The Hurleyville Fire Department is always looking for help, to fight fire or support those that do. We even supply all of the gear and provide all of the training needed, for free. Stop by any Monday night and find out how you can help.

Things starting getting back to normal and we were able to have our Fire Department Family Picnic. I think we got it in at the right time because who knows what the future is going to bring with the Delta variant of the virus.

We started out with lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage and peppers with all of the trimmings, fruit dishes, melons and raw clams. Dinner was steak and chicken and all of the trimmings to make it a great dinner.

At the picnic the awards and recognition of various members took place for the year 2020.

The Community Service Award went to Barry Hoovis of Hoovis Enterprise. This award goes to a person or business that goes above and beyond in service to the fire department. Sometimes it is for what they did that year or many small things over a period of years. Barry has kept our refrigeration in tip top shape for years. For one picnic our main cooler died the Tuesday before the picnic, and he got it back up and running in time for the picnic. Thank you Barry.

Firefighter of the Year went to Laurie Feldman. Laurie is always in the middle of whatever is going on in the firehouse: fighting fire, driving a truck to a fire, cleaning a truck for a parade, going to a parade, putting up and taking down a tent, working at the fishing contest. You get the picture. Congratulations for an award well deserved.

I was the recipient of the attendance award. When you are retired you can put the extra time in to get done what needs to be done.

Years of service pins were given out. 15 years – Rosemarie Froehlich, John Jaycox, Jim Sullivan, 25 years – Alan Price, 30 years- Chris Gibson, Pete Micheletti III, Jim Kaufman, 35 years – George Gibson, 40 years – Barry Herzbrun, 50 years – Jack Halchak, John O’Neil, Mark Carlson (posthumously) 55 years -- Steve Dainack, George Price, Porky Worden.

President of the Hurleyville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Mari Jane Conklin presented her ladies with years of service pins: Mary Ann Geary-Halchak 27 years, Mari Jane Conklin 33 years, Lois Herzbrun 37 years, Olga Price 45 years, Ada Cole 50 years, Pat Gibson, Ginger McCarty, Carol Turner and Lillian Turner 53 years.

A good time was had by all, and it felt good to see everyone in person instead of on a computer screen,

If you are reading this it is September. NOW is the time to get your heating equipment serviced before the snow flies.

I have been on a few calls recently where leaves under a deck and a trailer caught fire. Skirting around the trailer can prevent leaves from accumulating under a trailer or bungalow. Be aware of leaves accumulating around and under your house this fall.

This September 11th will be the 20th Anniversary of the attack on America. There will be a number of services of remembrance in the county. There will be one at the Smallwood Firehouse at 8:00 a.m., in Wurtsboro at 7:00 p.m. at their park in town and Monticello will have one at their firehouse at 7:00 PM all on Saturday, September 11th. “Never Forget”

Be safe out there.