Thanks to Our 2008 Officers
 We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who gave so unselfishly of their time and talent, serving as officers during 2008. The public sees the time spent on the fire scene, and hears the wailing siren of the ambulance as it passes, rendering aid to the sick and injured. What they don't see is the countless hours spent on training; time learning how to use and maintain equipment; classes and lectures, both as a student and teaching your comrades; days and nights of labor preparing the Field Days grounds and serving the public at our big event. 
 Volunteers, We Salute You!

2009 Officers Elected
 Elections were held on Thursday, December 4. The officers for the Apalachin Fire Department for 2009 are as follows:
   Chief 171 - Michael Roden
   Asst. Chief 172 - Shaun Foland 
   Asst. Chief 173 - Don Ames
   Asst. Chief 174 - Ray Morgan
 Asst. Chief Squad 175-  Mike George
Captains
   Station 1 - Steve Luker
   Station 2 - Jan Warner
   Station 3 - Mark Knaul
   Squad - Mike McLenon
   Fire Police - Kenneth Brinkman
Lieutenants
   Station 1 - Jason Henderson
   Station 2 - Al Warner
   Station 3 - Ryan Telfer
   Squad - Kyle Telfer
   Fire Police - Roy Runyon
Table Officers
   President - Kenneth Brinkman
   Vice President - Jan Warner 
   Secretary - Kathy Jones
   Treasurer - Dan Caccaglia
   Asst. Treasurer - Garry Archer
   Chaplain - Will Roden Jr.

 The new officers will be installed at the Installation Dinner in January. Thanks to you all for being willing to take up the task of leading these fine men and women, your fellow firefighters.

A Record Breaking Year
 As this column is being written, in the end of December 2008,  the department has already answered  almost 690 calls; that is 25 more than 2007. 

Volunteers Welcome- and Needed!
 With the current economic uncertainty affecting so many in our area, many of our volunteers are being asked to do more with less at their jobs. That sometimes means they have less time to volunteer. Unfortunately, in hard times, the number of fire and medical calls the department responds to traditionally rises, even above the historic levels we are currently seeing.

 The old saying that "many hands make light work" has never rung more true. There is a need for you, here at the Fire Department and Emergency Squad. Whatever your abilities, there is work to be done, and we will find the job that fits your skills-and teach you new ones! Along the way you will find new friends, fun, and lots of job satisfaction. You will come to see your community in a whole new way, and yes, you will work harder than you may believe you can. But at the end of the day, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you belong to a group like no other; the Apalachin Fire Department.

Old Squad Vehicle Given New Life
 When the ambulances were replaced this year, the decision was made to refit one of them as a dedicated Fire Police vehicle. This vehicle provides safe transportation to and from the scene  of accidents for the brave Fire Police men and women who risk everything keeping the fire fighters and medics safe on the scene. It features appropriate reflective markings to increase visibility, an "arrow stick" lighting device similar to those used by the Department of Transportation to steer traffic around blocked off areas, and carries a variety of signs, barriers, and other items used to control traffic. 

 In addition, this truck can serve as a place for Fire Police and other responders to get inside and recover from the cold, or the heat of emergency operations. By re-purposing a unit the department already owned, the money was saved that purchasing a new vehicle would have required.

 Make 2009 a Fire Safe Year!