by Chief Cascarino

Sixty-eight firefighters responded to 91 fires, 46 motor vehicle crashes, and 382 squad calls for a total of 519 responses. Seventy-six firefighters/EMS personnel attended 3,528 hours of drill time, and 43 firefighters/EMS personnel attended an extra 1,268 hours of training to acquire additional knowledge and certification in the fire/EMS service.

We have one paramedic and five critical care technicians which enables us to operate as an ALS response unit with our two ambulances. We also have 11 EMT-D's and one First Responder.

Our public education program provided 32 fire prevention programs to approximately 1,125 community children and adults which included demonstrations at the schools, the library, as well as station tours. Firefighters donated 200 hours to present these programs.

Our S.A.F.E. Home Program donated eight smoke alarms to parents of newborns.

We have 62 hydrant helpers in the Apalachin Fire District and we could use a lot more held from the community since there are more than 200 hydrants in the Apalachin Fire District. Call 625-2790 to sign up.

New Equipment purchased:

American LaFrance HME pumper with 1500 GPM engine, 1,250 water capacity and class A and B foam.

14 self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) Scott Fifty 4.5, 45 minute capacity

2 Life Pack 12's, one for each ambulance

1 Dry Hydrant at Owego Heat Treat. AFD paid half and Owego Heat Treat paid the other half. This hydrant also serves the surrounding area.

Squad shirts/uniforms. We now look more professional when responding to your home.

Trailer to accommodate our absorbent materials and low angle rescue equipment.

These are just highlights. Many of our volunteer firefighters donated much of their time ensuring our compliance with OSHA by preparing drills, performing site reviews, attending to the administrative needs . . . the list goes on and on.

We're pursuing a Mutual Aid contract with Greater Valley EMS for our daytime EMS calls. When finalized, Greater Valley will be responding simultaneously to our serious calls. If we have a crew available, they'll be cancelled. If not, Greater Valley will be transporting. We were forced to do this due to limited EMS personnel available during the days. This is where you can help! We provide your training. All it takes on your part is a desire to help others, a commitment to the Fire Department, a willingness to respond to calls in the middle of your daily activities . . . and TIME. Think about it! Uncle Sam used to say "We need you!" we'll add to that, "But only if you feel the calling."

The Annual Apalachin Firemen's Field Days are able to continue thanks to the efforts of so many community volunteers who so faithfully commit their time for this four-day event in June. The Fire Department Auxiliary is open to any resident of the Apalachin Fire District. You don't have to be a firefighter's relative to join. Think about it!

For more information, visit our new Web site at http://www.fire-ems.net/firedept/view/ApalachinNY