The Altona Volunteer Fire Department (AFD) offers a number of invaluable services to its surrounding community. Their services include, but are not limited to, a fire rescue service, a rescue squad/EMS, and a Junior Firefighting program. These services could not have been made available to Altona and its surrounding areas without the selfless and brave contributions of the department volunteers. Junior Fire Department:
To become a member of Altona's Junior Fire Department, you must be between the ages of 14 and 18, as well as be a resident of Altona. The Junior Firefighters are allowed to attend fire calls, however they are not allowed to actually participate in fire fighting. They often assist in packing up and organizing fire gear, and rolling up hoses after a fire call. The Junior Firefighters may not attend motor vehicle accidents or any ambulance calls. However, they are invited and encouraged to participate in all training exercises and . Because the fire services of today have evolved significantly from years ago, the techniques and corresponding equipment must evolve as well. Learning new skills and abilities is often the most important quality of being a fire fighter. So as the technology evolves, so must our volunteers. This is why training plays such a large and important role at the Altona Volunteer Fire Department. All fire fighters are required to undergo a minimum of eight hours of training per year. The department holds Jaws of Life training approximately four or five times a year. Driver training, pumper training, and self-contained breathing apparatus (air pack) training are held regularly by the Altona Volunteer Fire Department. All fire fighters are required to take, upon joining the department, a "Firefighter 1" course, which covers topics such as use of the tools and aparatus (hose, ladders, extinguishers, etc.), fire scene operations, related operations and information, and much more. This course is typically held at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base and is paid for by the Clinton County Fire Association. The Altona Volunteer Fire Department responds to a number of different types of Fire Calls, including:
Motor vehicle accidents
Structure fires
Brush fires
Car fires
Search and rescue
Floods (Sandbagging)
Trees down / lines down (Traffic Control)
History of the Department
The Altona Fire Department held it first meeting at 7:30 p.m. on October 1st, 1959 it was a very meaningful night for the people of Altona. The men that were members started a great tradition for all the future members that would follow. They worked very hard and gave many long hours of dedication and heart to the department and the people of Altona that needed their help. They helped their people through many tragedies. They are the reason that Altona has such a great department today. The first Fire Chief was John Monty. He formed the department and oversaw the purchase of the first fire truck. It was a surplus 500-gallon, 4-wheel drive pumper truck purchased for only One Hundred dollars. In 1960 a new truck was purchased with a bond in the amount of 15,000.00. This bond also included accessories, and equipment. On March 10, 1960 Bill Slocum, and John Monty drove the new truck into the town of Altona. On May 2, 1960 the truck, pump, siren, and radios were ready for service. Later a tank truck became part of the department's fleet. It was built to help with the water supply. They only had three trucks in their fleet, which isn't that spectacular but they made them last for over ten years.
