Cassadaga VFD holds installation banquet

CASSADAGA – The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department held its annual installation banquet at the Cassadaga Fire Hall in the village.

The volunteer fire department was organized in 1924 shortly after the village was incorporated, and is in its 102nd year of serving the village. Dan Russell, department vice president, served as the master of ceremony. Following the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag, a moment of silence was held for the five Cassadaga Fire Department members who passed away over the past year and for the 81 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2025 throughout the U.S. and the 63 already in 2026.

Special guests included Cassadaga Mayor Rudy Abersold, Cassadaga Village Clerk Sue Penhollow, Cassadaga village trustees Danna DuBois, David Rowley and his wife Cheryl, and Cassadaga Village historian and life members John Sipos and his wife Susan. Sipos is also on the Stockton Town Board. Also included were members of bordering fire departments of Stockton, Sheridan, Forestville, Lily Dale and Sinclairville. Honorary life members from Pine Bush Fire Department attending were Bob Morgenthaler and Frank Garvey Sr., and retired FDNY firefighter Anthony Barruso and his wife Antoinette were introduced. Present from the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services were First Battalion Chief Mike Keddie and his wife Penny, and HazMat coordinator and department board president Christopher Wichlacz and his wife Tammie, who is also a department member.

Seated at the head table were state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, who spoke of helping others, and Debbie Johnson, who serves as treasurer. Also introduced was Becky Frank, wife of chief Bobby Frank Jr., first assistant chief Donald Minnich, second assistant Tim Cobb and his wife Paige, EMS Capt. Josh Newark and his wife Danielle, an EMS lieutenant. From the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office was the Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, and John Penhollow, Chautauqua County legislator from District 7.

Following the meal, the department chief told of the calls this year and the number of hours, and the number of hours of training. A special thank you was extended to the Ladies Auxiliary, and flowers were given to Auxiliary members. There were those recognized for their years of service, and those who were top responders.

Village Mayor Rudy Absersold administered the oath of office to incoming officers.