It is hard to imagine that after a spring with so much flooding we would still be concerned about the possibility of wildfires. However, the unusual warmth and lack of rain lately means there is a lot of fuel for fire, such as dry grass and dead wood. As always, the Apalachin Fire Department asks you to exercise caution with outside fires. Please, never leave even a small fire unattended! 

• Firefighter News
 In department news, we are pleased to announce that Kaylie Siebert has achieved her 'green tag' status; this designation means she is now an Interior Fire Fighter. In addition, two members, Ray Morgan and Shawn Foland, took and passed the National Fire Fighter Level 1 test at the NYS Academy of Fire Sciences at Montour Falls, New York. They are now nationally certified as Level 1 Fire Fighters.

 Don Ames and Carl Squires attended a two-day class in Dayton, Ohio on Auto Extrication. They brought home several new skills which they are sharing with the rest of the department members. Though they were in classes with many career paid firefighters, both Carl and Don agreed the training they have received at Apalachin compares very favorably with that the paid departments are getting.

 Congratulations to all.

• Rescue Truck Re-Fitted
 The heavy rescue truck , #151,  that we use mainly for motor-vehicle crashes just returned from being re-fitted with a built-in power system for the hydraulic rescue tools. This new equipment will substantially reduce the time it takes us to gain access to patients that are entrapped in cars after a crash, giving anyone injured in the crash a better chance of recovering from their injuries.

• Firemen's Field Days Time
June 8 - June 11
 And once again, it is FIELD DAYS TIME!!! This year's festivities kick off on Wednesday, June 8, at 6:00 pm. Free rides for the kids, the big bike give-away, and the delicious smell of Chicken Barbecue wafting through the air start four days of family fun. Come support the Apalachin Fire Department and many other community groups such as the Apalachin Lions and the Apalachin Library. 

 On Thursday, June 9, rides, games, food and fun continue. There is a fireworks display scheduled for 10:00 pm Friday night, June 10. Saturday features the One-Price Ride Special, from 12:00 Noon till 5:00 pm. Our little misses will compete for the title of Little Miss Apalachin and a $100 savings bond at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, followed by the Annual Field Days Parade starting at 6:00 pm. 

 Also this year will mark the first ever Apalachin Firemen's Field Days 5K Run at 11:00 am on Saturday. 

 You can find more information on all the events online at  home.stny.rr.com/afd/fielddays.

 So make your plans to be with us from Wednesday, June 8, through Saturday, June 11, at the Field Days grounds on Field Days Drive in Apalachin. Look for the Ferris wheel, and follow the smells of hot sausage and cotton candy!