Celebrating 140 Years of Making a Difference

On left is Christopher D. Brown, long- time President of the Exempt Firemen’s Association with the person who will replace him, Terriciena Brown, the first African- American to hold this role.
On left is Christopher D. Brown, long- time President of the Exempt Firemen’s Association with the person who will replace him, Terriciena Brown, the first African- American to hold this role.

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – Terriciena Brown wanted to be a volunteer firefighter since the age of 27. That role was never realized; however, several other key positions within the department close to her heart did materialize.

Brown joined the Parade Unit of the Exempt Firemen’s Association in the City of Poughkeepsie where she was born and raised. Involved in that critical membership for 11 years, Brown served on its Board of Trustees for five years. Further, her journey has taken her to the Director of Membership for 12 years as well as that of the Firemen Exempt Ladies Auxiliary Club. Expressing a deep, long-time interest in these roles assisting the development of the Association, Brown was all smiles when the news of her being appointed the new President-with a trailblazer distinction- was revealed Saturday night at the Association’s 140th Anniversary Black Tie Affair.

“I was so honored to be appointed by the former President, Christopher Tetsas,” said Brown, a Councilwoman for the Third Ward in the City of Poughkeepsie. “It is especially meaningful as the first African-American to hold the position as well as first Black woman to do so; this is very special too because this organization is a part of the Ward I represent, and I am going to do my very best.”

From left are: Evan Menist, 2nd Ward Councilman; Sakima McClinton, former 8th Ward Councilwoman; Christopher D. Petsas, long-time President Exempt Fireman’s Association; Terriciena Brown, Councilwoman and new President Exempt Fireman’s Association and Yvonne Flowers, City of Poughkeepsie Mayor.
From left are: Evan Menist, 2nd Ward Councilman; Sakima McClinton, former 8th Ward Councilwoman; Christopher D. Petsas, long-time President Exempt Fireman’s Association; Terriciena Brown, Councilwoman and new President Exempt Fireman’s Association and Yvonne Flowers, City of Poughkeepsie Mayor.

Brown will replace Tetsas, who served as President for a total of around seven years and has been a volunteer firefighter since 2004. Stepping down from the position where he was involved with both a variety of challenges as well as incredible progress, Tetsas is deeply proud of the positive transformation he has witnessed within the Association during his two tenures at the helm.

“Looking to the future, I realize we need to be open to even greater diversity; this is a historic event to have the first female as well as woman of color as President, and I’m so proud of the fact that we have been able to break the glass ceiling,” said Tetsas. “We have really developed as an Association over the past 140 years.”

Officially starting in November, 1886, The Exempt Firemen’s Association in the City of Poughkeepsie is guided by its mission to support volunteer firefighters in Dutchess County. Originally dubbed: the Poughkeepsie Veteran’s Firemen’s Association and managed and overseen by a seven member “Board of Governors,” representing each of the seven volunteer firehouses, the renamed Association set out to encourage social interaction of these companies, while assisting those who were experiencing stress, providing financial help to widows and orphans and landing an appropriate membership headquarters. Across from that present, beloved 200 Mansion Street site, established in 1968, sits a lofty accomplishment of the organization: The Dutchess County Fallen Firefighters Monument, located in Mansion Square Park with the clear intention “to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

The monument- whose fundraising, along with design and construction oversight, were done by the Association is a culmination in many ways of a long journey the organization has endured and accomplished. Starting out as an all-white group, the Association allowed for female members in the early 1990’s, and in the early 2000’s the first African-American member was accepted. Taking many strides toward diversity over the years, the monument is a powerful testament to something even larger: the power of community.

On left is Terriciena Brown, the new President of the Exempt Firemen’s Association, with her husband. Brown has the distinction of being the first African- American to hold this esteemed position.
On left is Terriciena Brown, the new President of the Exempt Firemen’s Association, with her husband. Brown has the distinction of being the first African- American to hold this esteemed position.

“If anyone asks you what community looks like,” said New York State Senator, Rob Rolison, who vividly recalled the Association’s powerful imprint when he was growing up in Poughkeepsie, was one of several political dignitaries on hand (City of Poughkeepsie Mayor, Yvonne Flowers was in attendance as was Assemblyman, Jonathan Jacobson) to present official proclamations and other accolades to both the former and new Presidents. “It’s right here in this room, and in Poughkeepsie.”

The 140 year celebration of a cornerstone pillar in the City of Poughkeepsie included; live music, praise dancers a multi-course dinner as well as plenty of community bonding, dancing, smiles and joy. The occasion was not only telling of the enduring, uplifting organization in the City, but also reflective of just how far it has come- and continues to grow- as a whole.

“I know I can go to bed at night, knowing we are doing the right thing as an Association,” said Petsas. “I am proud we do not see color- just people and look forward to our future.”

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