Celebrating Our 75th Anniversary!
The Syracuse Fire Department Employees Federal Credit Union is proud to be celebrating our 75th anniversary this year! Please enjoy this historical timeline across so many years of serving our local community service members and their family. And if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon with us just yet, why not click the button below to send us a member application?!
A Walk Down Memory Lane
The Formative Years
In early 1950, at the urging of Leonard Aylesworth, of the Syracuse Transit, a meeting to organize the Syracuse Fire Department Employees Federal Credit Union was called to order. At that meeting, Mr Aylesworth spoke in regards to the benefits that could be derived from the formation of a credit union. Mr Aylesworth was also accompanied by a gentleman from Son Oil(The name of this person was not remembered by any of the existing first members). Representing the Syracuse Fire Department at that meeting were ten gentlemen who later went on to request the original charter.
The original office (after originating in a locker at a local engine house) for the Credit Union was in the home of Francis “Tex” McLaughlin, who was elected the first Secretary & Treasurer. In 1957, upon the death of Mr. McLaughlin, Francis Maheny was elected to replace him, with Mr. John Smith becoming assistant treasurer.
Through the years, the Credit Union has seen many changes. Its offices went from the first at Mr. McLaughlin’s home, to Engine House 19, to Engine House 6, to Engine House 12. With the purchase of the building at 320 Tracy Street in 1979, the Syracuse Fire Department Employees Federal Credit Union found a permanent place to call home.
At the time when the Credit Union offices were located at Mr. McLaughlin’s home and at the Engine Houses all monies for deposits or loan payments were made to collectors located throughout the Syracuse area in each of the Engine Houses.
With the expansion into the new building in 1979, the members found the implementation of a new online system. This gave them immediate access to their accounts and found their transactions updated right before their eyes.
Our Locations Through the Years
Giving our Members the H.q. They Deserve!
Original offices right across from the historical Kirk Driving Park, known for horse and bicycle racing. Francis “Tex” McLaughlin was the first Secretary/Treasurer. In 1957, Mclaughlin died and Francis Maheny was elected to replace him, with John Smith becoming Assistant Treasurer.
Now a remarkable historical firehouse landmark of Syracuse, Engine House 19 (now known as the Le Moyne College Firehouse) has been mostly vacant and unused since 1998. The Syracuse Fire Credit Union called this firehouse home for a short time around 1960.
The Syracuse Fire Credit Union called this station home for a short time. Located on the corner of Jefferson and Clinton. When the Fire Prevention and Chief’s office left Station 12, the CU left this location and moved its headquarters there.
Fun fact, when we moved to Engine House 12, it was the third floor and the first time we had an actual tiny teller counter! Wow!!! Before this, we operated out of the lockers in the stations. The Credit Union remained here until the move to Tracy Street.
With the expansion into the new building in 1979, the members found the implementation of a new on line system. This gave them immediate access to their accounts and found their transactions updated right before their eyes.
Our Current Home at
211 Wilkinson Street
After construction was completed on our beautiful building located at 211 Wilkinson Street the Syracuse Fire Department Employees Federal Credit Union found it’s permanent home in the heart of Syracuse. We opened our doors on October 15, 1996 to much excitement and fanfare. We completed a complete modernization and renovation of our lobby on March 8th, 2021, and we’re confident to say we’re one of the most beautiful financial institutions in the City. Stop by and see all the historical Firefighting memorabilia… and learn about becoming a member!
Growing Through the Years
From the establishment of our original charter, up through the expansion of our leadership, team and members – the Syracuse Fire Credit Union has had a robust and exciting history of developing our member base and services.
With excitement, we broke ground on the construction of the new building at 211 Wilkinson Street.
Operations Today
We are grateful for all the wonderful milestones that lead us to where we are, and for the member trust that makes us WHO we are. Check out these great developments from our growth into the credit union you know and love today!
A proud moment in history—the grand opening of the CU’s current headquarters at 211 Wilkinson Street marked a new era.
Decades of Great Leadership
Guiding the Credit Union Through the Years
Click the arrows to scroll and see more!
In 1962, John Smith became the first Manager & Treasurer for the Credit Union.
In 1979 Bob George became the first President of the Credit Union.
Bernie Dranshak took the reins as CU President, steering the ship into an exciting new era.
Henry Sienkiewicz stepped up as CU President, continuing a tradition of strong leadership and member-first values.
The Presidential Torch passed to Norman Rowe in 1984.
In 1989, William M. Ryan took over leadership of the Credit Union.
In 2010, Jeff Fragale accepted the role of CEO.
In 2020 Andrea Thune accepted the role of CEO at the Credit Union.
In 2023 Roxane Bowering took the reins of the SFD Credit Union and is our current CEO!
Serving those who serve us.
The Syracuse Fire Department Credit Union built it’s foundation on providing the best financial services to the first responders who keep us safe every day. Our community’s fire, police, EMS and city workers families deserve the best because they give their best.
We offer membership to a select group of employers in our community in addition to first responders. Learn about who can join by clicking here.