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Archive of:  1999

The Internet Source for news concerning the Alert Hose Company of Adams, Massachusetts.

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Millennium Fireworks Planned  12/23/99

The summit of Mt. Greylock will be ground zero at the stroke of midnight this New Year's Eve.  Plans are well underway to produce the county's largest fireworks display in recent memory on top of the state's highest peak.  The Alert Hose Co., together with the Hoosac Hose Co. of Cheshire have coordinated this effort along with many state agencies.  Donations can be made to offset the cost off this unique display in care of the Hoosac Hose Co., Box X, Cheshire, MA 01225 OR by dropping them off at any South Adams Savings Bank Branch.  

Kid's Annual Holiday Party Held 12/12/99

On Sunday, December 12th, the Company held its annual kid's Christmas party.  This years event was very well attended and featured magician John Nesbit, pizza and other refreshments, and of course, a visit from Santa himself.  See associated photos.

Alert's Adult Christmas Party Held  12/11/99

Saturday evening saw the final Alert's holiday party of the millenium take place with a large crowd in attendance.  Catering was provided by Swanson's while the entertainment for the evening was Champaign Jam.  See associated photos.

Thousands Pay Tribute to Fallen Firefighters 12/8/99
Thousands of firefighters from around the world collectively prayed for six of their own Thursday. It did not matter whether they were past or present firefighters, paid or volunteer.  On this day, all were brothers, united in a bond that took some outside the service by surprise.  See full article.

Annual Halloween Parade Held 10/24/99
The town's annual kid's Halloween Parade was held this Saturday.  The ghosts, goblins, and other costumed children were greeted by many onlookers. After the escorted march down Park Street, the kids were treated to hotdogs and cider compliments of the Adams Lions Club. The Fire Department once again decorated it trucks to keep in the "spirit" of the festivities.  See associated photos.
Open House A Huge Success 10/6/99
The Annual Adams Fire Department Open House was held Wednesday in conjunction with National Fire Safety Week.  Attendance was estimated at close to 400 and was up from last year's event. While the kids enjoyed climbing on the apparatus and seeing fireman in full turnout gear, the adults were able to gather informational pamphlets pertaining to fire safety and see demonstrations on proper fire extinguisher use. Raffles were held every fifteen minutes with a chance to win smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers. Steepleview Realty, Adams Co-Operative Bank, and Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance Agency all donated either time or materials while Domino's Pizza provided over 40 pizza to feed the hungry crowd.  These local merchants have our thanks and gratitude and should be supported! See associated photos.

High-Angle Rescue Class Held 9/26/99
The quarry at Specialty Minerals was the site of a recent training session in which members of the Alert Hose Co. took part.  After a morning session learning the methods and techniques of attempting a high angle rescue, participants literally got to go "over the edge" at the usually off limits quarry.  See associated photos.

New Members Elected 9/7/99
At last night's monthly meeting, Patrick Knapp and Steven Meczywor were elected as the Alert Hose Co.'s newest members. If you see Pat or Steve, wish them congratulations!

Hi-Jinks Night Held 7/26/99
Members of the Adams Fire Department and the Alert Hose Company took to Park Street for the annual street fair known as Hi-Jinks Night to display its apparatus.  The trucks were given the once over by many young members of the community to universal approval and the more than occasional comment of "cool...". In addition to the apparatus, the company's trophies from recent parades were on display.  Members also sold tickets to a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Adams/Cheshire fireworks display.  The winner will be announced August 3, 1999.  See associated photos.

Parade Update 7/21/99
The Alert Hose Co No. 1 has won three awards at recent parades.  At Unionville, CT, approximately 22 Alerts represented the company in front of the Connecticut State Judges and walked away with the Best Antique Apparatus and the Best Appearing Out of State trophies.  On top of the critical acclaim, the members present had a very good time over the course of the week-end.  In Dalton, a similar number of members walked away with the Best Appearing trophy. Check out pictures in the Photo Section.

Annual Solicitation Completed 6/21/99
The annual solicitation this year was conducted via mail.  The results were very encouraging according to the company secretary.  With responses still coming in, this years total will exceed last years tally.  The annual solicitation is the company's largest fund raiser and all monies collected are used to support the numerous efforts of the Alert Hose Company and its volunteers who donate their time and energy in protecting our town.  Thank you for you continued support!

Golf Tournament A Success 6/21/99
The annual Alert Hose Company Golf Tournament was held Saturday, June 12 at the North Adams Country Club.  The weather was beautiful for the some 120 golfers who participated.  This year, a new sponsors board was constructed by the committee which allows for the placement of full color ads from local businesses who sponsored the event. Thanks to all who made this fund raiser not only profitable, but also one of the most enjoyable yet.

Annual District Meeting Held 5/4/99
The annual district elections were held this past Tuesday at the hose house.  Elected positions within the Fire Department went unchanged with two exceptions. Assistant Engineer P.J. Goyette was elected to the position of Fourth Engineer while Alert Hose member Richard Belanger was elected to the Fifth Engineer post.  An article to appropriate funds to upgrade the breathing apparatus also past in a unanimous vote.

Alerts Receive Training 4/14/99
Members of the Alert Hose Company participated in a two day training this past weekend.  The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy course delt with small aircraft identification and rescue techniques.  Part of the course was held at the Pittsfield airport where it was explained that flight patterns into the field may place aircraft over Adams.

Annual Solicitation to be Held 3/30/99
The Alerts Annual Solicitation will be conducted by mail this year.  Residents should expect to receive their response form during the first week of April and are reminded that all contributions are tax-deductable.  The monies collected during this annual fund raising event support the numerous efforts of the Alert Hose Company and its volunteers who donate their time and energy in protecting Adams.  Please continue to support the company by being as generous as possible.

Police Chief Issues Commendation 3/09/99
At the monthly supper meeting, Adams Police Chief Herman Bishop addressed the department and presented it a commendation for its efforts at last month's motor vehicle rescue on Highland Ave.  Citing the Alerts heroic and professional actions, Chief Bishop characterized the effort as "one of the most professional responses to a disaster/ human injury incident that I have witnessed in my many years of law enforcement." He went on to say that "I am very proud to reside in a community with the quality and caliber of professionals such as the Alert Hose Company and its Chief," to which the company responded with a round of applause.  The plaque is now proudly displayed at the station.  View the entire commendation.

MVA Forces Difficult Rescue 2/18/99
A young driver who failed to stop at the end of Highland Ave. forced the Alerts into action Thursday evening.  The car left the street and landed approximately 150' below in the river.  A single victim was removed from the water and safely transported up the cliff.  Much, if not all, of the rescue equipment carried by the department was put to use and aided both the extrication of the victim as well as insuring the safety of the responding members.

122nd Annual Ball Held 2/6/99
St. Stanislaus Kostka Hall was the place and Fire & Ice was the theme of Saturday night's 122nd Annual Ball. Attendance at the event was up and was in fact sold out.  Dave Gawronski's Musical Magic provided the entertainment which was judged to be good due to the constantly packed dance floor. See associated photos.

New Radio/Communications Room Constructed 1/20/99
Construction has been underway at the station in order to move the communications room from its home under the stairs to a more spacious location.  The new office is now adjacent to the chief's office and was constructed, in large part, by members who volunteered their time and effort. The radio was installed by ProCom Services. See associated photos.