Firefighter’s Convention Expected to Reach Economic Impact of Nearly $1.3 Million in 1000 Islands

The 139th Annual Firemen’s Association of the State of NY (FASNY) Convention will draw a total of almost 2,000 volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel and their families from around the state to the 1,000 Islands region from August 16th to the 19th.

The Convention 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. The Convention is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the 1,000 Islands region.

Some of the Convention programs will include Youth in the Volunteer Fire Service, specialized fire safety seminars, and awards and honors for the Firefighter and EMS Provider of the Year. One of the highlights will be the nationally-renowned speakers, discussing important issues pressing volunteer firefighters on Thursday, August 18th.

“The FASNY Convention is expected to generate approximately $1.3 million in economic activity for the region,” said Gary DeYoung, of the 1,000 Islands Tourism Council. “The figure is based on the number of anticipated participants and spending on accommodations, food, meals, recreational activities, as well as other factors. The Convention will significantly boost the local economy, and will further strengthen the region’s commitment in promoting tourism.”

“We are extremely pleased to welcome the FASNY Convention to Jefferson County this year,” said Darrell G. Klock, of the Jefferson County Volunteer Firemen’s Convention Committee Inc. “This is a great opportunity to bring hundreds of firefighters and their families and friends together to enjoy this event, as well as the exciting places and attractions featured in this region. We believe the Convention will result in an economic boost in our area.”

FASNY’s 3rd Annual Youth Day will be held on Thursday, August 18 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. 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.

Following Youth Day, FASNY will hold its Training Day featuring nationally-renowned speakers, including:

Chief Billy Goldfeder’s 2011 program, “Life & Death on the Fireground. The Facts: Why NOT Everyone Goes Home,” will focus on numerous and very recent fire incidents and will feature an in-depth look, using video, audio, and lecture, at these firefighter close calls and Line of Duty Deaths. He will also explain solutions on how to avoid these shocking events from occurring at your fire department.

Tim L. Holman, BA, EMTP, CFO will present: “Fired Up, Engaging Your Volunteers.”

David Dodson, Battalion Chief (ret.), Lead Instructor, Response Solutions will present: “The Art of Reading Smoke.”

Michael P. Dallessandro will present: “Preserving Our Past – Protecting Our Future.”