"Grinch" Tries to Steal Field Days

 Belonging to the Fire Department is a bit of a tradition in our family; my husband and myself have been members for many years, our youngest son was active as an apprentice firefighter and EMT before he left for the Army. We attend drills and training, get up all hours of the night in all kinds of weather to answer the calls of our neighbors for help. Normally, we don't ask for much in
return - only that the community come out and support the department during the Field Days, our only fund-raising event.

 The Apalachin Fire Department has worked very hard for 47 years to make the Apalachin Firemen's Field Days a fun, family oriented, and safe event the whole area enjoys. 

 But a Grinch is trying to steal the Field Days. 

 Wear and age made it necessary to replace a building at the Field Days Grounds. Supplies had been delivered; imagine the dismay of the firefighters who showed up to start construction when they found the Grinches had been there before them. Much of the material, including several large roof trusses, had been stolen!

 Insurance only covers a fraction of what the Fire Department lost to the thieves. It hurts to lose trust in the public we give up our time, and risk our lives to protect. Worse still is knowing someday we may be asked to risk our lives to fight a fire in a building made from those stolen materials.

 Much of the funds raised at Field Days go to community groups that benefit every Who. Please help restore our faith in the public; if you have any information about these Grinches, please contact the Tioga County Sheriff's office.

Sammi Garrett 
Member, Apalachin Fire Department