After a lot of work by members Joe Koscinski and Eric Lapine, the Alerts are now proud to offer for sale to the public special edition T-shirts featuring our antique 1885 Rumsey parade cart.  These shirts, printed by Mystic Products from Pottsville, PA, have the company patch on the front left chest and "The Pride of the Alerts" parade cart in great detail and color on the back.  For more details on these truly unique fire department tees Click Here! Hurry, they make great gifts!

Alerts Create Training Maze 11/27/01

Adams Joins Nation and the World in Remembrance 9/22/01

As the world struggled to understand the brutality of the unthinkable terrorist attacks from last week, Adams, like many communities, came together for a candlelight vigil in a show of patriotism, solidarity, and remembrance.  The event, held at the town common, was attended by hundreds of people, young and old, both local residents and those from many of the surrounding communities. 

See associated photos.

How you can help.

Public Education Cash Calendars For Sale 8/10/01

In a effort to help support the company's numerous public and children's education efforts, a cash calendar is being sold for $5. If you didn't get one yet, please contact any firefighter or the station at 743-1929 and we would be happy to offer you a lucky one! 

Susan B. Anthony Street Fair A Success 7/30/01
Thousands of people attended the annual Susan B. Anthony Street Fair formerly known as Hi-Jinx Night.  Besides the popular dunking booth, numerous dancers preformed, and countless vendors offered everything from trinkets to the fried dough.  Members of the Adams Fire Department and the Alert Hose Company took to Park Street 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 sold 50/50 tickets to help defray the cost of the annual August fireworks display.   See associated photos.

2nd Annual Family Night at the Ballpark Held 7/13/01

Members of the Alert Hose Co. and their families traveled to Wahconah Park Friday to take in a baseball game featuring the Pittsfield Astros and the Utica Blue Sox complete with picnic lunch and special activities for the kids.  Wahconah Park is home to the Astros just for this year.  Last year, the Mets were the NY Penn League franchise calling the park home.  This years' tenets  thrilled the crowd with a great win.  See associated photos.

Alerts Participate in Pittsfield July 4th Parade 7/4/01

Members of the Alert Hose Co. and the Adams Fire Department took to the streets with their antique parade cart and vintage uniforms Wednesday to help Pittsfield celebrate the annual Independence Day holiday.  As most have come to expect, the Alerts put in a performance that the residents of Adams can be proud of.  See associated photos.

Department Drills At Barrett Block 6/19/01

The Adams Fire Department conducted a training session at the Barrett Block Tuesday.  Search, rescue, and extinguishment techniques unique to the structure were practiced to the appreciation of all of the the residents who, having been "evacuated" after a class on fire safety, had a nice evening to enjoy the "show".  See associated photos.

Fireman's Sunday Memorial Service Held 6/10/01

As is the custom, the members of the Alert Hose Company gathered Sunday to pay tribute to their departed brothers.  Members attended Mass at St. Stanislaus which was followed by breakfast at the Adams Elks Lodge #1335.  At the annual breakfast, the Elks Exalted Ruler Leo Pinsonneault honored the Alerts for 125 years of service to the community.  The services concluded at Bellevue Cemetery Fireman's Memorial shaft where Town Administrator James J. Leitch was the guest speaker.  See associated photos.

Annual Golf Tournament Results 6/9/01

The annual Alert Hose Company Golf Tournament benefited from spectacular weather Saturday as over 130 golfers competed in a best ball format at the North Adams Country Club.  As usual, the generosity of the local businesses who sponsor the event contributed to overall success of this fund raiser.  We sincerely thank them for their contributions and continued support.  Tournament Results. See associated photos.

Alerts Celebrate 125th Anniversary 5/22/01

Members of the Alerts and their wives gathered Saturday at Forest Park Country Club's beautifully renovated pavilion room to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the company.  Honorary member Roy Thompson served as guest speaker and reminded everyone that although much has changed in 125 years, some things like the Alerts unfaltering service to the community remain true to the original bylaws of the company. After a nice dinner, fittingly interrupted by a call,  the committee presented each member a commemorative plaque and their wives a St. Florian medallion necklace.  Dancing followed to "Phil 'n The Blanks". See associated photos.

Annual Water District Election and Meeting Held 5/15/01

The Adams Water District held its annual elections and meeting Tuesday at the fire station.  In the elections, Ed Capeless and Murray Norcross were elected to the Prudential Committee.  Voters at the annual meeting approved at warrant articles on the agenda.  

Burning Season Extended in County 5/3/01

The open burning season is normally April 15 - May 1 but has been extended in Berkshire County to May 15th due to the late existing snow cover.  Homeowners may, with a valid permit, burn winter storm debris such as brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris but not leaves, grass or stumps.  Burning household material is prohibited.  Please remember that according to regulation 310 CMR 7.07(3)(e), burning hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and require the fire to be more than 75' from all dwellings and attended by a person at all times.  Permits may be revoked if nuisance conditions occur.  Contact the Water District offices at 743-0179 for permits.

Apartment building destroyed by fire 5/1/01

A fire at a three-story apartment building on Victory Street Tuesday left 19 people homeless. The blaze occurred just before 9 a.m.. Most of the residents were at work at the time, but there were five people still inside when the fire broke out. Everyone did get out safely and arson has been ruled out by Fire Marshal Christopher J. Ware. Read the North Adams Transcript article. View more photos.

Annual Golf Tournament Scheduled 4/23/01

The Alert Hose Co. annual Four Man Scramble Golf Tournament has been scheduled for June 9th, 2001 at the North Adams Country Club.  The event will have two shotgun starts, the morning session at 8 AM and the afternoon session at 1 PM.  The fundraiser has traditionally sold out of available slots so register early.  Prices are $65 for non-club members, $60 for firefighters, and $40 for club members.  The entry fee includes green fees, cart (except for club members), hotdogs and hamburgers, roast beef dinner, $10,000 hole-in-one contest and other assorted contests and prizes.  Sponsorship signs are still available.  Please contact Foreman, John Pansecchi (743-7034) or Chief Brown (743-1994) for an entry application or any questions regarding playing in or sponsoring this event. See our Sponsor List from last year. See the results from last year.

Alerts Attend Survival Skills Class 4/1/01

Members of the Alert Hose Company and the Adams Fire Department along with other firefighters from around Berkshire county and beyond participated in a firefighter survival skills class this weekend.  The two day class was conducted by instructors from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and included short morning sessions in the classroom followed by practical field experience evolutions in the station and in the Academy's portable Draeger maze.  See associated photos.

Annual Solicitation 3/22/01
It is time, once again, for the Alerts Annual Solicitation.  During the year 2001, the Alerts will be celebrating its one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary.  For each of those 125 years, the annual solicitation has been and continues to be the company's largest fund raiser due to your generosity.  All monies collected through this drive are used to  support the numerous efforts of the company and its volunteers who donate their time and energy in protecting Adams.  Residents should expect to receive their mailing during the first week of April and are reminded that all contributions are tax-deductible. 

This year, we are additionally asking our multifamily homeowners to help us help you.  The mailing will include a card with which we ask you to please indicate the numbering plan used at the listed address.  

We hope that you will continue your generous support and loyalty as you have in the past.

Family Ice Hockey Trip Held 3/18/01

The Alert's Event Committee sponsored a trip to see the Albany River Rats play last night, St. Patrick's Day.  The River Rats, Albany's American Hockey League Team, rallied to tie the Kentucky Thoroughblades 4-4.  The River Rats had many opportunities to win it in sudden death overtime, but came up empty.  This however did not damper the fun had by all the Alert families who attended this entertaining evening.  See associated photos.

2000 Year End Incident Report  3/17/01

The Secretary of the Alert Hose Co. has furnished last year's incident report.  According to the company's records, members responded to 227 calls in 2000.  This number is up from last year and represents responses for a wide range of emergency situations.  For a break down of the calls, see the Incident Report Table.

Alerts Prepared for Winter Storm's Worst 3/05/01

Members of the Adams Fire Department and Alert Hose Company didn't plan on the worst happening during this past winter storm, they were merely prepared for it.  With the National Weather Service predicting a storm of historic proportions, the department mobilized its member's resources at the station and bunked in overnight.  Snowmobiles and four-wheel drive vehicles where ready in case the need arose but luckily, the worst did not occur.  Members did aid essential personnel such as visiting nurses in town get to their patients the next morning when the roads were treacherous. 

FIRE Grant Program Gets The Axe 3/05/01

President George W. Bush's fiscal year 2002 budget request to Congress does not include funding - as authorized by law - for the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program.  In fact, the FIRE program, which the fire service worked so hard to move forward, will be specifically targeted for elimination next year.  The the International Association of Fire Chiefs (ICHIEFS) is strongly urging each and every member of the fire service to write President Bush and firmly and respectfully request that he restore $300 million to his FY 2002 budget request for the FIRE grant program.
Overcoming opposition to the FIRE program will only be possible if members of America's fire service joins together in sharing its displeasure in writing.  ICHIEFS encourages you to draft a letter, on departmental letterhead (where possible), and send the letter to the White House.  ICHIEFS has taken the liberty of crafting a draft sample for your use.

Website Featured In Firehouse Magazine 2/20/01

The Alert Hose Co. website has been listed in the February issue of Firehouse magazine.  Firehouse magazine is one of the leading fire service publications and each month contributing editor Charles Werner chooses ten fire related sites worth visiting for his monthly column, "Hot Spots On The Web". Obviously, being published in such a widely distributed magazine is an honor and can only help increase the Alert's web site's visibility.  

Ice Fishing Derby Held  2/18/01

The Second Annual Alerts Kids Ice Fishing Derby was held today at Plainfield Pond.  The weather was good and the turn out once again excellent.  The kids didn't have much luck on the ice as the fish weren't biting but the sliding and snowmobiling kept most busy all day long.  Thank yous are in order for organizers P.J. Goyette and Dana Labbee and also for Racine's which provided the bait for the event free of charge.  Awards were presented to all the kids who participated.  See associated photos.

Web Site Wins Award 1/22/01

The Alert Hose Company Web Site has received another award, this time from The Fire and Arson Investigation Resource Page.  This site contains links of interest for those involved with fire and arson investigation. Even if you are not an investigator, there are many links to sites that offer valuable information pertaining to safety, product and vehicle recalls, organizations, and more. The award is intended to honor public safety sites that exhibit good taste in content and design.  The Web Page committee is happy to have been chosen to receive this award. To view other awards the Alert site has won, visit the Trophy Room.

Students Learn Fire Basics 1/15/01

Students from the local schools in town have recently had the opportunity to take a field trip and visit the station, check out the apparatus and most importantly, talk with a fireman.  Public Education officer Tony Piscioneri, Jr. has coordinated the many visits by the school children and has expanded the company's educational outreach program in the past year.  Each year the company visits the schools prior to the annual open house to invite the children and share fire tips.  With the growth o and success of the open house, interest in the department has grown to where individual classes are requesting their own visits.  For further information on educational topics, visit the public education section.  See Field Trip Photos.

124th Annual Ball News  1/3/01

The 124th Annual Alerts Ball, "A Fireman's Night Out",  will be held Saturday, February 3, 2001 at the St. Stan's Hall.  This year's band features "Phil 'N The Blanks", a five piece band playing ball standards as well as today's popular hits.  Boucher Catering will be providing dinner with the choice of Prime Rib or Boston Baked Scrod.  Cocktail hour is from 6-7 with dinner to follow.  Dancing is until 12:30.  Tickets are $35.00 per couple and may be purchased by calling 743-0700 (day), 743-0634 (any time) or contacting any member.  The cutoff for ticket orders is January 27th.  The proceeds from this event support the numerous efforts of the Alert Hose Company and its volunteers who donate their time and energy in protecting the town of Adams. See Photos of this year's event here.

Web Site Year In Review 1/1/01
The year 2000 brought many changes to the Alert Hose Company Web site.  Back in late December of 1999, the web site was drastically overhauled to utilize frames.  The new frames layout enabled the creation of a navigation bar that made viewing the ever-increasing site easier and quicker.

The changes were well received and the site was visited by 6832 people over the year and garnered seven web awards.

The news section, always an important part of the site, saw over a 100% increase in stories with 40 for the year, up from 19 the previous year that was a fifty percent increase over the 1998 total of 12.

The guest book section of the site, new this year, was viewed by 1411 people with 70 leaving messages.  The page logged visitors from 6 countries and 13 states.

An extensive education section was also added this year.  Long on the to do list, this section now includes information on 8 topics:  Fire Basics; Fire Safety Tips for the Home; Smoke Detectors; CO Detectors; Fire Extinguishers; Escape Planning; and, FAQ’s.

The links page was expanded to include the local fire departments with pages.  Other interesting links were also added.  The Alert site was picked up by most commercial fire web sites and is now readily accessible via many of the more popular sites.

Lastly, the photo section, among the more popular parts of the site, was expanded to include many historic photos as well as many new items. Items on the board for the future include a T-shirt and patch sales page.