Averill Park - Sand Lake Fire Department

Friday April 10, 2009

APFD Welcomes Two More Firefighters

Additional Members Needed

The APFD welcomed Bob Budesheim back to it's first line firefighter ranks at its March meeting. Bob, who is a Life Member with over 45 years of service and a Past Assistant Chief, has been inactive for the last several years. We are delighted that he has decided to resume an active firefighter role. His experience and expertise will help us immensely and he's available during the day when our staffing is at it's lowest.

Also during March the fire company welcomed Dennis McLoughlin as a new first line member. His talents will be put to good use, you can be sure.

If you, too, would like to join the Averill Park - Sand Lake Fire Department, one of the finest in the state, all you need to do is enter your information in the "Not A Member" section on this site or call Chief Paul Glasser, Jr. at (518) 788-1131. Chief Glasser will provide you with the details on membership classes and obligations.

Monday November 10, 2008

Averill Park Fire Department Needs Your Help!

Be a Hero! Join APFD Today!

APFD is facing both an increase in the population, resulting in more firematic and EMS activity, and a decline in volunteer membership. Additionally, 11 active members are over the age of 65. We need an infusion of younger volunteers that can be trained and ready to take the place of our "veteran" firefighters when the time comes. And that time may be soon since several active members have reduced their activity level so far this year. Please consider volunteering your time and talent to this essential public service. Fill in your information in the "Not a Member" section in the bottom of the page and someone will get back to you, or contact Chief Paul Glasser, Jr. directly at 788-1131.

Saturday August 23, 2008

Who are the Volunteers in Your Community?

You'd be surprised how much we are just like You!

In an effort to increase recruitment, APFD will be introducing you to various active members to give you an idea of who we are, what we do outside of the fire service, and why we believe we need more Volunteers just like you. For more information on how to volunteer, please call Paul Glasser, Jr. at 788-1131.

NAME/AGE: Bob Stackrow, 64
EDUCATION: Averill Park High School and Siena College
YEARS (in the fire service): 42
FIRE COMPANY OFFICES HELD: Line Officer through Assistant Captain, Fire Company Secretary, Vice President and President. Presently Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
LIFE (outside of the fire dept): Vietnam era veteran, married for 37 years with 3 daughters and 1 grandson. Retired from the NYS Department of Health in 1999 after a 33 year career. Also been a volunteer with Sand Lake Ambulance since 2000. I enjoy playing golf and rooting for the NY Giants and the Boston Red Sox.
REASON FOR JOINING: I've lived in the Averill Park area since 1948. My family home on Burden Lake was consumed by fire in January 1954 and I vividly recall how long and how hard the volunteer firemen worked that night to save what they could. I think I decided that night, perhaps subconciously, to help them when I got old enough. I joined immediately upon reaching my 18th birthday.
REASONS HE KEEPS COMING BACK FOR MORE: “I can't imagine a more important thing to do than to help out someone when he/she most needs it as in the case of fire, injury or illness. With the exception of my family, there is nothing I have done in my life, or should I say with my life, that I am more proud of."
WHY HE THINKS WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS: “The Town of Sand Lake, like thousands of small town across America, simply cannot afford to pay for paid firefighters. It would add millions of dollars to already strained budgets. But that is what's going to have to happen if more young people don't volunteer to replace the "veteran" (aging) firefighters who can no longer do the job.” Presently, only 1% of Averill Park - Sand Lake residents are in the volunteer fire service. That's a distressingly small percentage. It must be increased if we are to continue this 108 year tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.