From left are Maj. Ralph W. Bailey, CAP Western New York group commander; Sen. George Borrello, Capt. Rob Przybysz, CAP deputy commander, and Assemblyman Joseph Giglio.

OLEAN — Sen. George Borrello was appointed as a major in the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, during a ceremony at his office in Olean.

Maj. Ralph W. Bailey, commander of CAP’s Western New York Group, and Capt. Rob Przybysz, deputy commander, presented Borrello with his appointment documentation. Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, also a CAP major, attended the ceremony.

“I’m honored to be a newly appointed major in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). I volunteered for CAP to help raise awareness of the important work they do for national defense, search and rescue, disaster recovery and aerospace education,” Borrello said.

The Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is celebrating its 80th year. Founded during World War II, volunteer CAP pilots flew missions over the nation’s coasts and borders to protect the homeland. CAP patrols flew 86,865 missions during World War II, reported 91 ships in distress and rescued 363 survivors of German submarine attacks off America’s shores. They also sighted 173 U-boats and dropped 82 bombs and depth charges.

“Right now CAP pilots are flying missions for FEMA, surveying the damage caused by hurricane Ida and assisting with relief efforts,” Borrello said. “Civil Air Patrol members are active across the country and are justly proud of being known as the ‘volunteer firefighters’ of the Air Force.”

While CAP pilots are the most visible aspect of the agency’s service, the majority of CAP volunteers serve on the ground. The more than 61,000 volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol are often the first people on the ground during search and rescue missions and disaster relief efforts. CAP volunteers also assist with border patrol, forest fire patrols and work to keep the homeland safe.

CAP also has a Cadet Program that provides leadership training for youth 12 to 19 years of age. The CAP Cadet Program prepares young adults to become responsible citizens while providing opportunities to explore careers in technical, scientific and aviation-related fields.

“Not enough people know about the essential work Civil Air Patrol volunteers do in our community and across the country,” Sen. Borrello said. “The volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol, past and present, deserve our thanks and recognition for their defense of our great nation and their service and sacrifice to the communities in which they serve. I’m very proud to be a member of the Civil Air Patrol and have this opportunity to shine a light on CAP’s mission and accomplishments.”

For more information, visit GoCivilAirPatrol.com.