Here we are, welcoming in a brand new year. Before we bid goodbye to '06, we hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. At this time the Department would like to extend their thanks to all the members of the Fire Department for their hard work over the last 12 months. 

 2006 was a very demanding year for all our emergency responders; fires, accidents, and severe flooding all took their toll on the community, and through it all the members of the Apalachin Fire Department rose to the many challenges. Thanks again for all your hard work!

 Even when the sirens are not blowing, it takes a lot of hours of work to keep the department up and running, whether it is in maintaining grounds and equipment, balancing the checkbook or doing the seemingly endless paperwork. Thanks to all who carry out those tasks; we really do appreciate your time and effort!

 Others also appreciate your hard work; the Apalachin Emergency Squad was honored with the EMS Agency of the Year Award from the Susquehanna Regional EMS Council.

In addition, Joe Betkavsky, one of our busiest AMS providers, and the assistant Chief in charge of the Squad, was selected by his peers as EMS provider of the year. Truly this is well-deserved recognition for a very skilled and hard-working section of the fire department. Congratulations, Joe and all the squad members.

 Department elections were held in December, and the officers for 2007 are: Chief Officers: Assistant Chief 172, Michael Roden; 2nd Assistant Chief  173, Carl Squires; 2nd  Assistant Chief 175, Joe Betkavsky.   Captain Station 1, Shaun Foland; Captain Station 2, Jan Warner; Captain Station 3, Mark Knaul; Fire Police Captain, Ken Brinkman; Station 1 Lieutenant, Kayley Morgan;
Station 2 Lieutenant, Al Warner; Station 3 Lieutenant, Ray Morgan; EMS Lt, Mike George; Fire Police Lt., Roy Runyon. Table Officers:  President, David Kresge;  Vice-President, Jan Warner;  Secretary, Alicia Loso; Treasurer,  Dan Cacallia; Asst. Treasurer, Jarvis Henderson; Chaplain, Jack Kelly. 
 Roy Runyon was elected to serve a term on the Board of Directors.

 Thanks to all who are willing to give of their time to serve, and especially to those who are not returning as officers; your service and dedication made a difference.

 No one knows what the coming year will bring in the way of advancements, training, and disasters, but the members of the Apalachin Fire Department will be there to meet those challenges. We invite you to join us, to find out what exciting (and not-so-exciting!) ways there are for you to give back to your community. 

  In as little as a few hours a week, you can become part of an organization that responds to the needs of their neighbors when they are needed most. 

 Stop by the main station on Pennsylvania Avenue on Wednesday evening between 7:00 and 9:00 pm,  or weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to speak to anyone about membership.

 Best Wishes for a happy, safe, (and hopefully, dryer!) New Year!