent fire at our firehouse has been a difficult and emotional event for our community. For 102 years, 250 Broadway has been more than a building—it has been the home of dedicated volunteers and firefighters who serve and protect Menands around the clock. Seeing such damage to a place that means so much to our village is heartbreaking.

First and foremost, I am grateful that no one was seriously injured. I want to thank the firefighters, emergency personnel, and mutual aid departments that responded quickly and professionally. Their efforts demonstrated the strong partnerships that exist throughout the fire service.

I am especially proud of the members of the Menands Fire Department, who remained completely focused despite the damage to their own facility. Their professionalism and dedication reflect the very best of our village.

Village officials are working closely with fire department leadership, investigators, insurance representatives, engineers, and emergency management officials to assess the damage and determine the path forward. While many questions remain, residents should know that emergency services remain fully operational and public safety continues to be our highest priority.

The recovery process will take time, but Menands has always been a resilient community. The outpouring of support from residents, neighboring departments, local organizations, and friends has been truly remarkable and serves as a reminder of how strong our community is when we come together.

As Mayor, I remain committed to supporting our fire department and pursuing the resources necessary for recovery. We will continue to keep residents informed as plans develop. Most importantly, I want our firefighters and emergency responders to know that this community stands behind them. Buildings can be repaired, but the true strength of the Menands Fire Department has always been its people—and that strength remains as strong as ever.