Open house held at new station in Apalachin

An open house was held on April 29 at the Apalachin Fire Station #1, located at 230 Pennsylvania Ave. Hundreds of visitors walked through the brand new, modern facility that provides the Apalachin Fire Department (AFD) the ability to better serve the community. The AFD also operates two other fire stations in the district; station two located in Tioga Terrace and station three in South Apalachin.

The original station #1 served the community for over two decades before its first modifications took place in the late 1970’s. Today’s station features a seven bay truck garage, rooms for responders to bunk down, a radio room, an administrative wing, a meeting and training area as well as a kitchen, along with ample space for gear, storage and other equipment.  

Since normal operations have resumed, Chief Mike George commented favorably, and said, “There have been no hiccups.”

George did explain that he anticipates the amount of parking spaces at the station to be a conflict during emergency calls, since each call brings together a different number of responders. Still on the agenda for a later date is a project to renovate property on the backside of the fire station to include a driveway and additional parking. The AFD previously acquired the foreclosed property at 19 New St. for this purpose.

During the open house event, visitors toured the new station, hopped aboard fire trucks and even peeked inside ambulances. In the meeting and training room, and adjacent to the kitchen area, guests enjoyed refreshments while watching a three-plus minute slide show that showcased a selection of construction photos. Other activities included the opportunity for children to take turns operating a fire hose inside the truck bay and climb into a rescue boat. 

At a ceremony held at 2 p.m., Boy Scout Troop 32 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Don Baumbach, a 49-year AFD member, offered the invocation.

Brian Rieber, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, spoke about the history of the AFD with its roots dating back to 1913, and also highlighted the journey of the new station’s construction.  

Rieber shared that the AFD district covers a 30 square mile territory, which includes 13 miles of highway, and remarked that volunteers responded to 700 calls last year, of which 75 percent were EMS-related.   

Several department members were recognized for their contributions in the planning of the new station, along with honoring life members. Rieber also made mention that one family within the AFD is seeing its third generation join the department. 

Rieber thanked the members of the public for their support and also acknowledged Donald Castellucci, Owego Town supervisor, who attended the event.

“This station is for you,” Rieber commented, adding, “This capital project will live long after we’re all gone.”

A ceremonial uncoupling of a fire hose in lieu of a ribbon cutting included newest AFD member, Steven Khadjadorian, and longest serving member Ken Brinkman, who will mark 60 years of volunteer service this September.

Khadjadorian joined the AFD in January this year as soon as he turned 16. He recently participated in exterior firefighter training and will start interior training soon, however will not be eligible for clearance until he is 18. As a Vestal High School student, he also finds that the volunteer hours are beneficial for credit associated with his curriculum.

“I enjoy serving the community,” Khadjadorian said and encourages other young people to consider joining the AFD. Khadjadorian’s older brother, Alex, is also part of the department.

For more information or to inquire about becoming a volunteer, call (607) 625-2216 or visit the AFD website, www.apalachinfd.com. 

You can also follow the Apalachin Fire Department on Facebook.