by Mary Ann Cascarino, AFD Chief

Safety during the Holidays 
 During this Holiday Season, we ask you to continually monitor your safety practices especially when it comes to Christmas decorations, heating alternatives, and candles. We have many free safety pamphlets at Station One, 230 Pennsylvania Avenue. Please stop by anytime for one or as many as you need.

Condolences
 Our condolences go out to the family and friends of AFD Life Member, Mike Riley, who died October 16. Mike was living in North Carolina at the time of his death.

Congratulations   
Congratulations to our  newest firefighters having completed orientation: Steve Starner, Chris and Marie Tyler; newly qualified interior firefighters Joe Betkavsky and Jim Kelly; new Honorary members Lori and Clarence Morse; newest parents Scott and Kathy Sanquinito on the birth of Cassie Lynn; AFD Scholarship Award Recipients Bill Meyn, Ray Morgan, and Dan Sweeney; and to newly qualified drivers on various apparatus: Joe Betkavsky, Brian Cascarino, Mark Knaul, and  Dave Ritz.

Special Thanks
 A special thanks to all the active members of AFD who volunteer their time serving the Apalachin Community, whether it be getting up in the middle of the night to respond to fire and EMS calls, doing a station tour for a community group,  maintaining the apparatus, installing the hydrant flags, keeping their training up to date, or many other tasks performed behind the scenes by so many caring members of AFD. Their contributions are greatly appreciated!

Remember Those Serving Our Country
 Our thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women serving their country in the war on terrorism. May they be richly blessed for their patriotism and sacrifice.

Congratulations to Will Roden 
 Will Roden received this year's Firefighter of the Year Award for his many years of dedicated service to the Apalachin Fire Department. During the past 17 years he has attended an average of 100 fire/EMS calls a year, he has served as Lieutenant and Station Captain and is presently serving as an EMT-Critical Care, and our Advanced Life Support Supervisor. Will is also an interior firefighter who goes in the house when everyone else is going out.  Not only has he faithfully served in these capacities, he also assists with AFD's training program as an instructor and a mentor to new firefighters. Whenever an firefighter needs extra assistance with a task or assignment, Will is always there to help. He  is also serving his second term on the Board of Fire Commissioners, and has been Chairman for several years now.  In all that he does, Will never looks for rewards or counts the cost. Hats off to you, Will! 

Bill Meyn Receives Award
 Bill Meyn received the New York State Higher Education Award.  This award is given to a firefighter either beginning his college education or continuing to pursue a college degree. One of the many requirements to receive this award is that the firefighter live within 50 miles of his fire department and maintain active status. Bill not only maintains active status, whenever he is available he is always there either to drive the ambulance to the hospital, assist at a motor vehicle crash or fire. With this award, Bill will receive free tuition while he attains his degree as a Registered Nurse.  Congratulations. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS
 to all of you from all of us at the Apalachin Fire Department! STAY SAFE!