The Endicott Fire Department is entering 2017 on the heels of its busiest year in history. And as Vince Briga reports, the increased number of calls was made even more challenging by budget cuts.

VESTAL, N.Y. -- 2016 was a busy year for the Endicott Fire Department, responding to 2,751 calls. That's more than any other year, including the historic flood of 2011.

But for firefighter Matt Griswold, it was just another year on the job.

"It's interesting. You really don't notice it day to day, but when you get to the end and look at the numbers, it becomes more realistic," Griswold said.

Griswold is the youngest firefighter in the department, and the son of Chief Joseph Griswold. The father-son duo make up part of the overall crew, but recent budget cuts in the past few years have made the department's staff even smaller.

In fact, it's made responding to the record number of calls more of a challenge.

"The first call is not a big deal. The second and third calls, sometimes it's hard, and there's times when maybe a third call can even be a second call if we're tied up with a fire," said Joseph Griswold.

Griswold says the warm summer played a role in the more than 1,400 EMS calls this past year.

The Endicott Fire Department responded to 2,751 total calls, including 91 fires, 1,447 EMS, 194 rescues, 249 hazardous conditions, 146 service calls, and 305 good intent (false alarms, CO alarms, smoke alarms).

The department also received 91 calls directly related to fires, some which were caused by a growing number of methamphetamine labs.

"If it's one that we find, obviously it's a challenge, because you're the first ones in there," said Griswold.

As far as prevention, Griswold recommends calling 911 as soon as a problem arises, as trying to put it out yourself could make the problem worse.

"Even if you think it's something you can take care of yourself, make the call. If you can do something, fine. If you can't, at least we're on our way," Griswold said. "If you start trying to take care of the situation itself and realize 'I can't do this,' then make the call; we've already lost several minutes."

Firefighters say that, despite a small staff and a growing number of calls, the safety of the village will always be their top priority.