Apalachin Fire Dept. News
by Alicia Loso, Department Secretary

• Service Anniversaries


 Things have been busy here at your Apalachin Fire Department! In September, we held our fall banquet where many of our members were recognized for their years of service.  They are Mary Ann Cascarino(pictured above), 20 years; Will Roden (pictured above), 20 years; Dennis Rando (pictured at left), 20 years; Michael Chilson, 5 years; David Springer, 5 years; David Ritz, 15 years; Lou Patrei, 25 years, Kenneth Tripp, 35 years and Cliff Hogg, 45 years.  Mary Ann Cascarino, Will Roden and Dennis Rando were recognized at the banquet for becoming Life Members, which means they have served in the department for 20 years.  Congratulations Mary Ann, Will, and Dennis!  

• Fire Prevention Week 
 The middle of October found us busy with Fire Prevention Week.  Throughout the month, we were able to provide fire safety instruction and station tours to many of the local children. Our safety trailer spent two days at Apalachin Elementary School (AES), giving the students a hands on opportunity to learn fire prevention and fire safety. Fire Prevention Week ended on Saturday, October 15 with our annual Open House. During the Open House, visitors enjoyed touring the station, going inside the various trucks and ambulances, watching an auto extrication demonstration, learning how to properly use a fire extinguisher, as well as having some good food to eat! The children visiting were also given items to remind them of fire safety and personal safety, especially to dial 911 in an emergency. Our Fire Police also set up a very interesting table to show the community the various roles they play in our emergency service. Our public education continues over the next few weeks and you might see us out somewhere providing a valuable service to the children of our community.   

• Emergency Responders
 If you don't see us out, please stop in any Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Station 1 on Pennsylvania Avenue. Fortunately in our area, we don't find ourselves fighting too many fires. Our volunteers still participate in many fire related drills and exercises so that we will be ready if that time comes. 

 However, we also spend time training for and responding to many other types of emergencies. You could call us Emergency Responders! Our ambulance crews continue to provide excellent care to the community on a daily and nightly basis. 

 There is something for everyone that decides to become an Emergency Responder and we would welcome an opportunity to tell you about the benefits and rewards of serving your community in this way!  Even if the time commitment you could give is small, you might be surprised to find that we have just the right job for you! It's a great way to help your friends, your neighbors and possibly your own family!  

• Reminders
 With the darker evening hours approaching, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE be sure your home and mailboxes are accurately marked with your address number. Being able to see those numbers helps a lot and saves us valuable time in responding in your time of need. Remember that in an emergency, seconds count. And also, don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and make sure that all of them are functioning properly! And I cannot stress enough to practice EDITH, or Exit Drills In The Home, with your family so that in case of fire, you and your loved ones are adequately prepared. Hope to see you at the station sometime soon!