SCHENECTADY — After dedicating over four decades of his life to first response services, Kenneth Almy retired as the chief of the Scotia Fire Department in 2022. However, his journey of service is far from over. He is now set to take on the role of the new fire coordinator of Schenectady County.
On Monday, the county Legislature’s Firefighting and EMS Committee moved forward with a resolution to appoint Almy to the position, effective from Feb. 14. Since his retirement from the Scotia department in March 2022, Almy has been serving as the county’s deputy fire coordinator.
“Kenneth has been a vital asset to our office. He hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since,” said Mark LaViolette, the county’s director of emergency management. “I fully support his appointment.
Almy is set to succeed Scott Pike, who is retiring after a career spanning over two decades in emergency management, including a five-year tenure as fire coordinator. This role involves overseeing key services such as the county’s fire radio system, mutual aid, and hazardous and mass casualty response.
“Scott’s significant contributions, particularly in managing crucial training programs, the Hazardous Materials Response Team, County Fire Mutual Aid Program, and the County Mass Casualty Incident Response Plan, have made a lasting impact,” said Anthony Jasenski, chair of the Firefighting and EMS Committee. “As he steps into retirement, we wish him all the best and are confident that Kenneth Almy is the perfect candidate to continue this legacy of exceptional service.”
The full Legislature is anticipated to approve Almy’s appointment during its meeting on Feb. 13. The fire coordinator position comes with an annual salary of $72,527.
Almy’s journey in public service began in 1981 as a tech sergeant with the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Flight of the New York Air National Guard. He then served as an EMT supervisor with Mohawk Ambulance Service from 1982 for nine years.
In 1987, Almy spent two years as a road patrol deputy with the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office, before embarking on a career spanning over 30 years with the Scotia Fire Department in 1989.
Almy retired in 2022, following a heartfelt walkout ceremony, where he likened the department’s members to his own family.
“They say you know when it’s time to retire,” he shared with The Daily Gazette at the time. “It’s time.”
However, on Monday, Almy expressed his excitement about the new opportunity and his commitment to enhancing safety for first responders and residents.
“I thought I was going to retire but things just keep calling you,” he told lawmakers. “This is a final, good place to be. I want safety for the first responders out there. I want better communication. I want us to work better as a team, and I certainly want to protect the residents of this fine county.”
As Almy prepares to assume the fire coordinator position, many departments across the county are grappling with challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers, and career departments are struggling to fully staff their ranks.
Several municipalities, including Schenectady County, have passed legislation extending tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.
This issue has resulted in longer response times in some parts of the county and increased reliance on mutual aid.
Gary Hughes, chair of the county Legislature, established the Firefighting and EMS Committee to devise strategies to tackle this issue in the future.
Great choice for the fire coordinator position! This experienced former Scotia Fire Chief will bring valuable expertise and leadership to Schenectady County.
Uncaring: Not familiar with either of these individuals, but I hope the appointment leads to positive changes for the county’s fire services.