Apalachin Fire Department

         
"You depend on us ~ We depend on you"
by Mary Ann Cascarino, AFD Chief

• New Life Members
 In October, we had the pleasure of presenting this award to Debbie and Paul Phillips who have been active members of AFD for 21 years. They came to us from Michigan in 1982, Debbie as a paramedic and Paul a firefighter. Paul is an EMS driver now, and has also served as a Fire Police officer for three years. Debbie has assisted in our EMS training program on many occasions. Together they've been on our "on-call" schedule and have been coordinating the Little Miss Apalachin Contest for last 17 years. We express our appreciation for their many years of dedication and service to our community.

• New Honorary Member
 Tony Malarky was the recipient of this year's award. He has provided much needed assistance in the way of supplies and prizes for our Field Days, and has also helped the firefighters in the process of dismantling after our annual event. Tony coaches an AYFL  team that also assists in the dismantling process. His donations of time, supplies and effort are much appreciated. 

• Years of Service Awards
 Ken Brinkman and Bob Squier each have 45 years of service with the Apalachin Fire Department as Life Members. They've been members for half as long as AFD has been in existence, which is 90 years! Ken is Captain of the Fire Police.  

 Thirty year life memberships are held by Madeline Barno, Helen Bickle, Polly Getkin and Phyl Hamlin. They were our EMS day-time providers back in the 1970s when a modified hearse was used as an ambulance. 

  Jack Kelly, Life member, has been active for 25 years, and is Captain of Station 3 as well as Chaplain of the department.  

 Jeff Garrett has completed 15 years of service and his wife, Sammi, has been a member for 10 years.

• Public Education Program
 Ruth Kunz coordinates this program and  among her and the many firefighters who assist her, well over 1,000 people have either had a tour of the station or were visited in schools both in Apalachin and outside our District during the course of this year. 

• It's a Family Affair
 We have 14 families who have either father/son, husband/wife, mother/son etc. as active members. This is a good indicator that AFD is an excellent place for family members, 16-years-old and older, to experience together -  growth, fun, education and service to the community

• Did You Know . . .
 We have recently taken delivery of a new brush truck which will be housed at Station 3.

 We received a $45,000 FEMA grant which enabled us to purchase fitness 
equipment, an electronic fit tester, a consultation with a fitness trainer for our firefighters, and more.

 As of the end of September, we've been averaging 52 calls per month. Last year at this same time, it was 42 calls a month. Seventy Five percent of our calls are 
EMS related.

 Free blood pressure screenings are given every Friday, 12 Noon to 1:00 pm, at Station 1, 230 Pennsylvania Ave. (unless the day crew is on a call).

 No burning is allowed in the Town of Owego. Call 1-800-388-8223 to make a complaint or get a burn permit. 

 There are well over 200 fire hydrants in Apalachin. We need your help in keeping them clear of snow in the winter time. Call 625-2216 to volunteer.

 WE NEED YOU . . . to become part of an extended family serving your community. Call 625-2216 for more details.