Here in Chautauqua County , the village of Lakewood is a community of  just over 3,200 people on 2 square miles along the south shore of  beautiful Lake Chautauqua. At 1,300 feet above sea level, it is the second highest navigatable lake in the nation. Ours is the county furthest west in New York State. "New York City" is over 450 miles to the east. Of the 42 fire departments serving this county, two are career , 1 has paid drivers and, with just over 800 calls a year, Lakewood is the busiest  of the fully volunteer departments.  Our members join The Lakewood Volunteer Fire Company and when activated by alarm or order of the Chief they become "employees" of the village fire department. Membership stands at around 55.  In addition to the village, we are under contract to protect  the township of Busti which Lakewood is part of.