To: All our first responders,

 

First, I want to say thank you to all the agencies that responded to our brothers and sisters firefighters in Ashland.  All of you did an outstanding job in such cold temperatures.  As the mutual aid companies arrival on the scene they shared their turn out gear to the members of the Ashland Fire Department so they could take part of the fire ground operations.  Windham, Hensonville, Jewett, Prattsville and Lexington all did an outstanding team work to get the fire under control.  The Ashland Ambulance had their second ambulance stored at another location so they were able to standby at the scene for rehab.  Windham Ambulance assisted as well.  The Town of Ashland Highway Department came with their back hoe to assist the firefighters in their operations.   In the very beginning two sheriff cars arrived on the scene to assist with traffic.  Greene County Hazmat Team and Greene County Fire Investigation Team were called in to assist as well.  There were several other companies on standby during this operation.  I just can’t say enough for the great team work and professional job that was displayed during this incident.  A special thank you to our dispatchers at the control center who dispatch the entire request that was needed as well.  Chief Sutton wants to thank all agencies involved in this incident a huge thank you for a job well done.  Also, most important is everyone stay safe and return home to their loved one with no injuries.

 

Today I met with Chief Sutton and his assist chiefs.  They are in the process of getting approval to receive a fire truck from one of the fire companies within Greene County.  They are going to store the vehicle in the Town Highway Garage when received.  Chief Sutton is in the process of putting together a list of equipment for me to email out.  I hope to complete this task as soon as I receive it from Chief Sutton.  The most important item is turn out gear.  Sizes of the gear will be listed as well.

 

Over the past two days I have been getting phone calls on the question of cash donations.  The Ashland Fire Department has now created a restoration fund.  Please send any cash donations to the following address:  Ashland Fire Department, Post Office Box 17, Ashland, New York 12407.

 

While they are getting themselves back into service both Prattsville Fire and Windham Fire are on automatic mutual aid.

 

As of this date, there are agencies that are planning on fund raising for Ashland Fire Department.  They are: January 17^th West Athens Lime Street Fire Company will be holding their monthly breakfast from 8am to 12pm.  All funds collect will be given to the Ashland Fire Department.  On January 23^rd the Coxsackie Hose 3 will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner between 4pm and 7pm.  Again all funds will be donated to Ashland Fire Department.  Today I did fill Chief Sutton in on these events and he stated he was just couldn’t believe the action/responds by the family of the fire service.

 

That is the most updated information I have as of today.  Again, in behalf of Chief Sutton, Commissioners of the Ashland Fire District, Ashland Fire Department, Town of Ashland Supervisor Richard Tompkins and his board and its residents WE THANK YOU ALL FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

 

Stay safe,

 

John Farrell, Jr.

Director

Greene County

Emergency Services

 

Windham and Prattsville Fire Departments are providing automatic Mutual Aid for Ashland during their time of need. Here are links to those two neighboring Fire Departments.

Windham Hose Company #1

Prattsville Hose Company