Cassadaga Fire Dept. Holds 2023 Installation Banquet
CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department recently held its 2023 installation banquet at the Cassadaga Fire Hall in the village.
The volunteer fire department was organized in 1924, and is in its 99th year of serving the village. Incoming president of the fire department Danna DuBois served as the master of ceremony and welcomed all to the banquet. She then introduced those seated at the head table, and many visitors and guests. Following the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag, a moment of silence was held for the five Cassadaga Fire Department members “who answered their last call of duty,” and for the 96 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2022 throughout the U.S., and the 2 already reported in 2023.
Special guests included Cassadaga Village Mayor William Dorman and his wife Viola, Cassadaga Deputy Mayor William Astry, Village Trustee Cindy Flaherty and her companion Dennis Collins, and Cassadaga Village Historian and honorary life members John Sipos and his wife Susan. Also included were bordering chiefs from Stockton Jeremy Catanese and his wife Betty, from Forestville Lt. Joshua Woods and his wife Stephanie, from Lily Dale Bill Avis and his wife Jackie, and from Fredonia Lt. Alex Zentz. The honorary life members from Pine Bush Fire Department present were Bob Morgenthaler, Frank Garvey Sr., and Jeff Parsals and his wife Judy. Also recognized was New York City Firefighter Anthony Barruso and his wife Antoinette. Present from the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services Battalion I Coordinator was Kyle Barthel and his wife Erin, and the CCEMS Senior Paramedic Tim Carlson and his wife Gabbie.
The Chautauqua County Deputy Fire Coordinator for Hazmat and the County Planning Technician Chris Wichlacz and his wife Tammie were introduced. At the head table included Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, from Senator George Borrello’s office were Lisa Vanstrom and Randy Holcomb. The current fire chief Joshua Newark and his wife Danielle who is also the current EMS captain, outgoing president David Muscato and his wife Sue, Danna Dubois and her friend Andy, incoming secretary Laura Logan and her husband Rich, incoming treasurer Debbie Johnson and her daughter-in-law Brittany, and incoming Vice President Dan Russell and his wife Rebecca were introduced. Joshua Newark who is the current chief has been newly appointed as the CCEMS Sr. Paramedic.
Recognized for years of longevity were Chad Boyland, Robert DeGolier and David Disaverio for 10 years of service, Edward Sisson for 15 years of service, James Muscato and Charlye Tyler for 20 years of service, Robert Frank for 25 years of service marking him a life member, and David Muscato for 40 years of service. Andy Hastings was recognized for taking on the roll of the Fire Police Captain. The top ten responders in 2022 were Adam Zarcynski Brett Zarcynski, Dan Russell, Mike Lehnen, Archie Colton, Andy Hastings, Danna DuBois, David Muscato, Terry Penhollow, and Bob Frank. The junior members were recognized and roses were presented to the members of the Ladies Auxiliary by Abbey DuBois and Thad Wichlacz, and the Ladies Prayer was given. Cindy Goot talked about the Ladies Auxiliary, and recognized those with years of longevity. Terry Ann Blizzard has been an Auxiliary member for 40 years.
Mayor Dorman then gave the oath of office to the 2023 incoming officers. They are Danna DuBois incoming president, Laura Logan incoming secretary, Debbie Johnson incoming treasurer, and Dan Russell incoming vice president.