Freeville fire department seeks volunteers

The W.B. Strong Fire Company in the village of Freeville is seeking volunteers in various positions.

The department, made up 100% of volunteers, is looking to bring in individuals to volunteer as firefighters, emergency medical technicians, auxiliary members or other positions.

Mike Parker, chief of the Freeville fire department, noted that his department went on a total of 415 calls for fire and medical services in the area.

“As our community grows, so does our request for service. From fires, auto accidents, hazardous material incidents and industrial accidents, to medical calls such as general illness, heart attacks, strokes and injuries, we’ll always need help,” Parker said.

Parker mentioned that there are a plethora of ways to be involved with the company. This includes the company providing training for potential EMTs.

“We all need responders to put out fires, respond to auto accidents and medical emergencies as well as general fire alarms,” Parker said, noting that the volunteer shortage is not only in Freeville but nationwide.

Auxiliary members support the company through assistance in fundraising and community activities, support with refreshments and rehabilitation on larger fire scenes.

Parker also noted that there are opportunities for those who have a specialty or interest in administrative roles, including fundraising, activities from pancake breakfasts to Halloween night, open houses and more.

Parker encouraged interested individuals to become part of the W.B. Strong Fire Company family, no matter the role an individual would take on.

The company provides junior memberships, along with opportunities for scholarships, to those between the ages of 16 and 17 who are looking to explore a career.

“There is a role for everyone, no matter the age,” he said, noting that all members would receive first aid, CPR and AED training. “It takes a village, and we have a great one.”

Those interested can stop by the fire station at 21 Union St. in the village on Wednesday evenings, which includes 7 p.m. training and truck checks. Applications can be filled out in person at the fire station or by showing interest via email to chief@freevillefd.com.

For those not interested in volunteering, Parker invited individuals to come by and look around the fire station.

Members of the W.B. Strong Fire Company meet at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month. The meetings are open to the public.

The company is accepting donations. Send donations to Freeville Fire Co., P.O. Box 129, Freeville, NY 13068.

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Email story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Unofficial village election results

Here are unofficial election results for the villages of Dryden and Freeville.

In the Dryden village mayoral race, incumbent mayor Mike Murphy (D) currently has a total of 182 votes. His opponent, Tom Corey (R), has 117 votes.

For the Village of Dryden Board of Trustees candidates, incumbent Jason “Lou” Dickinson (D) has 176 votes, while his running mate Tom Sinclair has compiled 184 votes. Republican nominees Tim Arnold and Fred Stock have 118 and 119 votes, respectively.

In the Village of Freeville Board of Trustees elections, incumbent Jason Cuykendall has been reelected with 20 votes. New Board of Trustees member Stephanie Ortolano tallied 19 votes.

According to the Tompkins County Board of Elections, results will become official soon.

Dryden Fire Department to host community blood drive

The Dryden Fire Department is hosting a community blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. April 5 at 26 N. Main St.

Those interested in donating blood can make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Dryden Central School District seeks Board of Education candidates

The Dryden Central School District (DCSD) is seeking candidates for this year’s Board of Education (BOE) election on May 16.

Three seats are available on the DCSD’s BOE. Elected individuals would run their term from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2026.

Candidates’ petitions with 27 signatures are due at the district clerk’s office by 5 p.m. April 17.

For more information, questions or to request a candidate packet, contact District Clerk Carrie Merriman at 607-844-5361.

Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund grant applications due by March 31

The Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund (DYOF) is accepting grant applications until March 31.

Awarded twice a year, the DYOF grant funds are for the long-term benefit of Dryden-area youth programs through innovative and creative projects, and activities beyond the basic requirements of education.

Projects should aim at cultural enrichment, academic achievement and youth development. The DYOF funds can be used to supplement education and extracurricular activities that are usually funded by school budgets, but are not intended to replace them.

Groups sponsored by a nonprofit organization that serves Dryden-area programs are eligible to apply for DYOF grant funding. 

For more information or to download a grant application form, go to dyof.org. Applications can be mailed to DYOF, P.O. Box 1076, Dryden, NY 13053.

The DYOF board of volunteers will review applications in April.