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In Athens Fire Department, blood lines run deep

By Billie Dunn

ATHENS — Most kids blow out candles on their birthday. Ryan Earle puts out fires. Or at least he can now.

The 15-year-old-turned-16 spent his Aug. 19 birthday at the Athens Volunteer Fire Department, where he’s been volunteering for years. But on Tuesday he became the second youngest member of the department — second only to the department’s chief, John Greco — who is Earle’s uncle. He became a firefighter nearly 30 years ago, at the age of 15.

“Blood lines run deep in the volunteer fire department,” said Greco. According to him Earle is a sixth-generation firefighter.

“It didn’t take much encouraging,” said Earle’s father Adam Greco. “He couldn’t wait for two years for this day to come.” Adam is the department’s second assistant chief — and John’s brother.

Both men are proud that Earle is continuing the family tradition.

On Sept. 2 Earle will begin ninth grade at Coxsackie-Athens High School. Like most high schoolers, when he isn’t in class he’s riding his bike, playing his Xbox, or walking his dog Ginger. He also works at Sleepy Hollow Lake, and when there isn’t anything else to do, he helps his mom Tammy around the house.

But unlike most high schoolers, he also hangs out at the firehouse every chance he gets. He remembers the first day he volunteered — there was an event at the firehouse, and Adam was sick, so he went there to lend a hand. He’s been there ever since — serving meals, washing dishes, cleaning — you name it.

On Sept. 11 Earle will begin attending fire school with five other boys from the Athens area, ranging in age from 16 to 25 years old. Classes are taught at the Greene County Department of Emergency Services in Cairo and are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the fall. Afterward he — and five others — will be “class A” firefighters.

The Athens Volunteer Fire Department has 120 members, nearly half of whom are active. The department responds to an average of 120 calls yearly, and has responded to 73 calls so far this year. Adam says that many of the calls have been pump-outs and downed wires as a result of the area’s stormy summer.

On Tuesday Earle geared up for the department’s regularly-scheduled weekly fire drill. His gear — boots, helmet, overalls, jacket — weighs about 15 pounds, but according to Adam, when you add respiration equipment you can carry between 40 and 60 extra pounds — which Earle, who plans on sticking around, will grow in to.

“The best part of volunteering is hanging with the guys,” said Earle, who can’t wait to officially fight his first fire.

Volunteerism is at an all time low in departments throughout the state, and Earle is a welcomed edition to the department’s staff.

“He’s continuing a family tradition. We couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Adam.

To reach reporter Billie Dunn, please call 518-943-2100, ext. 3323, or e-mail bdunn@thedailymail.net

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