Pine City Volunteer Fire Department

08/25/2026

We have been brushing up on our venting skills over the last couple Monday drill nights. This has been a great opportunity for our members.

07/31/2026

07/24/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Life Member and former Chief, Dave Reese. His complete obituary is posted below, as it appears on the Caywood FH website. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Edie, and their four children. We know he will be sorely missed.

David G. Reese, DVM “Doc”
Pine City, New York

David G. Reese, DVM, affectionately known as “Doc” of Pine City, NY, passed away on July 21, 2026, at Arnot Ogden Hospital at the age of 83. Born in Elmira on September 8, 1942, he was the son of the late, George and Loretta (Antes) Reese. Dave grew up on a dairy farm in Pine City, NY. He graduated from Elmira Southside High School in 1960 and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1966. His career began in 1966 at Broadway Animal Hospital in Southport, NY. In 1975, he helped establish the large-animal partnership practice, Pine City Veterinary Clinic. In 2003, he became the sole proprietor of Dry Run Veterinary Service in Pine City, NY. Dave had a long and accomplished career that touched countless lives. His commitment to his profession and the farming communities he served was unparalleled. He was widely respected for his knowledge and expertise and was considered a mentor by many who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Dave began exhibiting dairy cattle at the Chemung County Fair at the age of eight. He took great pride in owning and showing dairy cattle for more than 60 years. He had an eye for dairy excellence and bred, showed, and sold many champion Holsteins. He exhibited cattle at numerous county fairs throughout New York and Pennsylvania, as well as at the New York State Fair, the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the All-American Dairy Show, and the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin. Dave was a member of the Chemung County Holstein Club, serving as its president for more than 20 years. In 1975, Dave became involved with the Tioga County Fair in Wellsboro, PA, where he served as both president and vice president, along with many other roles, for nearly 40 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs for the past 30 years, contributing to a wide variety of committees. Beyond his distinguished veterinary career, Dave was a lifetime member of the Pine City Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief from 1974 to 1976. He was an avid hunter who loved “good” country music, county fairs, square dancing, and a delicious piece of pie. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Edith (Voorhees) Reese; his four children, Michael Reese of Pine City, NY; Jan (Mark) DeLabar of Hawley, PA; Dennis Reese of Millerton, PA; and Tom (Jenny) Reese of Horseheads, NY; and his seven grandchildren, Zachary, Carlie, Cameron, Tori, Kara, Reagan, and Lance Reese. The family would like to thank the many special friends and family members whose love, support, and generosity over the past several years meant so much to Dave. Your kindness and friendship will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to Pennsylvania Avenue United Methodist Church, 1238 Pennsylvania Ave., Pine City, NY, for visiting hours on Wednesday, July 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Funeral services will immediately follow at 3:15 p.m. Burial will be held on Thursday, July 30, at 10:00 a.m. at Rural Home Cemetery, 5 S. Hibbard Rd., Big Flats, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Tioga County Fair, 2258 Charleston Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901 or Pine City Volunteer Fire Department, 1463 Pennsylvania Ave, Pine City, NY 14871.

07/09/2026

We have recently been working on some fill site and water transfer skills. We also received training on our new SCBA compressor system. Thanks Frank Longwell for the traffic control and keeping us all safe from the passing traffic.

07/05/2026

🚒 The Rising Cost of Protecting Our Communities 🚒

Many people see firefighters responding to emergencies, but what often goes unseen is the growing cost of the equipment and apparatus needed to safely do the job.

For volunteer fire departments, like ours, every helmet, pair of gloves, radio, breathing apparatus, and set of turnout gear is essential—not optional. The cost to outfit just one firefighter has risen dramatically, from around $6,750 in 2020 to over $22,000 today. Fire engines and ladder trucks have also nearly doubled in cost.

Volunteer fire departments work hard to provide professional service while relying heavily on community support, fundraising efforts, grants, and local funding. These rising expenses make it more challenging than ever to maintain equipment, replace aging apparatus, and ensure firefighters have the tools needed to respond safely.

Please remember that when you support your local volunteer fire service—whether through donations, fundraisers, memberships, or simply spreading awareness—you’re investing directly in the safety of your community and the men and women who answer the call.

Thank you for supporting volunteer firefighters and helping us continue to serve. ❤️🚒













⭐ Graphic & post content/info courtesy of Eden Fire Department #1 with our thanks!

07/04/2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America!!!

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To our family & friends, fans & followers, and fire district residents - Happy Fourth of July! As this is a monumental milestone - our great nations 250th birthday, we also extend our best wishes beyond our little hamlet to ALL AMERICANS!

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Here are some great tips courtesy of the NFPA. Feel free to share them on your own pages so the messages reach far and wide. Safety is key as we want you here next year for the 251st (and beyond).

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FIREWORKS are often used to mark special events and holidays. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. It is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.

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FACTS:

⭐ More than 31,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.

⭐ Burns account for 38% of the 7,400 injuries treated in emergency rooms in the month around July 4.

⭐ Half of the fireworks injuries at emergency rooms were extremities: hand, finger, or leg. One-third were to the eye or other parts of the head.

⭐ Children younger than 15 years old accounted for 28% of the estimated fireworks injuries.

⭐ Sparklers account for 29% of fireworks injuries for children under the age of 5 treated in emergency rooms in the month around July 4.

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A few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks:

1. Use glow sticks, they glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler. Fun for all ages.

2. Loud and proud. Noise makers are sure to make a statement. They can be found at local party supply stores or make your own.

3. Outdoor movie night. Set up a screen and projector. Don't forget the bug spray

4. Red, white and blue silly string...fun for all ages.

5. Make a patriotic craft with the family.

6. Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don't forget the cake.

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Infographic courtesy of the NFPA,
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION:
the leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards.

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07/04/2026

Great tips and a few chuckles here. Thanks Bath Ambulance!

Word of the Day: NO.

Two letters.
One syllable.
Zero trips to the burn center.

Let’s practice:

❌ No, your cousin isn’t suddenly a licensed pyrotechnician because it’s the Fourth of July.

❌ No, watching three TikToks and one YouTube video does not make you a fireworks expert. It makes you someone with Wi-Fi.

❌ No, “Hold my beer, I’ve done this before” has never ended with, “…and everyone clapped.”

❌ No, “It’ll be fine” is not a safety plan. It’s usually the opening line of a 911 call.

❌ No, Roman candles are not meant to be held. They’re definitely not meant to be aimed at your buddies.

❌ No, if your first aid kit consists of aloe vera and “walking it off,” you’re not prepared.

❌ No, your HOA doesn’t need a surprise reenactment of the Revolutionary War.

❌ No, if your dog, your neighbors, and the local wildlife are all running away…maybe you should too.

❌ No, we do not want you lighting fireworks.

✅ Yes, we do want you to keep all of your fingers!

Sometimes the smartest, safest, and most patriotic thing you can say is the shortest:

NO.

🇺🇸 Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

🚑 Don’t drink and drive!!

07/02/2026

A REMINDER FROM THE PINE CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Never leave pets, children, or disabled adults in parked vehicles. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia, which occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle.

Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day with temperatures in the 70's. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults.

Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The younger the child the more severe the effects because their bodies have not developed the ability to efficiently regulate its internal temperature.

(Info courtesy of: www.nws.noaa.gov and the American Meteorological Society; graphic courtesy of Monkey Business Graphic Design, Pine City, NY).

06/21/2026

Good Morning! We'd like to wish a very Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there among our family & friends, fans & followers, and fire district residents!

06/16/2026

Last nights drill consisted of Lieutenant Ben Butler putting together a training for some of our members focusing on locating and rescuing a lost hunter in the woods and providing needed medical services. Great job to all and thanks Lieutenant for making this experience happen.