FASNY elects Athens’ Farrell VP
By Greg Hudson Columbia-Greene Media
A Greene County emergency response official has been elected as a vice president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.
Volunteer firefighter John Farrell of Athens, who is the director of Greene County Emergency Services, was elected as second vice president of the statewide organization at the association’s annual convention in Albany.
“I’ve worked with John for the last five years,” FASNY secretary John D’Alessandro said. “We’re all excited about him being elected vice president.”
FASNY was founded in 1872 and represents the interests of more than 110,000 volunteer firefighters in New York.
D’Alessandro said while several leaders oversee the association, which works in communities and with local and state officials, the organization’s president and two vice presidents are responsible for much of the work in setting the group’s agenda.
“The president and the two vice presidents set the policy and direction in terms of plan, with the board of directors supporting them,” D’Alessandro said. “They go to an enormous number of functions and log thousands of miles a year throughout the state.”
D’Alessandro said FASNY looks for candidates with experience and a willingness to dedicate their time to the association and its more than 50,000 members.
“It does take a great deal of time, especially as you rise up to the executive level,” he said. “John has shown his dedication for years and a willingness to invest a lot of time and effort.”
Farrell joined the Catskill Fire Department in 1971, going on to be named captain of Citizen Hose Rescue Squad Five. In 1977, Farrell joined the West Athens-Lime Street Fire Company, serving as chief from 1987 to 1991. Since 1993 he has served as the department’s commissioner.
But Farrell’s importance to FASNY also stems from work at the regional level. He has been president of the Greene County Firemen’s Association, the Greene County Fire Chiefs Association, Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, an organization which canvasses 16 counties in the Hudson Valley and Capital Region.
D’Alessandro began working with Farrell in 2011 while Farrell served as president at the FASNY-run Volunteer Firemen’s Home Of The State Of New York in Hudson.
“John was a trustee of the Fireman’s Home in Hudson and was president of the board of trustees,” D’Alessandro said. “That’s how I know him as a leader within FASNY.”
The Firemen’s Home provides rehabilitation and therapy services for volunteer firefighters injured in the line of duty, or who face illness as a result of their service. Employees said Farrell was a “really nice man,” and wished him luck in his new role.
“He was a fantastic guy, a very nice guy. He always treated everybody with the greatest kindness,” administrative assistant Charlotte Reed said. “I wish him all the best of luck.”
D’Alessandro said Farrell’s record of service suggests he might not need luck on his side.
“He’s very active in the county organizations and the local firefighting,” he said. “He understands all the different aspects of firefighting and the interests of volunteer firemen and I think he’s going to be a fantastic addition to our administrative team.”
Farrell was humble about his election after running unopposed for the position.
“It is a true honor to be elected to this position, and I am humbled by the support from my fellow first responders,” Farrell said. “For 144 years, FASNY has championed the safety of New York State and the well-being of its bravest citizens. I am proud to be a part of that tradition, and pledge to do all I can to advance FASNY’s mission during my tenure.”