In celebration of its 150th anniversary, The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York is giving itself a new name. As of this month, the group will be known as The Firefighters’ Association of the State of New York (FASNY). The organization’s board voted unanimously to change its name at a December meeting.
“We all felt it was time,” FASNY President John Farrell said in a written statement. Using "firefighter" takes gender out of the association's name. “The volunteer fire service has evolved greatly from the late 19th century. While our original name was based on the fire service of 1872, our new name positions us for the 21st century.” First Vice President, Edward Tase, echoed his comments. “We did not make this change lightly. We know and respect the great history of our association,” he said.