At the Apalachin Fire Department
Chief's Corner

• Firemen's Field Days 
 Since our last column, there has been a lot going on in Apalachin. We hosted our 48th Annual Firemen's Field Days on June 7 through 10. It was a fairly successful event despite weather concerns, but everyone always has a good time nevertheless.  This event is not only about raising money for the fire department, it also helps to raise money for several of our community groups. Some of the groups that benefit from the field days are: the Apalachin Fire Department Auxiliary, the Apalachin Youth Football League, the Boy Scouts, the Challenger League, the Girl Scouts, the Apalachin Library, the Apalachin Lions Club and the Park Terrace UMC. I would like to say Thank You to everyone who came out to support us.

• June Floods
 After that came the June floods.  During the floods, the Apalachin Fire Department not only responded to numerous fire, rescue and medical emergencies, we became a distribution point for dry ice and water from NYSEG. The volunteers of the department, too many to name here, did an outstanding job for over five straight days and nights. Even though some of our own volunteers were personally affected by this disaster, they came out to help and support the community.

 At this time, I need to acknowledge several people and groups: the Campville Fire Department for being good friends and neighbors and coming over with their air boat whenever we called for them as well as helping us distribute the dry ice and water; the Spencer Fire Department also came down and helped us distribute ice and water.  To all the people of the community who stopped by when they saw the ice and water trucks just to help us unload and distribute it, some of whom have decided to fill out an application and join us. And to all those who made monetary contributions, we would like to say Thank You. For those of you who will continue to struggle with the devastating effects this flood has caused, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

•  Fire Academy Graduates
 While this was happening, we had two members at the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls.  Kyle Telfer and Dave Edwards graduated from Firefighter 1 on July 14. We are very proud of them for their commitment and dedication to take two full weeks of their time to complete this course.  Well Done!

 As we are half way through the summer vacation, we hope everyone stays safe and is able to find some time to relax and re-energize themselves.