The Otter Lake and Old Forge Fire Departments will open their doors to area residents this weekend so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community as part of the fourth annual Recruit NY statewide initiative. 
Over the last several years, it has been tough for many fire departments throughout New York State to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Continue reading
Santa Claus paid a pre-Christmas visit to the Otter Lake Fire Department bringing gifts for area children and entertaining them with songs, games and a piñata stuffed with candy. The also enjoyed home-baked cookies and pizza donated by the Alder Creek Nice ’n Easy. Courtesy photo
Julie Eisenhart of the Otter Lake Fire Department Auxiliary presented the keys to the 2013 GMC Sierra pickup truck, the grand prize in the Otter Lake Fire Department’s 29th Annual Labor Day Truck Raffle, to Leo Maccariello of Norwich on Monday, September 16th.
Maccariello bought the winning ticket at the Tap Room in Raquette Lake.
The second place prize of $200 was won by Gigi Hollister of Old Forge, and the third place prize of $100 was won by Ann Kenyon or Phoenix, NY.
Retired Otter Lake Fire Chief Dan Abrial was honored for his 39 years of service at a ceremony held during the Steak Bake at the Otter Lake firehouse on Sunday, September 1st.
Abrial, who was chief 33 of those years, is the longest serving chief in Oneida County and was recognized by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.
On behalf of the Otter Lake Fire Department membership, newly-elected Chief Jeff Abrial presented his father with a commemorative plaque.
“I enjoyed my time as Chief and am proud of the support given to me by the people in Otter Lake and the department members,” said the retiring chief.
Dan Schwertfeger, 2nd Vice President of NYSAFC and long-time Chief of Floyd Fire Depart-ment, also recognized the service of the past-chief with a plaque.
Abrial also received a plaque from Oneida County 911 Training Coordinator Brian McQueen, representing the FASNY.
The FASNY plaque reads:
Fireman’s Association of the State Of New York: A Proclamation Honoring Dan Abrial
Whereas, Dan Abrial has retired as Chief of the Otter Lake Fire Department after thirty-three years in office, and
Whereas, the members of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York wish to recognize and honor Dan Abrial’s impressive record of service,
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York extends its thanks and congratulations to Dan Abrial.
Presented September 1, 2013
Signed by:
James A. Burns, President
Michael D. Whelan, Secretary
The winner of the Otter Lake Fire Department’s 29th Annual Truck Raffle was announced at our Labor Day Steak Bake on Sunday, September 1st.
Leo Meccariello of Norwich, NY, who bought his ticket at the Tap Room in Raquette Lake, was the grand prize winner.
The second prize of $200 was won by Gigi Hollister of Old Forge who donated $100 back to the fire department.
The third prize of $100 was won by Ann Kexyon or Phoenix, NY.
Our Steak Bake was a great success, and Johnny and the Triumphs kept the crowd dancing. Everyone enjoyed the New Year’s hats and noise makers, and even the balloon drop worked as planned this year.
Congratulations to all the winners! We want to thank all the businesses and individuals who sell and purchase our tickets, and give us the moral support needed to help us grow as a department. We could not do this without you!
Best Regards,
Tom Abrial
Secretary, OLFD