Fire at the Corps


In the early morning hours of Monday, April 12, 1999 tragedy struck the Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

An electrical fire that started in the basement consumed most of the southern portion of the quarters.

Most heavily damaged was the basement storage area, bedroom, kitchen, office and bathroom.
The living room sustained heavy water and smoke damage.
The dispatch area escaped major damage.

No one was in quarters at the time of the fire - a passing 105th Pct sector car reported it to the Fire Department.

It is not yet known what the full extent of that damage is (both structurally and materially).

The Corps will remain in service during this rebuilding process (luckily the ambulances were undamaged in the blaze).

A special thank you goes out to all of the members who helped (and are still helping) in the cleanup and restoration of service, our brother VACs and the NYS Volunteer Ambulance & First Aid Association who have offered material and office space, and all of the NYC agencies (OEM, HWY 3, FDNY), Con Edison, Bell Atlantic, etc involved in getting us running again.

Update - April 19 - the temporary trailer has been stocked and in is in service. Salvage work continues in the house.

Update - May 25- a Building Committe has been formed and is being chaired by Rich Keller. Any members interested in helping out should contact him directly. The committee is currently evaluating proposals from architects.
Also any ideas on how to raise funds for the new building should be directed to the Fund Raising committee.


Update - June 11 - An architect has been selected to oversee the rebuilding project. Ideas are still needed for the new Corps design as well as for fund raising.

Update - Oct 5- The final plans have been drawn! Copies are available on this site. (click here)

Update - Jan 29 - We've moved! During the rebuilding process we've relocated back to the original basement headquarters. It's under the co-op off the 260th Street oval. Yellow signs are posted guiding you from the old headquarters. Many thanks to those folks who helped us during the move.

If anyone wishes to help in our rebuilding effort, please leave a message at the corps (718-347-1637)

Crew lockers in the burned out basement.

What used to be the floor by the kitchen, office, bedroom and bathroom.

A view from outside.
Another view of what used to be the floor by the kitchen, office, bedroom and bathroom.
Looking down into the basement through the floor in front of the bedroom door.