Fire convention underway in Alexandria Bay

ALEXANDRIA BAY, N.Y. — Hundreds of firefighters from across the state are in Jefferson County this weekend, but they’re not on the job. They’re attending the 139th Annual Firemen’s Association of the State of New York Convention in Alexandria Bay.

Firefighters have the chance to attend workshops and forums and to view exhibits relating to issues and legislation affecting firefighters statewide.

North Country firemen say they are honored to host the three day event, which will not return to Northern New York for several years.

“This is probably gonna be the last one in Northern New York under our regime, but maybe some of the younger guys in the county association may step up and host it, if they come back from where they’re not going to do it in Albany,” said Darrell Klock, Jefferson County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention Committee General Chairman.

Karen Rathke of Tioga County was awarded EMS Provider of the Year for saving a man from a burning car and two volunteer firemen from Putnam County received the Firefighters of the Year award.