In 1976 local artist Suzanne Posthill completed three oil paintings depicting fire scenes in downtown Syracuse that were presented to the DeWitt Fire Department. These works were displayed in the station until it was razed in 2007. During demolition and construction of the new station the paintings were stored by the Delevan Gallery and following rehab of the wooden framework by Piedigrossi Sign Company the paintings were proudly hung in the new station. The artist visited the station on June 30. Posthill now living in Switzerland was home visiting her mother who lives on Brockway Lane in DeWitt.

Lieutenant Randy Griffin has been busy aside from his full-time responsibilities as an officer with the DeWitt Fire District. Through an Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement Griffins fire service expertise has been shared with the United States Department of Homeland Security. Griffin has been employed by the DeWitt Fire District for over ten years and has over twenty years of fire service experience. Assigned to the Science and Technology Directorate Griffin helps to provide on the ground knowledge and feedback directly to the Directorate. Griffin serves as the chief liaison to FEMA for his division working closely with Director Paulison and his staff. In January 2008 Griffin delivered a presentation at the plenary session of the Department of Homeland Securitys Stakeholders Conference to 300 people at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The presentation was on developing technologies to protect lives by protecting homes after the November 2007 wildfires in Southern California. Griffin along with colleagues from DHS were in Southern California during these devastating fires.One of the most recent endeavors he is collaborating on is a revolutionary new SCBA. The IAFF and Vulcore have plans to commercialize the pack within 1-2 years. Weight is less than 10 lbs less than 2 inches in diameter can flex with the wearer and operates at 4500 psi. n the photo are Richard Duffy the Assistant to the General President of the IAFF for Health and Safety DHS Science and Technology Undersecretary Jay Cohen and Lieutenant Randall B. Griffin. The photo was taken in the United States Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee room.

Today the DeWitt Fire District officially dedicated its new fire station at 4500 East Genesee Street. The capital project has taken 13 months to complete and the facility will serve the fire districts emergency services needs for dozens of years to come. On hand for the event were over 200 community members and fire department personnel. The Syracuse Kilties Pipe Band led the color guard with representatives of the DeWitt Fire Department and DeWitt Professional Firefighters. President Larry Isaacs of the DeWitt Volunteer Fire Department Inc. and President William McGarrity of DeWitt Professional Firefighters Local 2733 raised the colors for the dedication. With the Central New York native limestone of the buildings main entrance as a backdrop Chief Gary MacLachlan welcomed attendees who included Senator Dave Valesky and Assemblywoman Joan Christenson. Chief MacLachlan spoke of the many items of tradition and tribute that were designed into the building including a wall of limestone that was salvaged from the original fire station edifice and recognized Susan Price who was in attendance. Price is the daughter of DeWitts longest serving 1934-1968 Fire Chief Everett Price. Seven other past Chiefs were also on hand as well as dozens of past members and family members. Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Chris Daly welcomed the children of our community and fire service family recognizing them as the future or our fire service. Daly and MacLachlan then invited the next generation of firefighters to uncouple the fire hose in front of each fire bay to officially open the station. The community was then invited into the building for tours and refreshments. The DeWitt Fire District wishes to thank the community their families and fire service partners for their unending support during this project and always. The next chapter of our remarkable 75 years of history has been opened.

pThe DeWitt Fire District offers child safety seat inspections and installations by certified technicians at no charge. Installation of child safety seats is often much more than meets the eye. Many injuries that occur to children in motor vehicle crashes are avoidable through proper restraint by a child protective seat. The DeWitt Fire District was awarded a grant from the New York State Governors Traffic Safety Committee to assist in promotion of child protective seat use. Arrange to have your child seat properly installed or inspected by one of our personnel to ensure your children are riding as safely as possible. Call the station 446-3195 to arrange an inspection or installation.p

Over the next several days the new fire station at 4500 East Genesee Street will get finishing touches. The workers are busy with final finishes and the delivery of contents will commence soon. There will be a public dedication of the new building on Saturday June 21 at 10 am. All are invited and welcome to come and see their new fire station.