New dive suits were placed in service for the dive team and a weather station was installed at the firehouse. Discussions about forming a Cadet program began. In June, a new Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life) was purchased and Engine 642 was being refurbished. In September, the Lions Club received a plaque for their support of the fire department in obtaining a Life Pak 10 (cardiac monitor) for ambulance 651. The Firefighters instituted a $500 scholarship to a Cary-Grove senior who would enter a college medial or fire program. The 42^nd annual Turkey Raffle was held in November. Specifications for a new pontoon boat for the department were proposed to the district.

273 fire calls were recorded for the year, including a water rescue, garbage truck fire at the fire station and a structure fire.

Tanker 670, a new Peterbuilt 3000 gal pumper/tanker was placed in service. The Cadet program was started; the first cadet coordinator was Angelo Martell. An accountability system to keep track of fire personnel on the fire ground, called the Passport system, was in serviced in May. The Firfighters award a $500 scholarship again, this year, to a Cary-Grove student. A new automatic blood pressure unit was placed on the ambulance. And the 43^rd annual Turkey Raffle was held in November.

299 fire calls were recorded for the year, including a chimney fire, a child in a tree, and a Jet Ski accident.

An Optisom system was installed by the State. Ambulance and engines are now able to control traffic lights during emergencies. In May, new Chief Robert Kreher is appointed by the board of trustees. A 75^th Anniversary Committee was formed. Members included: Rick Gallas, Jim Kreher, Diane Mehlman, and Paul Tousey. The firefighters updated the P.A. System in Station #1. On October 25^th the department had a major accident involving a school bus vs. commuter train at Route 14 and Algonquin Road. Seven of our community’s children were killed and many more were seriously injured. The 44^th annual Turkey Raffle was held in November.

347 fire calls were recorded for the year, including a gas tanker roll over at Routes 22 and 14 and the bus versus train accident.

New medical equipment was put in-service on the ambulance thanks to the generous donations from Armstrong Medical after the bus/train accident. New MSA air packs were placed in-service. Each firefighter now has his or her fitted mask. New Gumby Suits were delivered for cold water rescue. In February the department received a Governor’s Appreciation Award and Flight for Life’s EMS Award for 1995 for their performance during the bus/train accident. Rescue Randy arrives for training. This mannequin will be used for rescue training. In July out divers got their new underwater communications. New patches for the Fire Department were approved by the trustees. These will be used on all uniforms shirts. The 45^th annual Turkey Raffle was held in November.

351 fire calls were recorded for the year, including a snowmobile accident, structure fires, many carbon monoxide calls and a boat fire.

A new weather station was purchased and installed. The firefighter’s scholarship was given again to a Cary-Grove High School student. In August the department started a new siren policy. 1000 ft of supply line now on each engine to meet standards. In September a new 1998 Suburban was ordered and delivered in January 1998. The 46^th annual Turnkey Raffle was held in November. New pediatric equipment was placed on the ambulance and village stickers were designed by Lt. R. Gallas to represent the 75^th Anniversary of the fire department.

379 fire calls were recorded for the year, including 3 structure fires, several auto accidents, and numerous rescue calls.

In January the new Suburban purchased in late 1997 was delivered. Through the fund-raising efforts of the firefighters, the Suburban was made and Advance Life Support vehicle. The firefighters kicked off another new fund-raising campaign in March to purchase a handheld thermal imaging camera to assist in finding victims caught inside a smoke filled room more quickly. The camera was delivered in June as was first used in a burn down on Johnson Rd. Commemorative license plates were designed by Lt. R. Gallas and ordered from the state in honor of the department’s 75^th anniversary. Other plans to commemorate the department’s 75^th anniversary include a fire muster parade in September and a get together for all present and past firefighters in October. In November, the department will hold the 47^th annual Turkey Raffle.