Marsha Holland, a Chautauqua County volunteer firefighter, has been elected to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Firemen’s Home board.

Marsha Holland, a Chautauqua County volunteer firefighter, has been elected to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Firemen’s Home board.

The Fireman’s Home is a specialized residential healthcare facility for retired volunteer firefighters in Hudson. A 20-year member of FASNY, Holland had previously been chairperson of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee and this is her first term as board member of the Firemen’s Home.

Holland has been a long-time member for the Westfield Fire Department, joining in 1996. She has held the positions of first and assistant chief, captain and lieutenant of the Rescue Squad, captain and secretary of the Cascade Hose Company and had been department secretary for 13 years.

“It is extremely satisfying to be able to serve as a volunteer firefighter and help my community,” said Holland. “As a trustee I am looking forward to overseeing the health and wellbeing of my fellow volunteer firefighters.”

Holland was the first female president of the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen and is a nationally certified fire prevention and life safety educator. Having been an EMT for 15 years and longtime firefighter, she also was an advisor to the Westfield Volunteer Firefighter Explorers, a youth group that helps train and educate those who are interested in the fire service.

“The Firemen’s Home has taken great strides in the past few years, and I hope to continue this trend.” Holland said.

Holland and her husband, Lyle, also a member of the Fire Department of Westfield, live in Westfield and have 15 grandchildren and 10 children.

The FASNY Firemen’s Home started 100 years ago as a refuge for firefighters in need with no safe place to live and has become a fully licensed and certified residential healthcare facility. It provides members with rehabilitation and therapy and is well known for nurturing the camaraderie unique to the fire service. Located in Hudson, the Firemen’s Home also serves as the grounds for the Museum of Firefighting as well as the Firefighter’s Memorial. The Home additionally houses a chapel presenting interdenominational services and opportunity for reflection.