Fly Creek, Unadilla fire companies celebrate histories
Sep. 1—Two area fire companies are celebrating their histories this month.
The Fly Creek Volunteer Fire Company is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a parade and picnic scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9.
The parade is slated to start at 11 a.m. on Goose Street, go past the Cider Mill and then proceed onto county Highway 26, crossing state Highway 28 onto Cemetery Road.
Acting Fire Chief Adam Kantor said Monday, Sept. 4 that multiple fire companies are planning to participate in the parade, along with Boy Scout Troop 1254, horse riders and parade floats.
The public is invited to the fire house, 811 county Route 26, after the parade to celebrate with a cookout and raffle. Kids are invited to climb into the fire trucks.
Raffle tickets — $20 each, six for $100 — will be available until 1 p.m. that day.
The fire company is raising money for a trailer for the UTV it purchased last year to help with rescues in the field.
Joan Kegelman, fire company president, said that the fire company responds to several EMS calls during hunting season and the UTV allows first responders to go deep into the woods.
Before, first responders would have to carry patients out of the woods.
The UTV cost $34,000 and was purchased through several fundraisers and raffles, Kegelman said.
The goal is to raise $10,000 to buy the trailer. Acquiring the trailer would expand the radius of operations and allow Fly Creek to provide mutual aid with nearby fire departments.
The annual holiday card will also be available for sale. The artwork was donated by local artist Maureen Heroux, who paints watercolor landscapes of the region.
Kegelman said that the holiday card campaign started last year and allowed the fire company to purchase turnout gear and fire equipment.
The cards are available for pre-order at www.flycreekfire.com and will be available for pickup at the firehouse during the celebration. The original watercolor painting is slated to be sold at a silent auction that day, with all proceeds benefiting the fire company.
The Unadilla Fire Department is fundraising to buy its original 1920 Stutz fire truck from a private owner.
According to a post Aug. 5 on the fire department's Facebook page, the truck was the first engine-driven fire apparatus in the department and was in service until the mid-1960s.
"This rare opportunity reminds us of the pride and honor we have surrounding our history," the post stated. "We've seen pictures fighting fire on historic buildings such as the Unadilla House. We can't help but recognize what this truck represents to past and current members."
The post states that donors can contact the fire department through Facebook at www.facebook.com/UnadillaFire, via email UnadillaFire21@gmail.com, by phone at 607-369-9150 or mail at P.O. Box R, Unadilla, NY 13849.
