FASNY Returns to Auburn N.Y. to Celebrate 150 Years of Commitment to the Fire Service

On October 1st and 2nd of 1872, volunteer firefighters from across the state gathered in Auburn for the inaugural convention of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). 150 years to the day later, officials from the now renamed Firefighters Association of the State of New York, Auburn city officials, and volunteer firefighters gathered to commemorate the anniversary with the dedication of a historical roadside marker that honors the first meeting of the association. The marker will be placed inside the Auburn Public Safety Building at 31 Seminary Street.

The historical marker commemorating the founding was placed in the collection at the Cayuga Museum of History and Art in the early 2000s. In March 2021, the City of Auburn resolved that it would work with FASNY to restore the marker and prepare a special rededication celebration on the same date and site of FASNY’s first convention in 1872.

“For 150 years, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York has looked after the interests of the volunteer firefighters of this great state,” said FASNY President Ed Tase. “FASNY is proud to return to Auburn, where this great organization first began, to rededicate this historical marker. We thank the city and its officials for commemorating our founding, which began right here in Auburn. FASNY is proud to have supported the brave volunteers of this state for the past 150 years, and we look forward to tackling the next 150 years.”

In August 1872, firefighters and local fire companies from Auburn met and discussed forming the first National Firemen’s Association. The first convention was held later that year, laying the groundwork for the future of FASNY. The convention concluded that the Association would work for the interests of New York’s volunteers, advocating on issues and other topics related to the volunteer fire service. Since 1872, Conventions have been held in major cities throughout New York state, with their most recent Convention being held this past August in Tarrytown.

“We are proud to have the Firefighters Association here in Auburn today,” said City of Auburn Mayor Mike Quill. “I am honored to be here to dedicate this historical marker and as a second second-generation firefighter. I love the fire services’ camaraderie, friendship, and fellowship.”

“The department is honored to be the host of this marker. Every new firefighter we have will see this plaque and know where we got started and look to the future,” added Auburn Fire Department Chief Mark Fritz. “I understand the pleasures and struggles of being a volunteer firefighter. The Auburn Fire Department will continue to provide our surrounding volunteer departments with training, education, and aid when needed.”

90% of the fire departments in the state remain volunteer, providing an essential public service that saves New Yorkers an estimated $3 billion a year. FASNY remains dedicated to representing the interests of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York. Several of the issues that faced volunteer firefighters in 1872 still face volunteers in 2022. Recruitment and retention, training, and fire prevention continue to remain top of mind for FASNY leadership as they look to the future.