They were our fathers and sons, neighbors and friends, who put the safety and future of a nation in their own hands, by their own free will. They were volunteers. Some things have not changed. In Albany County's towns, there are people we know in their everyday lives who dedicate their time, energy and resources to helping others. But a special few volunteer more - they risk their lives for the safety of others.
Volunteer firemen have a long, proud tradition and they deserve both recognition and respect.
They are individuals who carry on a unique kind of volunteerism. They are everyday heroes. They are also a disappearing breed. Unfortunately, the number of incidents firefighters in Albany County must respond to is growing. In 1997, there were a total of 124,829 fires statewide, more than 9,000 firefighter injuries and 18 firefighter deaths.