Notice of Annual Election of Fire Commissioners- Go to Public Info
Notice of Election of Fire Commissioners
NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION
OF THE TOWN OF WATERTOWN FIRE DISTRICT,
TOWN OF WATERTOWN, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Town Law and Article 11-A of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, the annual election for the Town of Watertown Fire District will be held at the Town of Watertown Fire Station #1, 22825 County Route 67, Watertown, NY 13601, on Tuesday, the 9th day of December, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm for the purpose of:
- Electing one (1) Fire District Commissioner to a five-year term commencing January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2030.
- Approving the establishment of a Reserve Fund according to General Municipal Law Section 6-r of the State of New York for the purpose of payment of retirement contributions, which are defined as all or any portion of the amount payable to the New York State and Local Retirement System or the New York State Local Police and Fire Retirement System pursuant to Sections 17 or 317 of the Retirement and Social Security Law.
Any Town of Watertown Fire District resident desiring their name be added to the ballot for the Commissioner position must submit in writing their notice of intent not later than November 19, 2025 to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Fire District.
All voters residing in the Town of Watertown and registered with the Jefferson County Board of Elections on or before November 9, 2024, shall be eligible to vote.
Dated: November 6, 2025
By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Town of Watertown Fire District, Town of Watertown, Jefferson County, New York
By: Jessica L. Alvarado
Secretary-Treasurer
Town of Watertown Fire District Emphasizes Transparency and Opens Lines of Communication
Watertown, NY — 10/24/2025 —
The Town of Watertown Fire District is committed to maintaining transparency and open communication with residents, media, and the broader community. As part of this commitment, the Fire District has designated a Public Information Officer (PIO) to serve as the primary point of contact for all public and media inquiries.
The PIO will be available to speak with members of the media, provide timely updates, and ensure that accurate information is shared regarding the town fire district operations, initiatives, and public concerns.
“We believe that transparency builds trust,” said Art Cooley, Chairman of Fire Commissioners “Our Public Information Officer is here to make sure that anyone with questions or concerns has a clear and direct way to get answers.”
Members of the media or the public who have questions are encouraged to reach out to the PIO directly.
Contact:
Warren Day
Public Information Officer
Town of Watertown Fire District Commissioner
315-788-9101
Press Release: To The Town of Watertown Residents and Taxpayers
From the Town of Watertown Fire District
Subject: Fire Chief Position
Fire Chief Position Requires Specific Qualifications to Ensure Public Safety and Leadership Excellence
Town of Watertown Fire District is reminding the public that the position of Fire Chief is one of critical importance and requires specific qualifications to ensure the safety, preparedness, and effective leadership of our fire services.
The Fire Chief serves as the highest-ranking officer in the department and is responsible for overseeing all fire operations, emergency response coordination, personnel management, and strategic planning. To fulfill these duties effectively, candidates must meet a set of professional and educational standards.
The Town of Watertown Fire District Commissioners discussed the qualifications for Fire Chief in early October.
Under 19 NYCRR: 426.9
h. Supervisor Level V (Chief of department level responsibilities) a person: 1. Possess Fire Officer 3 certification, pursuant to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, 2014 Edition, or possess the training, education, experience or combination thereof, determined by State Fire Administrator to meet the requirements of Civil Service Law section 58-a; and 2.meet the core competencies for incident commander established by the State Fire Administrator, pursuant to General Municipal Law section 204-dd and 9 NYCRR Part 227.
“These qualifications are not just formalities—they are Law.
Therefore, The Town of Watertown Fire District Commissioners had to relieve the Chief of his duties immediately as per Civil Service and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
The Town of Watertown Fire District is committed to maintaining the highest standards in public safety leadership.
The Town of Watertown Fire District 2026 Budget has been approved as of 10/21/2025
Celebrating a Milestone: The First Paid FirefighteR.
In a historic moment for the firefighting community, the first paid firefighter has been honored with the prestigious Fireman of the Year award. This recognition not only highlights the individual's exceptional dedication and bravery but also marks a significant milestone in the evolution of firefighting as a profession.
As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, it is essential to recognize the ongoing efforts to support and advance the firefighting profession. Continued investment in training, equipment, and mental health support for firefighters is crucial to ensuring their safety and effectiveness.
In conclusion, the recognition of the first paid firefighter as Fireman of the Year is a proud moment for the firefighting community. It underscores the importance of their role in society and the need to honor and support those who risk their lives to protect others. This milestone serves as a reminder of the progress made and the ongoing commitment to excellence in firefighting.
It is with great honor that we introduce the first paid firefighter, who has also been awarded the prestigious Fireman of the Year. BRANDON HULBERT.
Winning the Fireman of the Year award is a testament to their outstanding service and dedication. This accolade not only celebrates their individual achievements but also honors the legacy of all firefighters who have followed in their footsteps. Their story serves as an inspiration to current and future firefighters, reminding them of the importance of courage, dedication, and continuous improvement.
Rookie of the year:
It is with immense pride that we celebrate the Rookie of the Year, a firefighter who has shown extraordinary promise and dedication in their first year of service. This award recognizes their outstanding performance, unwavering commitment, and the bright future they hold within the firefighting community.
Rookie of the year: BRITTANY MYERS
The Town of Watertown Fire District Commissioners formally approved hiring a paid Fire Chief and paid Firefighters, a historic first for the district’s 74-year history.
“Part-time” Firefighters were approved after the district’s Board of Fire Commissioners held a public hearing and passed the resolution to hire a paid Fire Chief and paid Firefighters.
According to the Commissioners, their responsibilities will include handling maintenance tasks and ensuring the station has more firefighters available during active work hours, a necessity due to the steadily declining numbers of volunteer firefighters.
The decision to hire career firefighters came about because of a volunteer shortage, which has affected the Town of Watertown Fire District. Due to this shortage, the organization elected to start the process of hiring career firefighters and a Fire Chief.
Our #1 goal is to provide Adequate Fire Protection to the Residents and Visitors within the Town of Watertown.
- Copyright © 2023 Town of Watertown Fire District / 22825 Co. Rte 67 / Watertown, NY 13601 -
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