From the Apalachin Fire Department 

by Anthony R. Quaranta
Chief, Apalachin Fire Department 

Happy Easter everybody.  

 I hope this spring holiday season finds everyone well.  At the fire station, things have slowed down a bit, but that has given us more time for training, restructuring our day crew a little, and getting ready for summer activities.  

 As of March 15, 2004, Thomas Bidwell, our daytime Emergency Medical Technician and driver, took a job with Union Volunteer Emergency Squad and has left the AFD. He has been replaced by Joseph Betkavsky.  We wish Tom all the best in his change of company's and hope everything works out well for him.

 Currently we are up to 178 calls for the year and have signed on two more volunteers. Soon Laura Koch and Bridget Reichhold will be joining our ranks. They will first go through a basic training and in a few weeks you will see them responding with us.

 From January to March, 2004, we have had a lot of training going on and quite a few people need to be recognized for their dedication to training which in turn makes them better firefighters to serve our community. The following is what we have on file for courses completed year to date:

• Hazardous Materials, First Responder Operations: Don Conning, Jesse Garrett, Wayne Frye, and Mike Roden

• Emergency Response to Terrorism: Debbie Phillips, Paul Phillips 

• Emergency Medical Services Seminar in Montour Falls: Lisa Betkavsky, Joseph Betkavsky, Debbie Phillips

• Fire Service Instructor I Debbie Phillips

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Lisa Betkavsky, Will Roden

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Eric Benjamin, Jack Kelly, Carl Squires, Don Conning, Lisa Betkavsky, Don Ames, Daniel Cacciaglia, Chris Shelp, Fred Meyn, Shawn Foland, and Mary Ann Cascarino

• Apparatus Operator (EVOC): Ryan Telfer, Ray Morgan, Daniel Cacciaglia, Chris Tyler, Thomas Bidwell, Don Conning, Jesse Garrett

• Fire Police Seminar at Montour Falls: Ken Brinkman, Dave Springer, Dave Kresge, Paul Phillips, Roy Runyon

• Fire Prevention for First Responders and Small Departments: Thomas Bidwell

• Executive Skills Series: Influencing: MaryAnn Cascarino
 These people and many others have taken the extra time from their busy lives and have committed themselves to becoming better firefighters and EMTs. When you see them, please say thank you for their dedication to our community.

 Remember, we are always looking for new members to serve our community.  If you are interested, pick up an application at Fire Station #1 on Pennsylvania Avenue, Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, or Wednesday nights from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm.