FASNY gives youths a chance to learn firefighting

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — The North Country is playing host to more than 2,000 firefighters from all across the state this week.

Thursday was Youth Day for the 139th annual Firemen’s Association of the State of New York Convention. Fifty-three kids tested their skills in a variety of training maneuvers.

Many of these youngsters hope to make a career out of firefighting and also join some volunteer departments.

“It’s terrific. The youth is the future of fire service. We’re really glad to be able to get them early on and teach them some of the skills they’ll need when they become full-fledged firefighters,” FASNY Vice Chair Chris DePew said.

“I think it helps us a lot because a day like this gives us more training than we usually would have and it helps us apply it to a career in the future hopefully,” said Anthony Piccolo, Mattydale Jr. firefighter.

The firemen’s convention ends Friday with a special ceremony to honor members who have passed away.