FASNY 150th: A Past President Looks Back

By Gunnar L. Neilson, FASNY Past President (1996-1998)

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of reflections that will be featured in The Volunteer Firefighter magazine leading up to FASNY’s 150th anniversary in August 2022.

Looking back on my term as President of the greatest fire organization ever known, I reflect on many fond memories. It is my belief that many Past Presidents hold the same fondness for this organization, and a sense of pride for being a part of it.

I was very fortunate to have followed two fine individuals in the role of President – Joseph Treccasi and Jerry Buckenmeyer – as well as serving with two dedicated men – Tom Eiswerth and Jim Williams – as my Vice Presidents. In addition, I had the fortitude of working with a supportive and understanding Executive Committee.

There are many experiences that occurred during this time, but some of the highlights that come to mind are as follows. Early on in my term, the decision was made to completely renovate the first floor of the headquarters of FASNY in Albany. This decision was made to achieve an attractive and efficient tenant space suited for the new FASNY headquarters. The project and renovation were supported and went quite well. The new space became better suited to represent FASNY as an organization.

With regards to legislative issues, a highlight that comes to mind is the long-fought and heavily supported “Fire Safe Cigarette.” This had been on the agenda for many Past Presidents, and fortunately this bill was finally passed. How rewarding to see an idea that had been on the agenda come to fruition and be passed as a bill.

Another major issue addressed was that of our building codes. FASNY has always been, and I believe always will be, in complete support of efficient safety codes and life safety. In the past, codes varied across the country. New York State, along with a handful of other states, had their own individual set of codes. The Northeast was governed by BOCA and the Southeast had the Southern Building Code. The West of the Mississippi belonged to a set of codes entitled the ICBO.

It was believed that having one set of codes nationwide would be optimal, and this eventually came to pass. While in the past, New York followed the NFPA 1, a decision needed to be made by the New York State Fire Service Council. The New York Fire Administrator at that time supported this measure. After some in-depth meetings, it was decided that for the sake of unity, New York should agree to follow the IFC, thus completing a full family of codes. We now have one set of codes for the nation, the International Code Council. FASNY has played a vital part in ICC, and with the coalition made up of the respective fire organizations, building officials and the New York State BOC, it continues to play an active role.

The New York State Fallen Firefighters Committee was another area of change and progress. The first and important topic addressed for this committee was the erection and placement of a monument honoring the fallen in the plaza adjacent to the New York State Capitol. Sculptor Robert Eccleston was selected to receive the commission for the monument. The monument was placed in front of a tapered wall, with granite tablets including the names of our firefighters. Remembering the fallen firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty is a moving and fitting tribute.

A final fond memory that comes to mind is the honor of being appointed to the New York State Code Council. This was served under the Secretary of State. It was a profound pleasure and honor to have served on this important council, and one that I am grateful for.

The volunteer fire service has been a large part of my life, and I would not have changed a thing about my decision to be involved. The overwhelming support that I have received during my involvement, and the true and valued friends I have made along the way, cannot be replaced. If I was to send a message, it would be this: Continue to support our great association of FASNY. Move forward, take a part in it, enjoy the camaraderie and appreciate the amazing good it offers.