When community members established the fire department in 1919, they called it the Victory Chemical Engine & Hose Company, and it consisted of two horse-drawn pieces of fire equipment. Today, 65 volunteers and eight fire trucks make up the West Hempstead Fire Department, which provides rescue and emergency medical services to residents in the community. The firehouse is decorated with awards and trophies that the department's men and women have earned both on the job and competing on its softball and drill teams. To become a volunteer at the West Hempstead Fire Department, applicants must live within three miles of the firehouse and undergo training.