2007 was a busy and exciting year for the Apalachin Fire Department. 

 We responded to 119 fire calls and 515 emergency calls for medical assistance. Our members completed almost three thousand hours of fire training in NY Sate fire classes, and department training.

 A new pumper that carries 1500 gallons of water and can pump 1500 gallons per minute, built by HME/4Guys was delivered in May. Building a fire truck is a complicated operation that typically requires over two years from start to finish, so we have to be constantly looking ahead to see which pieces of equipment are nearing the end of their useful life, and begin the replacement process.

 The Emergency Squad took delivery of a Chevrolet Trailblazer that is equipped with all the same equipment as an ambulance, allowing an Advanced Life Support medic to respond directly from their home to yours, cutting the time it takes us to get quality care started for you. Known as an EMS first response vehicle, designated 152, also makes it possible to get more people and equipment to the scene of a medical emergency without having to send additional, more expensive vehicles.

 The 2007 Apalachin Firemen's Field Days was a great success. Many community organizations besides the Fire Department benefit from the Field Days: The Apalachin Library, Lions Club, Tracy's Hope, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and the Apalachin Youth Football League are just a few of the groups that host booths during the event, combining fund-raising with fun-raising! Perhaps your group would be interested in hosting a booth-please let us know if you would!

 Times change, and change has come to our fire department year. Starting this year, all the good folks who are not department members who volunteer at the Field Days will be invited to join us at the Annual Clambake in September. On January 12, the department gathered for an Installation Dinner to celebrate the installation of our officers for 2008, as follows.

 2008 Line Officers
Chief - Michael Roden
1st Asst. Chief - Carl Squires
2nd Asst. Chief - Don Ames
3rd Asst. Chief - Kayley Morgan
4th Asst. Chief - Mike George
Captain Station 1 - Shaun Foland
Captain Station 2 - Jan Warner
Captain Station 3 - Mark Knaul
EMS Captain - Margie Pero
Captain Fire Police - Ken Brinkman
Lieutenant Station 1 - Steve Luker
Lieutenant Station 2 - Al Warner
Lieutenant Fire Police - Roy Runyon

  2008 Table Officers
President - Kayley Morgan
Vice-President - Jan Warner
Treasurer - Dan Cacciagila
Asst. Treasurer - Garry Archer
Chaplin - Will Roden
Secretary - Alicia Loso

 We would like to thank all of the members who served through 2007; Tony Quaranta, Chief, Jarvis Henderson, Asst. Chief, and Dave Kresge, President, and Jack Kelly, Chaplain. 

 During the last year, members have achieved many milestones; whether they advanced in tag status, graduated from high school, or attained an advanced degree, celebrated a marriage or the birth of a child, or completed training to become Emergency Medical Technicians or Fire Fighters. 

 Why not make volunteering with the Fire Department a milestone of your own in 2008? More than just "running into burning buildings", this is a volunteering opportunity that offers a wide range of activities and chances to learn new skills and be part of a caring, close-knit group while serving your community. Drop by Station 1 on Pennsylvania Avenue any Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and we would be happy to tell you about what we do.