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Long Lake/Raquette Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Welcome to the Long Lake and Raquette Lake Volunteer Fire Department. As the Town of Long Lake serves two hamlets it has two separate fire departments. It is the mission of the Long Lake and Raquette Lake Volunteer Fire Departments to minimize the loss of life and property for its fire service recipients in the Town of Long Lake from fires, natural disasters, life threatening situations and to assist other emergency agencies. It is their goal to perform these services in a professional and efficient manner by maintaining effective training, fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency response.

The Long Lake and Raquette Lake Fire Departments are all volunteer emergency men and women serving the community.

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Long Lake Fire Department

Long Lake Fire Department

The men and the women of the Volunteer Fire Department are year round residents of the community committed to the safety and well being of residents and visitors. Hours of training, including ice training the in cold winter months are vital to maintain skill sets to continue to provide excellent service and to maintain the highest standards of safety.

President: Jim Piraino
Vice-President: Craig Wamback
Treasurer: Ceci Bush
Secretary: Paula O’Brien Piraino
Fire Commisioners: Harry Buxton, Chairman, Gabe Farr, Paula O’Brien-Piraino, Shawn Wright, Charles Taylor
Secretary Fire District: Anthony Clark

Chief: Marty Pierce

1st Assistant John Walker
2nd Assistant Tony Clark

Captain: Eric Hample

Non-emergency number 518 624-4599.

Give to the Long Lake Fire Department.
PO Box 576
Long Lake, NY 12847

Raquette Lake Fire Department

Raquette Lake All-Volunteer Fire Department

Raquette Lake Fire Department
President Gary Miller
Vice President Gene Loriot
Recording Secretary Liz Forsell
Treasurer Jim Dillon
Corresponding Secretary Liz Beckingham
Chief Mark Bird
1st Assistant Gary Miller
2nd Assistant Kurt Murdock
EMS Captain: Corky Risley.
Raquette Lake Ladies Auxiliary
President Kat Forsell
Vice President Elaine Corcoran
Secretary Liz Forsell
Treasurer Amanda Prezbindowski

Fish & Game Club
President & Treasurer-
Memberships available at The Tap Room

171 New York Route 28
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
(315) 354-4644

Raquette Lake Fire Station Progress Report 2022

The Raquette Lake Fire Department’s road to construction of a new Fire Station has been a long one. For almost a decade, the RLFD has recognized that the limits of the current building called for replacement with a new, modern building that can provide safety, security and a facility that meets the needs of the Raquette Lake community.

When the former Spoon – South Bay Tavern property became available, the members of the RLFD voted to negotiate with the owner about purchasing the four acre property. A long process ensued and the RLFD took possession in early May 2015. Members and volunteers worked extensively to clear the property during that year.

A Building Committee was appointed and set to the task of coming up with a design. Fundamental decisions of building location, direction, materials and design elements were discussed and debated. A number of preliminary designs were produced and shared with the RLFD members. Progress was slow at times, as questions of NYS Building Codes, Labor Law, Federal Loan requirements and APA considerations were investigated and determined. Other considerations such as IRS tax exemption, Deed restriction questions and the successful vote resolving the Township 40 issue also were concerns that had to be addressed. Surveys of the property lines were initiated and extensive testing of the soil was undertaken. Storm water management and septic system design and location has presented itself as a major issue. We have submitted an application with the required documentation to the APA – Adirondack Park Agency and we are progressing through these stages with positive expectations.

A highly qualified team has been assembled for this project, including Construction Management by Raquette Lake property owner Dave Kleps and Structural Engineering by Wayne Beckingham.

As expected the most significant challenge has been funding. Many years of past RLFD fundraising have given us a head start. Recent new fundraising efforts have been notable. Many generous individual contributions have been received and are much appreciated. Early on, we spent a significant amount of time researching grant opportunities. The criteria and requirements did not meet the needs of our community or desired direction. Currently, we intend to use a USDA Rural Developmental Loan with low interest rates for the portion we are unable to fundraise.

As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Raquette Lake Fire Department we look forward to many decades in our new Fire Station which we ambitiously hope to break ground in July 2022