Installation Dinner
 On a very snowy, blustery Saturday, January 11, the Fire Department gathered at the Owego Treadway to formally install new officers. A wonderful time was had by all the brave souls who were able to attend. Speakers  Tioga County Sheriff Gary Howard, County Fire Coordinator John Scott, and Town of Owego Supervisor Carol Sweeney thanked the volunteers for their service throughout the year.

 Some new awards were given out this year. For the volunteer who answered the highest number of alarms, (233 calls!) Shaun Foland was named Responder of the Year. He received a special Superman Nomex firefighting hood. 

 The Top Ten responders of 2008 were Shaun Foland, Garry Archer, Will Roden, Joel Cacciaglia, Mike George, Michael Roden, Kyle Telfer, Ray Morgan, Don Ames, and Michael McClennon They were awarded special shirts and the right to wear them proudly all year.

 Members receiving Service Awards:
  5 years: Shaun Foland, Dan Caccaglia, William Siebert, Don Ames, and Ryan Telfer.
   10 years: Jan Warner. 
   15 years: Sammi Garrett.
   20 years: Jeff Garrett
   50 years: Robert Squire and Ken Brinkman.

 Two members, Jeff Garrett and Joe Morrison, were awarded Life Membership for service to the department.

 All new officers were officially sworn in by Board of Directors Chair Don Conning. 

A Brand New Year
 Some dates to look forward to in 2009:

• May 17-23, 2009 - Emergency Medical Services Week. Look for special EMS week celebrations and informative events during this week, when all are urged to recognize and honor the time, effort, and sacrifices of our EMS volunteers.

• June 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2009  Apalachin Firemen's Field Days will kick off with free rides and the bike raffle on Wednesay, and continue through the fireworks Friday night and parade on Saturday. In addition to traditional events such as Little Miss Apalachin, look for new, exciting additions to the schedule.

• October 12-16, 2009 - Fire Safety Week - Open house, educational activities in area schools, and the yearly Open House, including the 10th Almost-Annual Firehouse Chili Challenge will be centered around these dates.

 24/7/365 the volunteers of Apalachin Fire Department and Emergency Squad will respond to your emergency. Chimney fires, wild land fires, motor vehicle crashes; chest pains or labor pains at 2am, falls from trees and rising flood waters, we respond whenever you need our help. 

New Members
 The department welcomes Justin Wilt, Rebecca Roden, Travis Neal,  Sean Rogler, Josh Bennett and Patrick Knaul as new members.  If you see these folks out and around, give them a big ‘attaboy' or ‘attagirl' for their willingness to help their community!

Training/Promotion
 Congratulations to Cody Clark on achieving Yellow Tag status. The Yellow Tag is a firefighter who has met the training requirements to participate in exterior fire-fighting activities. Cody intends to pursue his training and seek Green Tag, or  Interior Fire Fighter status.

Did You Know?
 Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in New York State are eligible for a tax credit ($200 for an individual, or $400 if both heads of household volunteer) on their state income tax?  This is a reflection of the huge amount of money New York State tax-payers are saved every year by volunteers who provide fire and emergency medical services. 

 Many families volunteer together, making fire department membership not only a community activity, but also an enriching family experience.