Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Co.

Members of the Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company passed NYS IFO (Interior Firefighting Operations) training on Tuesday, November 18th. IFO training is a New York State certification course for firefighters who have completed the BEFO (Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations) course. This advanced training prepares them to operate as an interior-structural firefighter, performing tasks inside burning buildings by covering use of SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and related interior skills. The IFO course includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practical training to meet State and Federal standards for interior firefighting. Congratulations to BKFC Firefighters: Paula Burke, Austin Larimore, Lola Robinson, and Matt Wilson!

All volunteer fire departments need help. We’ve heard all the excuses. I can’t commit to (fill in the blank), I’m not always available, I’m too young/old, I don’t know anything about it... They are just excuses. We are all volunteers. We can when we can and we can’t when we can’t. This is an incredible job you get paid for in ways that aren’t money. If you’ve ever thought about it, contact the Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company. The hardest part is taking the initiative to look into it. We all live in the communities we serve. How can you make a difference? Visit the BKFC firehouse any Monday at 7pm, 14 Pine Street, Broadalbin OR call 518-883-3611 OR email us: BKFCRecruit@gmail.com

Congratulations to Lolalynn Robinson & Matt Wilson for accomplishing BEFO (Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations) Training. Both will be advancing to IFO (Interior Firefighting Operations) starting this coming week.

The local community, and people from the surrounding area, joined the Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company for their Annual 9/11 Memorial on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the BKFC firehouse. First Assistant Chief Archie Rose was Master of Ceremonies. The remembrance began at 7PM with a procession of BKFC members, Color Guard, The American Legion, BKFC Fire Auxiliary, Boy Scout Troop #51, and members of other local fire companies. A rendition of our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner", was performed by Aryiana Straw. Broadalbin Mayor Steven Murray, Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino, and NYS Assemblyman Robert Smullen were guest speakers. "A Fireman's Prayer" was read to those in attendance by BKFC Chaplain Keith Bartholoma. A "Last Call" was toned-out for fallen firefighters. A ceremonial flag was donated by the Pifko Family in memory of Captain George Pifko, Sr. (FDNY). BKFC members Frank Volpe and Brian Hayes lowered the state and firefighter flags. The flag hand off was handled by BKFC Accountability Officer Michelle Robbins (retired FDNY Lieutenant). "Taps" was performed by Broadalbin-Perth High School Music Teacher Mike Graves. The tolling of the bell was handled by BKFC Fire Police Chief Bob Zurlo. A presentation of wreaths, donated by Lori Piska, was conducted by BKFC firefighters Jack Brownell and Jason Flego, Robert Lee Walsh American Legion Post #337 Commander Michael Cadoret and John A. Baird VFW Post #8690 Commander Dave Becker, and Sheriff Giardino and Undersheriff Dan Izzo. The memorial ended with a candle lighting ceremony conducted by the Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Auxiliary, while those in attendance sang "God Bless America" along with singer Isabella Hanson. At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy refreshments provided by the Auxiliary in the fire company meeting room. Special thanks to Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company member Michelle Robbins for organizing the memorial, and to all those that worked hard to make it all come together. Lest we forget...

The Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company was represented with the Firefighters Association of the State of New York on Thursday, June 5th. BKFC Junior Firefighter Brady Cotter received a scholarship from the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs. Congratulations, Brady!

The B.K.F.C. members welcome three new members! Junior Firefighters Victoria Montgomery, Juliana Pacheco, and Probationary Firefighter Matthew Wilson. Thank you for your interest in the fire service and helping your local community in times of need.

THE NEW #212 IS READY FOR THE CALL! The Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company has officially put the new #212 truck into service. A call went out for hands to change over from the old #212 AND move additional tools and equipment from #211. More than 20 BKFC Members showed up to get the job done! May she be in service to our community for many years to come...

BKFC DRIVER/OPERATOR TRAINING The Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company conducted training at the firehouse on Monday, March 17th. BKFC members worked on driver training and more pump training on the new fire apparatus. In addition to becoming familiar with the operations of the new rig, getting practical training on pumping water to other apparatus and from portable ponds ensures firefighters are prepared to get the most efficient results when it's most essential in a live situation. Our people continually train to serve our community in the best way possible.

The Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company took delivery of a new truck on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The assigned unit number will be #212. The old 212 has been in service for about twenty years. It was a 2005 HME 1871 Series Engine Tank Apparatus. The NEW 212 will be the 25th vehicle purchased in the history of the fire company, as indicated by the No. 25 showing on the rig. The new ride is a 2024 HME 1871 Series with a 6-man cab. The truck has a 1,000 Gal. tank. A 1,500 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) Hale Side-Mount Pump, "Deck Gun", 6 MSA G1 Air Packs, 5 Spare Bottles, 100' of 1 3/4" Hose (Trashline), 750' of 2 1/2" Hose, 800' of 1 3/4" Hose, 1,000' of 4" Hydrant Lay, and her duties include primary pumper for structure fires and alarm activations. The old truck was put up for sale, and has a deposit on it. It will live on as a useful piece of equipment for another fire company. Special thanks to Erin Maxon and his crew at Millertown Garage for making it happen, AND to the BKFC Truck Committee responsible for securing the new apparatus to serve our community.

Chief: Bill Robinson 1st Asst. Chief: Archie Rose 2nd Asst. Chief: Robert Lindsay Jr. 1st Captain: Ron Miller 2nd Captain: Tim Chace 1st Lieutenant: Grant Rauch 2nd Lieutenant: Maria Oakden 3rd Lieutenant: Megan Sherman 4th Lieutenant: Dave Sherman Safety Officer: Bob Wells Safety Officer: Jason Flego Accountability Officer: Michelle Robbins Fire Police Chief: Robert Zurlo President: Bob Wells Vice President: Maria Oakden Treasurer: Robert Zurlo Secretary: Sue Zurlo

Meet Firefighter Brady Cotter! Brady has been volunteering with Broadalbin-Kennyetto Fire Company for nearly 3 years, starting as a Junior Firefighter two years ago and earning his Firefighter status earlier this year. A senior at Broadalbin-Perth Central School District, Brady is a dedicated 3-sport varsity athlete (football, bowling, and baseball), a member of the fishing club and varsity club, and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society— all while being an invaluable member of the volunteer fire department. Brady was inspired to become a firefighter after seeing the commitment and dedication of the crew in helping the program grow, and he wanted to give back by offering his time and talents.

The Henry D Ross III Memorial Fund Donates Surface Water and Ice Water Rescue Equipment to Fulton County Fire Departments. A Heartfelt Thank You to the Henry D Ross III Memorial Fund for their generous donation of surface water and ice water rescue equipment to the Broadalbin; Caroga Lake; Mayfield; and Northville Fire Companies as well as the Fulton County Emergency Management Office. This generous contribution plays a vital role in enhancing our firefighters’ ability to better protect our communities and respond to water emergencies safely and effectively. We are all truly grateful for your unwavering commitment to making our lakes safer and your continued support of our local first responders that protect our lakes. Together, we are making a meaningful, positive, lasting impact! Thank You Maria and Beaver! If you would like to donate to the Henry D Ross III Memorial Fund, Inc. you can do so by paypal at the following link: paypal.me/HDRIIIMemorial . Follow the Henry D Ross III Memorial Fund on Facebook. Henry D Ross III Memorial Fund