Commence the WET DOWN

5 MP Firefighters Gather Together To Celebrate New Trucks

July 9, 2005

Imagine hearing the ear stinging sound of the firehouse alarm, scanners going off, throwing on your protective fire wear, racing down the streets and going into burning buildings, or pulling people from dangerous areas just to save their lives. Imagine risking your whole life just to save someone else. Every day, volunteers are serving our community just to serve and protect us. However, both the Five Mile Point and the Kirkwood Fire Company need more volunteers every day.

On July 9, 2005, Five Mile Point firemen gathered at Kirkwood Valley Park for a "Wet Down." This is to welcome in the two new trucks they have just received. (Engine 3 and Tanker 7.)

I personally had the pleasure of meeting with only 12 of the 35 men that volunteer at Five Mile Point. Including: Chief- Steve Fazio serving 2 yrs, First Assistant Chief- Mike Kuruc serving 2 yrs, Lieutenant- Mark Gialanella serving 2 yrs, Captain- Jarrad Maciak serving 4 yrs, Captain- David Abell serving 2yrs, Anthony Kilgallon, Jason Mollo, Mark Dougherty, Michael Retzlaff, Jim Snyder, Jim Potter who has been in the company the longest 28 yrs, and the youngest of the bunch Brett Hunsinger who is only 16 yrs old.

Each station has its own trucks. Ones shown at the "Wet Down" were Brush 1, Engine/Rescue 2, Engine 5, Tower 8, and the Jet Ski. The Tower reaches over 100 ft in the air which is equivalent to 10 stories. I was able to be lifted up in the tower so that I could see what it was like. With the company of Jarrad Maciak, I was lifted 100 ft in the air to catch a glimpse of Binghamton and Kirkwood.

When asked what the most calls were that were received, no one hesitated to say, "MVA. Motor Vehicle Accidents tend to be the most calls we get." Of course I suppose that would be right when Five Mile Point covers I 81, I 17 and the Northern part of Kirkwood.

Of course, these heroes of everyday gave me a little insight to just the limits that they go to make sure that the victims of a fire or an accident are clearly helped.

Upcoming events where you can meet the firefighters are as follows: Friday, August 12th at 7pm and 13th at 6pm at the Kirkwood Town FAIR for a Car Extrication Demo with 'Jaws of Life', Saturday, August 13th at 11am at the Kirkwood Parade and every 2nd Saturday of every summer month at the Kirkwood Fire Company Station 1 for a Chicken BBQ.