CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department held its annual installation banquet at the Cassadaga Fire Hall.

David Muscatio, vice president of the fire department, served as the master of ceremony, welcoming all to the banquet, and introduced those seated at the head table, and many of the visitors and guests. Following the pledge of allegiance, there was a moment of silence for the 50 firefighters who died in the line of duty in the United States in the year 2019. There were seven in New York State, and one member from Cassadaga “who answered their last call of duty.”

At the head table were outgoing chief Christopher Wichlacz and his wife Tammie, incoming chief Robert Frank Sr.; incoming first assistant chief Joshua Newark and his wife Danielle, who is also the incoming EMS Captain; incoming second assistant chief Robert Frank Jr. and friend Dawn; incoming third assistant chief Donald Minnich; keynote speaker Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone and his wife Nancy; incoming EMS Lt. Terry Penhollow, and Sue Muscato wife of vice president Muscato.

Following a meal, Quattrone said he is impressed with the department and how they are out providing service to the people of the community, and helping the community. This brought a round of applause. Quattrone concluded his speech with it is good to know that there is help in the community for the people.

Outgoing chief Christopher Wichlacz, who has 11 years of service and served as chief for two years, is also on the County Fire Advisory Board, said that the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department answered 271 calls in 2019. Wichlacz said that in his training, he was always told to be prepared for the unexpected. He thanked the Fire Auxiliary for their help and the village clerk Astry.

Awards were given to outgoing EMS Capt. Laura Logan for eight years, and outgoing EMS Lt. Danna DuBois. For 35 yers of service to the fire department, Stan Zembryski was recognized. The John R. Pattison Memorial Rookie Fire Fighter was presented to Daniel Russell, who had 145 hours of training.

The top ten responders for 2019 were Mike Lehnen as the first, followed by Terry Penhollow, Donald Minnich, Kevin Peebles, Kaitlin Trippy, Brett Zarcynski, Christopher Frank, Laura Logan, Archie Colton, and Danna DuBois.

There were many hours of in-house training, and recognition was given to Christopher Frank, Brett Zarcynski, Robert Frank Jr. and Andy Hastings. The junior members were recognized and presented roses to the members of the Ladies Auxiliary.

President of the Auxiliary Nicole Marrano said the auxiliary has 34 members and thanked all for the many projects during the year. The prayer of the Ladies Auxiliary was then said. It is said, that “we have the best auxiliary.”

Village Mayor William Dorman administered the oath of office to the 2020 officers.