Johnson City firefighters this week successfully defeated a challenge from a neighboring volunteer fire service that sought to take over fire protection services. Time Warner Cable News covered the event. Find the story here.
Local 921 President Bob Blakeslee and his colleagues should be praised for recognizing the potential problem early, seeking the advice of the state office and Corning Place Communications in Albany, and carrying out a plan that focused on facts, positive interactions with local officials and for garnering community support.
The effort was punctuated by this terrific presentation (watch the video below) by Local 921 Secretary Matt Lee to the town of Union board. The board eventually rejected the proposal by the volunteer agency based on the data Lee presented.