Apalachin Fire Department

by Mary Ann Cascarino, AFD Chief

Field Days
 Thanks to all those who supported our annual fund raiser through their patronage, and special thanks to the many volunteers who donated so much of their time to make this year's event a success. We couldn't do it without you.

On-Line Course
 The following free on-line course could save your life or someone you know. Check it out. Household Hazardous Materials: A Guide for Citizens is an interactive Web-based independent study program designed and presented by FEMA's Emergency Management Institute to educate and prevent injuries occurring in the home. In addition to learning about carbon monoxide, household chemicals, etc., the participant will learn about product labels, less toxic alternatives, proper disposal measures and preventive measures to take before natural disasters occur. To access this course, go to the EMI Independent Study Program Web site at: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS. Select Our Courses and then select IS-55 from the list of courses. Let us know how you like the course, 625-2790.

Free Blood Pressure Screening
 Just a reminder - stop be Station 1, 230 Pennsylvania Avenue, Apalachin, any Friday between Noon and 1:00 pm, to have your blood pressure checked by our friendly day crew. They'll be happy to see you. 

No Burning in the Town of Owego
 That means no burn barrels, brush, rubbish, etc. What is allowed:  recreational campfires appropriately confined. Please be considerate of your neighbors. If the smoke from your fire is going in their windows, please post-pone this type of entertainment until the wind changes direction. Some types of burning can be done with a burn permit. Call DEC in Cortland, 753-3095, for more information.

AFD Promotions
 Tom Bidwell and Chris Tyler have recently been promoted from "Support" Firefighter to "Exterior" Firefighter. This allows them to be in the danger zone of a fire scene and attack a fire from outside the building.

New EMT-Basic
 Marie Tyler (Chris's wife) has completed over 120 hours of EMS training, plus clinical time in the hospital, passed the written and practical tests, and now is certified as a New York State EMT. Congratulations to Marie, Chris, and Tom!

Free Safety Brochures
 Stop by Station 1 as you're driving by for a multitude of brochures on various safety topics. Are you doing "Exit Drills in the Home"? Our EDITH brochure will guide you through the process.

Join the Team
 As always, if you would like more information about becoming part of the dedicated team of volunteers at AFD, please call 625-2216. We offer free fire/EMS training, medical evaluations, new physical fitness equipment, incentive program, and many opportunities to learn and grow as an integral part of a committed team serving the Apalachin community. 

Lisa Siebert, Paramedic, takes the blood pressure of Cliff Fuller.