Apalachin Fire Dept News

 Well, spring is almost here and I think we got through the winter pretty easy. I know everyone is looking forward to the warm weather again.  Here is some upcoming news from the Apalachin Fire Department.

• Bailey - 50 Years of Service
 On Wednesday April, 26 at 7:00 pm at Station #1, we will be honoring Albert Bailey for his 50 years of active service to the Apalachin Fire Department. This event is open to the public.

• Fireman's Field Days
 On June 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this year we will be having our 48th annual Fireman's Field Days. If there are any community groups that would like to be a part of the parade that will be held on Saturday June 10, please contact David Ritz or Michael Roden at 625-2216 and be prepared to leave a message.  They will return your calls and get your organization set for a wonderful event.

• Firefighters Complete Training
 We had two firefighters graduate from the Firefighter I course and several from the Firefighter II course.  We would like to congratulate Steve Luker and Garry Archer for their successful completion of Firefighter I.   Captain Don Ames, Lieutenant Shaun Foland, Lieutenant Kayley Siebert, and Assistant Chief Joe Betkavsky also passed Firefighter II.  Part of passing these courses, are participating in live fire exercises. In order for that to be possible, several of our other firefighters have given up their Saturday's to be safety officers during the live fire exercises.  Along with our congratulations to the course participants, comes our thanks to everyone for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend these courses and help one another to further benefit our community.

 Other firefighters have been busy training as well. On Saturday March 4, fifteen of our firefighters went to the Rockland County Training Facility to learn more about flashover recognition and techniques used to combat this type of violent fire. On Saturday March 11, two of our firefighters participated with the Campville, Owego and Candor fire departments on an ice water rescue training.  Assistant Chief Carl Squires went to Montour Falls the weekend of March 25 and 26 to learn about Health and Safety.  On Wednesday March 29, we had another joint training session with Campville, Owego, and Southside about charter buses and the unique problems they will present should they be involved in a motor vehicle accident.  Again, we would to thank them for taking their time and going to these trainings.

 Along with all this ‘extra' training, we have been continuing to have weekly training on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am. If anyone is interested in joining please stop by and talk to someone. We are always looking for new members at least 16 years old to help our community in various capacities, whether it be EMS, firefighting, rescue, fire police or simply driving. We provide all the training to get anyone started in serving the community in which we live.

• It's a Girl!
 We have a new addition to our family. Shaun and Amethyst Foland had their second child on Monday March 27, 2006. They had a bouncing baby girl. Congratulations to mom, dad, and big sister.  

• Safety Tips
 With spring coming so does brush firefighting season. Most brush fires are started from open burning of garbage, yard waste, construction debris etc.  Remember, it is illegal, in the Town of Owego, to burn these items. They must be disposed of properly.

 With the warmer weather also brings more kids out on their bicycles and scooters. Please drive carefully and be watchful for them.