Croton's firefighters took their next new engine a step closer to reality on Jan. 27, with the Fire Council's Engine 119 committee reporting it is ready to hand the village manager final purchase specifications — and the number to go with them. Two potential dates are on the calendar to lock in the specs with the builder, according to the approved minutes. The truck is one of three apparatus projects now in motion for the department: the replacement for Ladder 44 remains on schedule for a 2027 delivery, while the Engine 120 committee had nothing new to report. The council also heard that the village has approved the department's annual Big Bucks raffle, with tickets expected to arrive soon. Deputy Mayor Len Simon attended the meeting with updates from Village Hall. The village has sent the MTA a letter about a range of ongoing issues and requested a meeting to hash out concerns on the fire and EMS side. Planning is also underway for repair work on the Half Moon Bay bridge, with the beginning stages expected to start around December and at least one lane kept open throughout the work. The deputy mayor closed by thanking the volunteers for everything they do. In the chiefs' reports, the presiding chief thanked members for turning out through a stretch of snow and EMS-assist calls — most notably a call at the home of one of the department's own, where members pulled together to shovel and salt the driveway so EMS could bring a family member out to the ambulance, and another call the day of the meeting to help a resident out of his apartment. 2nd Assistant Chief Joe Streany reported a turnout of roughly 40 members for the department's first training session of the year, and said about a half-dozen members answered the mutual-aid call to the Montrose fire — where, per the minutes, "we did get put to work." The elevator at the Harmon firehouse will be out of service for about three weeks for repairs. Streany also told the council he has taken on responsibility for the department's firehouses while a fellow chief handles apparatus, and said he will be working hard to get projects done. On the social calendar, the department's dinner dance was set for Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Cortlandt Colonial, honoring two outgoing chiefs, Josh Karpoff and Phil Dinkler, at $120 a person — with about 35 members signed up so far, the council was urged to push their companies for head counts. An officers meeting was scheduled for Feb. 2, physicals for mid-April, and the training committee is assembling a list and schedule for the full year. The holiday party's final accounting: 60 members and guests attended, running up a $4,680 bill. Harmon Engine has paid its $845 share, Columbian Hook & Ladder still owes $325, and Chemical Engine and Washington Engine each owe $1,105. Streany delivered what he said would be his final report on the event — with a reminder about who still owes. In membership moves, the council accepted a Harmon Engine member's shift from the active roster to the social list, contingent on the return of department property, and approved a Columbian Hook & Ladder member's change from active to life-administrative status. Engine 120 will march in two St. Patrick's Day parades after the council approved both appearances: Peekskill's on Saturday, March 14, with a 2:30 p.m. lineup and 3 p.m. step-off, and Buchanan's on Sunday, March 15, with a 1:30 p.m. lineup and 2 p.m. step-off. The council also approved a $100 quarter-page ad in the Sleepy Hollow Fire Department's journal. Under new business, company presidents and treasurers were reminded that the department has finally heard from the state comptroller's office — and is off the hook, after two years, over its "2% money" filing — with copies of the letter placed in every member's mailbox. Two members were tapped to plan the department's Recruit NY event, and when one council member asked who represents the fire department at Planning Board meetings, the answer was that it is generally the chiefs; there is no official liaison, and matters have been discussed with the fire marshal. The council's account held $12,849.08, with paperwork underway to restart the annual fund drive through Municipal Marketing. Explorer Post 2089 is handing its lead-advisor role to council member John Munson as it renews its charter. February brings the biggest items: a vote on the 7.1.5 bylaw amendment and the council's own budget request — while the Engine 119 price tag lands with the village manager ahead of the village's next budget season.