Another Successful Field Days!
  A big   "Thank You" to everyone who helped make the 2008 Firemen's Field Days a big success. Many fire and EMS departments helped cover the district and provide first aid services; thanks to our neighbors at Campville Fire and EMS, Weltonville First Responders, the Little Meadows, PA Emergency Squad, Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad and Owego Fire and EMS. Fire Departments came from near and far to help celebrate our 50th. A moving ceremony at the Fields Days grounds honored all the members of the department who have answered their last alarm.

 Kayla Madison was crowned Little Miss Apalachin. Kayla is the daughter of Jason and Christina Madison of Apalachin, Cassidy Bond is the runner-up, daughter of Michael and Virginia Bond.

New Members
 Welcome to our two newest members, Mark Seaver and Dana Davies. Mark will be joining the department as a probationary member, and Dana as an Apprentice.

Did You Know?
 The Apalachin Fire Department offers the opportunity to youth age 16 to 18 to learn about the fire service by becoming an Apprentice Fire Fighter. Apprentice Fire Fighters are fire department members, are included in training and are issued protective gear. Certain restrictions are in place, for the apprentice's protection, and all Apprentices are expected to maintain a minimum grade average in school. 

 If you are interested in membership in the department, as an apprentice or adult member, stop by Station 1 on Pennsylvania Avene, and pick up an application. The application form is also available online at our web site, www.apalachinfd.com

Training
 Through May and June, Apalachin hosted a NY State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Outreach class, Apparatus Operator; Pump Operations. During the nine weeks of the class, 12 students from area departments learned about safely maintaining, driving, and operating fire engines to provide water for fire suppression. These are hands-on classes, allowing the students to become familiar with running different types of fire pumps. Jason Henderson, Jarvis Henderson, and David Ritz of Apalachin completed the class.

 Steve Luker and Carl Squires completed the conducting Live Fire Training class, and Steve Luker, Carl Squires and Mike McClenon completed life Fire Training Safety Class through OFPC. Ray Morgan completed the Introduction to Fire Officer class. 

 Garry Archer, David Edwards, and Kayley Morgan will be awarded certificates for completion of   the Principles of Building Construction course through OFPC, and Ryan Telfer successfully completed a course in Firefighter Survival. 

 Finally, our most sincere congratulations go to Mike George, for successfully completing his certification as an EMT-Paramedic. This is the highest classification of Emergency Medical Technician, and it has been a grueling two years for Mike. Great work, Mike!

Wild Land Fire Awareness
 Thankfully, rainfall levels are a bit higher this year than last. The danger of wild land fires doesn't disappear just because it rains. Our area has been returning to forest over the years, as less land is cultivated for crops or cleared for pasturage, and a long-term program to plant trees to prevent soil erosion in our watersheds has covered hillsides with woods. Dead trees and branches, as well as deep layers of evergreen needles and dead leaves means a heavy fuel load in our wooded areas. 

 It is wise to be as careful with fire outside as we try to be inside, as fires can so easily grow and spread out of control, especially when winds change directions, or pick up suddenly. Trees, shrubs and bushes should be kept trimmed back from your home, to prevent fire spreading from vegetation to the building in the event of a wildfire.

 It has been many years since there has been a serious wild land fire in our area, which ironically increases the chances of a catastrophic forest fire occurring, due to those increased amounts of fuel. Please remember that trash burning is illegal in the Town of Owego, which includes the Apalachin Fire District, and that a fire started intentionally on your property that spreads onto a neighbor's land and causes damage could lead to a charge of arson. 

 For more information, stop by Station 1 and pick up a copy of the brochure, "But it was only a brush fire- How to Protect Your Home From Wild Land Fire," or any of the other helpful and informative brochures the fire department has available.

Gates at the Field Days Grounds
 Steel gates have been installed on the roadways leading into the Field Days grounds; these gates are kept locked to prevent the abuse of the area by those entering the grounds in motorized vehicle. 

 Unfortunately, there has been increased vandalism and destruction of fire department and community organization property stored at the Field. Hopefully, restricting vehicular access to the grounds will help prevent some of this problem.

Biggest Fat Loser Contest
 Though our schedule got off track due to a big public event the department had, the April Winners were notified and paid their prize money; Deb Wagner was our winner for most fitness improvement, Sonya Beement for most weight lost, and Margie Pero for highest percentage of body fat lost. Check back next month to find out who is the Biggest Fat Loser of all!