Bailey Honored by AFD

Don Burns, Tioga County Legislature Chairman (left) and John Scott (center) Tioga County Fire Coordinator, congratulate Albert Bailey (right) on 50 years of service to the Apalachin Fire Department

On April 26, the Apalachin Fire Department honored Albert Bailey for 50 years of service to the department. Al received a plaque from the fire department and proclamations from the Town of Owego and Tioga County. A small reception followed the ceremony.

   Al joined the department on January 3, 1956, and has served as a truck lieutenant, a truck captain and station captain. He also served two different terms as assistant chief, and in 1982 was the chief of the department. In addition he served as the department president and also as Chaplin. For many years, he was the secretary/treasurer of the Apalachin Fire District. Al also served as the custodian for the fire district for 15 years.

   Al was one of the original members of the Apalachin Firemen's Field Days crew and has participated in the field days every year. He built the very first pizza booth and operated it for many seasons. He also designed and installed the public address system for the field day grounds, and he and John Fowler were the announcers for many years. 

   Many local businesses donated food for the reception, including Bud's Place, Don Davis Deli, and Dunkin' Donuts.