The South Schodack Fire District Board of Commissioners has five members, elected to 5-year terms, one per year. They meet monthly, usually on the fourth Monday.
Seen here, during their January 2003 regular meeting are (clockwise from foreground) Secretary-Treasurer Dale Goodall (in red sweater) and Commissioners Anthony Maier, Roland Ferris, George Messick (Chairman), Harold McEwan and Kenneth Ormiston.
The Commissioners are responsible for managing the South Schodack Fire Department in such a manner as to provide effective fire protection for the District's 1600 residents; for providing the Department with the facilities, equipment and supplies required to perform its fire fighting and fire prevention duties; and for establishing fitness and training requirments for firefighters. The District levies taxes (among the lowest in the region) to support the Fire Department, including operations, training, and capital expenditures.
The Department is legally distinct from the South Schodack Fire Company, the membership body which actually provides firefighters and line officers. Line officers -- a Captain and Lieutenant for each truck and for the Fire Police -- are assigned day-to-day responsibility for training and first-level maintenance of their assigned units. The Board of Commissioners appoints all Chief officers -- a Chief and two Assistant Chiefs -- generally concurring with recommendations by the Fire Company.