FASNY Celebrates Its 150th Anniversary

By Shane M. Liebler, Senior Editor

The year 2022 is a significant one in the history of our Association as we celebrate 150 years of informing, educating and training the volunteer fire service of the great State of New York.

Marking the occasion actually started off in earnest during June 2021, when FASNY officers, Board members, staff and Home Trustees broke ground on a major renovation of headquarters in Albany. FASNY officially dedicated the building in May of this year.

The renovation is a reflection of our history and dedication with a façade that mimics an 1800s-style firehouse and new space reserved for educational programming.

“Looking back over the last 150 years, I think the leadership over those years did a great job with building the foundation that all the officers and members are standing on,” FASNY President John P. Farrell, Jr. told the Albany Times Union. “And the upgrade gives us a good moving forward for the next 150 years.”

The celebration of those 150 years continues throughout the coming months, peaking at the 150th Annual FASNY Convention featuring plenty of commemorative programming.

To kick things off, a dinner cruise around Manhattan will host the 70th annual Past Presidents Celebration on Thursday, August 11. During this longtime Convention tradition, participants join with the Past Presidents of FASNY for an evening of food and fellowship. This year’s extra special event is a great opportunity to network among beautiful views of Manhattan aboard a boat designed for leisure and entertainment.

Convention culminates with a full Dress Parade through Tarrytown on Saturday, August 13. Join FASNY and departments from across the State as we recognize not only the esteemed history of the Association, but the incredible legacy of the entire volunteer fire service in New York State. We expect apparatus and individuals from dozens of departments to converge on the streets of historic Tarrytown for this special event. We are honored to have FASNY Past President Gunnar Neilson as the Grand Marshal.

On Saturday, October 1, FASNY will commemorate the very place of its founding in Auburn, where a historical marker recognizing the first Convention will be rededicated. In the fall of 1872, a group of firefighters gathered in Auburn to parade and celebrate the fire service. During this celebration, conversations began about holding a convention of firefighters from around the country. Little did anyone realize that this gathering would be the seed that would grow into the Firefighters Association of the State of New York.

Some 150 years later, FASNY continues to pursue its mission to inform, educate and train the volunteer fire service. In the decades since that eventful gathering, FASNY has supported those who serve as volunteer firefighters in many ways. This includes establishment of the FASNY Firemen’s Home more than 125 years ago to care for indigent, sick or disabled firefighters and auxiliary members. Today, its 120 peaceful acres host one of the State’s premier nursing home facilities.

On the same campus, we’ve preserved our rich history, culture and the science of firefighting at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. This world-class collection of firefighting apparatus and artifacts reminds both firefighters and the public of the essential services volunteer firefighters provide throughout the country.

FASNY has also been the voice of the volunteer firefighter in legislative chambers across the State. Over the years, we have crafted and helped pass crucial legislation that protects us as well as the communities we serve. One of our most significant legislative achievements was the development and passage of legislation establishing cancer coverage for volunteer firefighters. The Association continues to lobby to protect volunteer firefighters and the public they serve.

Training remains one of the cornerstones of our organization. We assist local departments and individual firefighters to train and maintain a high level of professional skill for those who count on us in their times of need. Our many events also bring volunteers together that further the bonds that are such an important piece of our sacred sister- and brotherhood.

The continued protection of the residents of New York has been a high priority for FASNY in the 21st century. At its core, this means ensuring that every department has enough men and women to complete their mission. Toward this goal, we’ve introduced initiatives like RecruitNY Weekend and the Fire in You marketing campaign.

FASNY is also committed to the youth of our State, as they represent the future of the volunteer fire service. By supporting the creation and maintenance of youth programs throughout New York, we hope to attract and keep young people engaged in the admirable calling to serve.

Our Annual Convention embodies the Association’s commitment to volunteer first responders, both current and past. Each year, we recognize our most dedicated volunteers with numerous awards and recognitions. Further, our Annual Memorial Service is a time to remember and thank our brothers and sisters who have gone before us.

FASNY will remain forever dedicated to informing, educating and training the volunteer fire service. You serve your communities and we’re here to serve you. As we begin the celebration of our next 150 years, we’re excited for what the future holds for our organization and the volunteer fire service of New York State.