A Letter from the John Paulding Engine Company
Dear Residents of Palisades,
With spring 2012 in full bloom, I wanted to
take some time to write this article in recognition
and appreciation of the continued support our
Company receives from the residents of our Fire
District, in addition to making you aware of our
progressive efforts as your local fire department
in providing premier, professional service to
our community. Our Department has taken, and
continues to take, great steps forward in many
areas, such as upgraded apparatus and equipment,
new technology for emergency response
management and pre-response planning, membership
recruitment, and much needed firehouse
improvements.
Our fire apparatus, the most recent piece being a pumper received in May 2010, continue to be well maintained and well-equipped with the necessary tools needed for our volunteer firefighters to provide premier service and response to fires, rescues, service calls, hazardous materials incidents, and storm-related emergencies within our District and to our neighboring departments as well. Our firefighters continue to receive essential personal protective equipment to enable them to perform their duties as safely and practically as possible. Through training and education, we have enhanced our operational tactics and use of technology in managing fire scenes and other calls for service.
While our number of volunteer firefighters has increased, particularly in the last three years, we always welcome new additions to our firefighting family. It truly takes a special person, especially on a voluntary basis with no monetary compensation, to answer the call to serve as a volunteer firefighter and member of our Company. We welcome any person over the age of 16 to apply for membership. Feel free to stop down at the firehouse on Route 340 in Sparkill on any Monday night for more information, including attendance and training requirements.
Our firehouse has undergone a much needed roof renovation and upgrade to our heating system, contributing to greater energy efficiency and conservation.
All of the above would not be possible if not for the incomparable efforts of your District Board of Fire Commissioners, who, year after year, do a phenomenal job in balancing the needs of the Department to operate in these challenging times with the needs of the taxpaying residents of Sparkill and Palisades to keep fire taxes affordable. It is through their hard work that they are able to keep our year-to-year budget the lowest among the other fire districts in the Town of Orangetown, one of the lowest in Rockland County, and still manage to provide our volunteer firefighters with the essential tools and equipment needed to operate safely and efficiently in 2012 and beyond.
The John Paulding Engine Company, which is the non-profit volunteer fire company who provides the aforementioned services to the Fire District, continues in its fundraising efforts for our membership needs and other expenses to enable our Company to function day-to-day. We welcome monetary donations and provide the same to others who seek our assistance. We look forward to seeing all of you at the flag pole and monument on Closter Road and 9W on Memorial Day, May 28th, and in Depot Square in Sparkill in honor of the service men and women who have lived, fought, and died for our Country, and who, like your local firefighters, answered a call to service. Please frequent our website at www.sparkillpalisadesfd.com for more information about the Memorial Day Parades, as well as other Company-sponsored events open to the public as the year goes on.
In closing, I leave you to reflect on the fact that firefighting is an inherently dangerous line of work. Fires and other emergencies or disasters are not site-specific, in that they can and do present themselves at any place at any time. May the rest of 2012 be safe and enjoyable to you all!
Firematically Yours,
Michael A. Yannazzone, Jr.
Chief of Department