Apalachin Fire Department
Chief's Corner
by Anthony R. Quaranta
Chief, Apalachin Fire Department

 Happy Holidays One and All.

 Every year in October we have our fall banquet to thank the community members who stepped up during field days to help cook, man booths, and keep the grounds presentable. It is also a time to recognize our members for their service. It is a group effort that keeps this community event possible. Many different groups benefit from the field days, from church groups to youth organizations, local organizations reap benefits that help keep this community full.

• Service Awards
 This year's service awards went to the following: 
 5 Years of service to Janet Warner, Ruth Kunz, Scott Kunz, Edgar Watts, and Eric Benjamin
 10 Years of Service to William Walker and Wayne Frye
 15 Years of Service to  Anthony Quaranta
 35 Years of Service to Robert Middendorf, Donald Baumbach
 Two-year officer award to Joe Betkavsky.  
 To these members and all who serve our community, I would like to say "Thank You."

• New Members
 On the other end of the spectrum, we would like to welcome our newest members: Jason Henderson, Steve Luker, Michael Shelp, Patrick Simkins and Jeremy Watson. May they have a long and prosperous career with us at the Apalachin Fire Department.

• Thanks to other Fire Depts.
 We also spent some time recognizing the other fire departments that willingly come to our aid when extra hands are needed. They are: Campville Fire Department, Little Meadows Fire Department, Owego Fire Department, Southside Fire Department and the Vestal Fire Department.  As always we need to say "Thank You" for their continuous support.

• Help a Hydrant
 As everybody has realized, winter is knocking at our doors.  It is very important that as the snow piles up, that everyone with a fire hydrant in front of their house spend some time to keep it clear for use. Whether you do it yourself or have your neighbor help, it is of the utmost importance that they stay cleared of snow and ice. They need to be cleaned a minimum of a three foot radius all the way around for adequate access when needed.  
 If they are not kept clean and an emergency arises where we need to use it, it could cost us a significant amount of time either clearing it ourselves or looking for one that is cleared. That is time wasted when we could be concentrating our efforts on helping someone. The property you save, may be your own. So please help us help the community and keep those hydrants cleared.

• Holiday Safety
 With the holiday season already upon us, it is important to take time to visit friends and relatives, to laugh and share good times, and to try and not let the holiday "rush" stress us out too much. It is also a time to practice fire safety. Use outdoors cords for outdoor lights and don't overload the outlets.  Water live trees daily and don't leave the tree lights on when nobody is home.  Practice these and other safety tips and we will only meet socially instead of professionally.
 Take care.  Have a great holiday season and happy New Year.