SWAN LAKE — The Sullivan County Emergency Services Training Center on April 22 hosted the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY) Commissioner’s Training Class for 28 Sullivan County fire commissioners and six out-of-County commissioners.

Each December, fire districts across New York State elect commissioners for five-year terms. All newly elected commissioners must take a training class. In Sullivan County, that was organized by AFDSNY Program and Education Coordinator Cathy DeLuca and Region 10 Director Jill Holland, who’s also a Kauneonga Lake firefighter and commissioner.

The class was taught by AFDSNY Instructor Greg Serio of the D’Amato Law Firm. Serio was the NYS Commissioner of Insurance during the administration of Governor George Pataki. He touched on the finer points of town law and the State’s General Municipal Law as they affect fire districts. Other topics included Election Law, State Finance Law, Civil Service Law and Public Officers Law. Serio emphasized that commissioners are legally recognized as the “Authority Having Justification” in all matters involving fire districts.

“It was a riveting and eye-opening class for everyone in attendance,” noted Deputy Sullivan County Fire Coordinator Jack Halchak. “A particularly interesting discussion was held on conflicts of interest involving individual commissioners and how they do business with the district.”