HISTORY OF
NEW YORK RETIRED VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
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On December 31, 2012, the former fire department's Board of Fire Commissioners passed a resolution consolidating the operations of the fire department to one station (located on Sand Creek Road). After 78 years of dedicated volunteer service, response was ceased to the Station 2 firehouse, located at 36 Osborne Road, Albany. Many Station 2 members were at a loss as to how to proceed after the devastating news.
After much discussion, members of Station 2 felt that this could not be the only department in New York to experience such a closure. Many of these members had over 40 years of active service and the Volunteer aspect was solidly in their blood. They also felt, that this far in their life, starting over on the bottom rung was not a feasible option. These "dinosaurs" decided it was time to retire from the active fire service, but still wanted to be a part of the "fire house". |
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Not wanting the "old girl" to be abandoned, legal paper work was started to form an association of old jakes, hence, the New York Retired Volunteer Firefighters Association was formed and took residence in the Station 2 firehouse. Much work and time was dedicated to organizing a new identity, final paperwork was filed with the State and Federal government, and on July 10, 2014 a Certificate of Incorporation was issued by the Federal government. The New York Retired Volunteer Firefighters Association (NYRVFA) was born, with Charter Members Mark Stella, John Siggia, James Mitchell, Michael Sawicki, Wayne Woodward, Thomas Duff, Robert Dames, Michael Schaap, Heidi Rutwid, and Michael Davey.
NYRVFA’s mission is to deliver support for New York retired volunteer firefighters by building fellowship among its members. It also strives to provide a comfortable and friendly environment to New York’s volunteer firefighters, whether they live in the Capital region or are traveling to Albany for a meeting or convention.
“NYRVFA not only offers camaraderie, but also a chance for men and women to share stories and experiences about protecting people’s lives and property." ,said NYRVFA President John Siggia. “We want them to know that their service made a difference, we also want to thank them for devoting their time to protect the citizens of their local community by offering a comfortable, friendly, and social atmosphere.”
NYRVFA boasts a roster of over 150 active and retired firefighters, from the Capital Region to as far as Mississippi! Recently, NYRVFA's house has also become the permanent "club house" of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, New York Chapter III, many of whose members are also NYRVFA members.
NYRVFA’s mission is to deliver support for New York retired volunteer firefighters by building fellowship among its members. It also strives to provide a comfortable and friendly environment to New York’s volunteer firefighters, whether they live in the Capital region or are traveling to Albany for a meeting or convention.
“NYRVFA not only offers camaraderie, but also a chance for men and women to share stories and experiences about protecting people’s lives and property." ,said NYRVFA President John Siggia. “We want them to know that their service made a difference, we also want to thank them for devoting their time to protect the citizens of their local community by offering a comfortable, friendly, and social atmosphere.”
NYRVFA boasts a roster of over 150 active and retired firefighters, from the Capital Region to as far as Mississippi! Recently, NYRVFA's house has also become the permanent "club house" of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, New York Chapter III, many of whose members are also NYRVFA members.