Welcome to The Volunteer Firefighter™, the official magazine of FASNY.
FASNY’s publication strives to bring topical, educational and entertaining information to the volunteer emergency service decision-makers and volunteers throughout New York State. It offers feature articles and columns directly relating to the emergency services, as well as editorial content, training and education opportunities, legislation, fire prevention and life safety articles, and real-life experiences. Read the most recent news and insights below.
By John D’Alessandro, FASNY Deputy Volunteer Program Coordinator Today is September 11. More than a dozen years have passed since that day that changed our lives forever. Over the years, I have become increasingly fearful that for many this day is merely becoming the one between September 10 and September…
Read moreBy Charles Angione We responded one sunny fall afternoon to multiple calls for the odor of natural gas in the area. Upon arrival in the vicinity, we found that a strong smell had permeated the entire neighborhood. For a few moments I feared a main break, but there was no…
Read moreBy FASNY President Bob McConville I wish to thank everyone who attended the 142nd Annual Convention of FASNY at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany. Without a doubt, it was one of the most successful events FASNY has ever hosted. The first annual golf tournament raising money for…
Read moreBy Anita L. Pelletier, Esq., Michael J. Cooney, Esq. and Brian W. Mahoney, Esq. The Fire Chief of Main Street Fire Company, a volunteer fire company, has a son who owns a catering company, GoodFood. The Main Street Fire Company hires GoodFood to cater the annual picnic. The event is…
Read moreBy Jamie Smith Quinn The museum has been a very busy place this summer! The museum’s Super Saturday programs have become very popular, which is evident from the great attendance the programs are experiencing. The last Super Saturday program the museum hosted was “Water Wars: an Interactive Learning Experience.” This…
Read moreSince that casual conversation between a few firefighters in the summer of 1872, the annual FASNY Convention’s one constant has always been to highlight the organization’s dedication to educate, train and inform the volunteer firefighters of New York State. Along the way, FASNY also become an activist and advocate for…
Read moreBy John Mulligan, FASNY Firemen’s Home Resident and Retired FDNY Deputy Commissioner Most people recognize the name of P.T. Barnum due to his association with the circus. He is often referred to as the “Great American Showman” and LIFE magazine dubbed him “the patron saint of promoters.” However, long before…
Read moreBy Fire Chief (Ret.) Richard B. Gasaway Paradigm: A set of assumptions, concepts, and/or practices that constitute a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them. Paradigms often develop over a long period oftime and become entrenched in the minds of individuals. Then, occasionally, along comes a new…
Read moreBy Carolyn Stone With more than 500 departments and companies participating in a very successful RecruitNY 2014 campaign, many methods were employed – and almost as many different opinions as to their level of success. If there is one lesson to take from the campaign, it’s that recruitment is a…
Read moreGov. Andrew Cuomo approved the New York State Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget this past spring. Included in the budget was legislation exempting the proceeds from Length of Service Awards Programs (LOSAP) from New York State personal income taxes. This has been a priority for FASNY and its membership for quite…
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