FASNY announces 3rd annual “Youth Day” as part of firefighter convention

New York) The 139th Annual Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Convention at the Edgewood Resort in Alexandria Bay will include its 3rd Annual Youth Day on Thursday, August 18 at the Jefferson County and EMS Training Center in Watertown. The registration deadline is August 1.

Fire Department Explorers, RAMS and Juniors between the ages of 14 and 19 are encouraged to participate in Youth Day. A full day of activities will take place at the Jefferson County and EMS Training Center on 22611 Swan Road in Watertown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration and a complimentary breakfast will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., with live, hands-on evolutions beginning immediately afterward. New York State and Jefferson County Fire Instructors will run exercises in ladder and victim extrication, SCBA confidence course (air consumption and emergency produces) and a firefighter maze. Each participant will be required to wear turnout gear, and it is strongly recommended that participants provide SCBA gear.

After Youth Day participants take a lunch break and certificates are awarded, various groups will travel back to the Edgewood Resort for the Training Day seminar, “Preserving our Past – Protecting our Future,” presented by Michael Dallessandro. Dallessandro is a 25-year life member of the Grand Island Fire Company Inc., located in Erie County, and a respected speaker and trainer for fire service events as well as state and national conferences, including; FDIC, Firehouse Expo, the Virginia Fire Chief’s Association and the Fire District’s Association of the State of New York. He developed the 6 hour RESPONDSMART safe apparatus driver program and the 6-hour Volunteer and Combination Fire Department Leadership and Professional Conduct Academy.

“We are very excited to incorporate Youth Day into the FASNY Convention agenda for the third year in a row,” said FASNY President David Jacobowitz. “Each year, the program proves to be a successful one, and we always receive positive feedback from Youth Day participants. As in previous years, the explorers will take part in fire service activities and evolutions, including a firefighter maze and mock emergency procedures.”

If you are a Fire Department Explorer, Junior or RAM and would like to participate in Youth Day, please fill out a registration form available on www.fasny.com. Completed forms may be faxed or mailed to the FASNY office: 107 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210; Fax: 518-426-0139. For more information on Youth Day, call 518-434-0987.

The FASNY Convention will begin on Wednesday, August 17th with morning business meetings, a Firefighter of the Year presentation, and a 2% Tax Forum and a dinner cruise at night. It will conclude on Friday, August 19th with a memorial service, the Installation of Officers, and acceptance speeches. The three-day event is expected to draw approximately 2,000 volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel and their families from around the state to Alexandria Bay. The conference will be held at the Edgewood Resort, the same venue for the Convention in 2003. The Ladies Auxiliary of FASNY (LAFASNY) will hold its meetings and activities that week at the nearby Riveredge Resort.