ATHENS, NY — February 20th — Recently, members of the West Athens–Lime Street Fire Company discovered an old VHS tape that they believe has film from the Greene County Volunteer Firemen's Association Convention, which took place in Catskill, New York, in 2003. The volunteer fire service in New York has a long-standing custom of holding firemen's conferences. Parades, meetings, and other events that honor the work of local firemen bring together departments from all around the county.

Additionally, these gatherings give departments a chance to showcase equipment and build relationships within the emergency services community. Photographs and VHS recordings are examples of historical artifacts that aid in the preservation of the volunteer fire service's past. The firemen, equipment, and customs that have influenced Greene County's fire departments over the years can be seen on recordings from previous conventions.