A Fiery Finish For Jr. Firefighters Safety Camp

Participants in the YMCA's Junior Firefighter safety course, were treated to a live burn demonstration this morning by the Oneonta Fire Dept. "A fire doubles in size every 30 seconds." explains Don Tubia, left, Oneonta, as the children begin to feel the intense heat from the blaze. In the background, Dan Alley and Chuck Barringer prepare to douse the blaze. Over the last two days, participants in the program learned fire safety precautions, met fire dogs, ran fire drills, explored a medevac helicopter, and got up close and personal with Oneonta Fire fighters. The day ended with awards, ice cream and of course, a refreshing dousing by the fire hose. The program is now in its 11th year. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)

This morning participants in the YMCA’s Junior Firefighter safety course, were treated to a live burn demonstration at the 6th Ward Booster Club Athletic Field by the Oneonta Fire Dept. “A fire doubles in size every 30 seconds.” explains OFD fireman Don Tubia, left, as the children noticeably begin to feel the intense heat from the quickly spreading blaze. In the background, firemen Dan Alley and Chuck Barringer prepare to douse the blaze. Over the last two days, participants in the program learned fire safety precautions, met fire dogs, ran fire drills, explored a medevac helicopter, and got up close and personal with Oneonta Fire fighters. The day ended with awards, ice cream and of course, a refreshing dousing by the fire hose. The program is now in its 11th year. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)

In Memoriam: Charles M. Brooks

ALBANY – Charles M. “Chuck” Brooks passed away suddenly Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Born March 30, 1954, in Brockton, Massachusetts, he was the eldest of three children of Massachusetts natives Malcolm Norris Brooks and Esther Claire Kent Brooks. The family lived in Cohasset, Massachusetts, and then moved to Cooperstown in July of 1963 when Chuck’s father was hired as Director of the Alfred Corning Clark Gymnasium. Chuck enjoyed his youth in Cooperstown, and was active with church youth programs, especially at The First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown. Chuck graduated from Cooperstown Central School with the Class of 1972. During his high school years Chuck participated on the basketball and tennis teams. He also enjoyed bowling and playing squash at the ACC gym. He earned both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees at Springfield College and, much like his father, began serving youth in what would become a 34 year a career with the YMCA, 24 of which he was executive director.…

March 15, 2024

Investigation, State of Emergency Continue After Oneonta Explosion

In an update on Monday, December 11, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation is still ongoing but that officials are confident in their knowledge of the events preceding the explosion at 18 Richards Avenue.…

December 14, 2023

Fire Destroys Christopher’s Restaurant

FIRE DESTROYS CHRISTOPHER’S Oneonta Landmark Burns Overnight By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com ONEONTA – The Oneonta Fire Department is still on the scene after an early morning blaze destroyed landmark Christopher’s Restaurant on Southside. The call came into the city fire department at 2:20 a.m. and professional firefighters arrived on the scene to find the restaurant fully engulfed. “It no longer exists,” said fireman Al Sayers Lutz. “It’s been completely destroyed.”…

April 15, 2017

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