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Kennedy Volunteer Fire Department Hosts Annual Banquet

Pictured, from left, are Amanda Braley, Devon Donelson, Corey Swanson, Chris McKinley and Laurie Greenawalt with their new EMT kit bags. The Kennedy Volunteer Fire Department recently held its annual banquet. Photo by Rose Mary Carver

KENNEDY — The Kennedy Volunteer Fire Department recently held its annual banquet, honoring 93 years of service to the community. Members and guests paid tribute to current and former department personnel, and talked about how the type of services needed has changed over the years.

Ed Hoene served as Master of Ceremonies. He introduced the fire commissioners for 2019. Chairman is Dave Weiler; Steve Stanton will serve as treasurer; and Bob Sauer as secretary. The other commissioners are Chris McKinley, Jon Payne and Ed Hoene.

Cindy Crone, president of the auxiliary, introduced its officers. Joan Swanson is the vice president; Lisa Caswell is secretary; serving as treasurer is Grace Ridout; Jacquie Stewart is financial secretary; and Sue Bennett is the chaplain.

Both the fire commissioners and the auxiliary presented checks to the department to help with upcoming costs. Guests were introduced. Deputy Fire Coordinator Anthony “Skip” Cavallaro thanked the Kennedy Fire Department for all the services they have performed, and praised the fact that the KFD has been able to recruit a lot of new members for the department, at a time when it is getting harder to do all over the state and the country.

Kennedy Fire Department Chief Keith Bean spoke to those gathered. He noted that the department responded to 336 calls in 2018. Several members have been able to answer many of them. Josh King was cited for 220 calls; Brendan Swanson answered 183 calls; Wayne Chapman, 162; Dallas Lamb was able to respond 158 times; and Laurie Greenawalt 140.

Chief Bean and Assemblyman Goodell presented awards from the New York State Assembly for years of service. For 30 years of service, Chris McKinley was recognized; for 20 years, Bean; for five years, Bryan Braley, Amanda Braley and Nick Fardink.

Chief Bean introduced his line officers for 2019. First assistant chief is Paul Fardink; second assistant chief is Bryan Braley; Corey Swanson in captain of ambulance 471; Engine 472 captain is John Crandall; Engine 473 captain is Devon Donelson; water supply 474 captain is Chris McKinley; Engine 471 captain is Dallas Lamb; Jon Payne is fire police captain; and Vern Terrill is chaplain.

The auxiliary was thanked by Chief Bean for all they do to support the department. He said they “always know what to do” and they support the department without being asked.

Chris McKinley, president of the Kennedy Fire Department, gave brief remarks. He presented his executive staff. Ken Blitz is vice president; Corey Swanson is secretary; and Jon Payne is treasurer. McKinley noted that on Tuesday nights there are many members down at the fire hall, taking care of the equipment and learning new skills to serve the community to the best of their abilities.

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