Past Fire Coordinator Edward J. Kehn Sr. of Rensselaer County served as NYSAFC president from 1985-1986. He passed away on August 8, 2022. Kehn served for 35 years as a volunteer firefighter and was a 58-year member of the association. 

Scholarship winners and recipients of the New York State Fire Chief of the Year Award, Presidential Achievement Award, Chief Fred Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award, and James Wright Public Education Award were recognized during the 116th Annual Conference.

Thanks to the exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, instructors, and volunteers who joined us in Syracuse last June! Mark your calendars for the 117th Annual Conference & FIRE 2023 Expo – June 14-17 in Syracuse! Attendee and exhibitor registration will be opening soon.

Following a morning department training with young recruits on August 14, Michael Fischer suffered an apparent heart attack while taking part in a fundraising event.

The Sentinel Heights Fire Department – a volunteer department that services part of the town of Onondaga – is dissolving at the end of the year.

The Copenhagen fire department has but two choices – hand over control to the village, or dissolve.

As cancer deaths among firefighters skyrocket, the country’s biggest firefighters union and the city fire chiefs issued a joint warning. The two groups warned that the gear that firefighters wear to protect themselves may be pre-loaded with cancer-causing chemicals, according to several studies.

Many artifacts will head to the New York State Museum in Albany.

News from the State EMS Council (SEMSCO)

While tragedy can befall anyone, what are frequently considered once-in-a-lifetime events for most are routine occurrences for first responders. Repeated exposure forms “thick skin” but insufficiently protects against burnout, emotional exhaustion, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Andrew Mallow was sworn in as the new chief during a ceremony at department headquarters.

Tom Parsons served as fire chief for 10 years and announced his retirement, effective August 27.

The department also recognized members for their outstanding service at its annual awards ceremony.

From the 19th to the 20th century, Elmira was the fire engine capital of the world. Today, its historical innovation is kept alive at the New York State Museum by a team of curators.

The camp is held at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. Its goal is to "fire up" junior volunteer firefighters by putting them in situations firefighters face.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.