Gardiner Fire and Rescue - New York

05/12/2026

The officers and members of the Gardiner Fire Department extend our heartfelt condolences to the Wallkill Hook, Ladder and Hose Co., and to the family and friends of Firefighter Jason Pittman.

Our thoughts are with everyone mourning this tremendous loss. The entire fire service stands beside our brothers and sisters in Wallkill during this difficult time.

05/04/2026

🚨 Gardiner Fire Department Reminder 🚨

We’re sharing this again as a reminder for our first responders

Fighting Spirit Martial Arts & Fitness is offering FREE fitness classes for first responders throughout May. This is a great opportunity to focus on our health and wellness so we can continue to safely serve our community.

Taking time to build strength, improve endurance, and stay mentally ready is critical for the work we do every day.

If you have not taken advantage of this yet, there is still time. Check out the flyer below for the full schedule and details.

Let’s continue to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others 💪

04/21/2026

Last night was drill night for the Gardiner Fire Department, and our members put their skills to the test during a hands on extrication training.

Using tools such as the Jaws of Life, cribbing, and air bags, crews worked together to carefully move a ball through a challenging maze. This drill focused on precision, teamwork, and communication, requiring members to plan each move and operate equipment with control and coordination.

Training like this helps build the skills needed to operate effectively and safely on emergency scenes. Great work by all members who participated and continue to stay committed to improving their abilities.

If you are interested in joining the Gardiner Fire Department, stop down on a Monday night at 7pm. You can pick up an application, speak with a member, and get your questions answered.

04/18/2026

We are so grateful and humbled to have witnessed the outpouring of support at our Benefit Dinner last night. Friends, family, multiple agencies, community members and many other amazing individuals made up the 220+ people that came through the doors and stood in line to have a great homemade meal and join in commodery. This event was a true testiment of generosity and support during a tough fight of an amazing man. A big shout out to those that assisted with donations: Wright's Farm (pies and cupcakes), Gardiner Bakehouse (bread) and New Paltz Rescue Squad (custom bracelets and stickers) and Dino's Food.

04/17/2026

04/09/2026

🚩 RED FLAG WARNING TODAY 🚩

Use extreme caution due to elevated fire danger across New York State today. Dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds mean that fires can start easily and spread rapidly.

🔥 **No open burning**
🔥 Avoid sparks from equipment or vehicles
🔥 Properly dispose of ci******es
🔥 Report any signs of fire immediately

Please remember that we are still under our annual Statewide burn ban.

04/04/2026

This afternoon, the Gardiner Fire Department responded on mutual aid to a structure fire in the Shawangunk Valley Fire District, providing both fire suppression support and an ambulance crew.

📸 Photo 1: Fire crew (left to right) — Fire 2nd LT Dave Bailin, Firefighter Paulo Sartorio Netto, Driver/Firefighter Marc Alexander, Firefighter Tyler Domer, Fire 3rd LT/Safety Officer Justin Wadsworth, and Fire Captain Keith Perry.

📸 Photo 2: EMS crew — Rescue Captain Meghan Goodnow and Rescue 2nd LT Sara Wadsworth, who responded with our ambulance.

Not pictured but on scene: 1st Assistant Chief Brian Stiscia.

Great teamwork alongside our mutual aid partners to bring the incident under control.

01/25/2026

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has issued a Local Emergency Order establishing a Countywide travel ban beginning Sunday, January 25 at 7 AM, in advance of a long‑duration winter storm expected to bring significant snow accumulations and hazardous conditions.

The storm is forecast to create dangerous travel conditions, slow snow‑removal operations, and impact emergency response. Out of an abundance of caution, and following a determination that public safety is at risk due to the impending storm, the following restrictions will be in effect:

TRAVEL BAN DETAILS
- All non‑essential vehicular travel is prohibited on public roadways within Ulster County.
- Only essential emergency vehicles and essential personnel are permitted to travel.
- Start: 7 AM on January 25, 2026
- End: 12 PM on January 26, 2026 (unless extended or revoked)

Residents are urged to stay off the roads, allow plow crews to work safely and efficiently, and avoid putting themselves or first responders in danger.

Additional updates will be provided at ulstercountyny.gov, and shared through Ulster County’s official channels.

For additional information on storm response, visit ulstercountyny.gov/Departments/Emergency-Services

01/11/2026

We want to give our condolences to the family of former Ulster County Ambulance Association President and Past Captain of Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corp Joseph Poptanich Jr.

Many of our volunteers have experienced Joe's knowledge and leadership and are better first responders for having known him.

"Family and Friends are asked to gather on Thursday January 15th at 7pm at the Harris Funeral Home in Roscoe, NY to pay their last respects."

Thank you for all your contributions, Joe.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of former Ulster County Ambulance Association President and Past Captain of Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corp Joseph Poptanich Jr. Joe was an instrumental part in training many of the counties EMT’s. Joe taught countless EMT classes and taught some of the counties’ best providers who they are today.

Family and Friends are asked to gather on Thursday January 15th at 7pm at the Harris Funeral Home in Roscoe, NY to pay their last respects.

Joe you will be missed, and your service to the county will not be forgotten. 🙏🏻

https://www.harris-fh.com/obituaries/joseph-poptanich-jr?fbclid=IwdGRleAPPFytleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeo4HsBOsf0ZUxTGenphMXiZ7JaaD32G3PdBIVB-M5EGDI_fTOv8uNnMVBROI_aem_Ytvx9h6DDZm5tB04uRgDHw

01/08/2026

January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, and Gardiner Fire and Rescue is proud to stand alongside Modena Fire & Rescue and Ken Meyer in his battle against cancer.

Ken has always been a role model in the community on the fire ground, and recently highlighted the importance of proper decontamination measures and safety after a fire has occurred.

We extend our support and best wishes to him, his family, and Modena Fire and Rescue.

"Not cool to be salty now. Clean gear is in style now. DECON DECON DECON." - Ken