CFD recognizes firefighters’ service at banquet

   Every January, the Caledonia Fire Department banquet brings the opportunity to recognize its volunteer members, present the fire service awards and install officers to their positions for the upcoming year. The January 17, 2009 banquet, held at J.W. Jones Hall, was an evening filled with all of the above as well as time for relaxing with friends, family and fellow firefighters from neighboring towns.

   Jim Dutton served as the evening’s toastmaster. He recognized several special guests including Town Supervisor Dan Pangrazio, Mayor Joe Caluorie, Sgt. Dave Richardson, Sheriff Sgt. Joe Zambito and other village and town officials who support the fire department throughout the year.

   After dinner, remarks of gratitude for the past year’s efforts and encouragement for the upcoming year were heard from Chief Tony DeMarco, President Dennis Chapman, Hook and Ladder President Stan MacWilliams, Big Springs Pumper Co. President Pam SinClair, Auxiliary President Donna MacWilliams and Fire District Chair Jim Dutton. DeMarco paid tribute to past chiefs and presidents, the ladies auxiliary, fire wardens and Explorers. The Chief welcomed new members to the CFD: Bob Jake, Justin Rosenzweig, Scott Schmidt, Tim Beavers and Matt Heins.

   Every year the fire department recognizes several long-standing members for their years of service. This year, Fire Commissioners Mark Schroeder and Tom Forsyth presented Don Manley with a clock to recognize his more than 25 years of service as a commissioner. Big Springs Pumper Co. President Pam SinClair presented Chris Beach with a certificate for his years of service. LCSD Sgt. Joe Zambito presented a recognition certificate to Chief Tony DeMarco from the department.

   The high point in the evening came with the presentation of awards. DeMarco announced the top ten point earners for 2008: Anthony DeMarco IV, Ivan Carson, Mike Lubitow, Bill Lysko, Justin Mitchell, Mike O’Mara, Mark Perrin, Roger Gray, Travis Gray and Ben Deragon.

   Fire Service Awards went to: Mike Lubitow (1-5 yrs); Todd Bickford (5-20 yrs); James Dutton (20-35 yrs); James L. Bishop (35-50 yrs); Jack Southcombe (50 yrs); special 20 plus year award went to Kathy Murphy; fire police award to Robert Wyble.

   Hook and Ladder Co. service awards went to Gail Milner (15 yrs); Ross Corser, Mark Schroeder and Tom Allen (20 yrs); Mike Kemnitz (25 yrs); Don Manley and Jim Murphy (45 yrs); Jack Southcombe (50 yrs).

   The Ladies Auxiliary service award was presented to Sue Reid (25 yrs). Helen Mancuso, a resident of the Village Green Nursing Home, was remembered as an active member.

   All firefighters, volunteer and professional, selflessly put their willingness to help others ahead of their own safety every time they answer a fire call. In addition to that, department officers promise to carry out the leadership and administrative duties of the fire department. The following department members took the oath of office for 2009: Line Officers Chief Tony DeMarco, Dep. Chiefs Mike Churchill and John Pike; Captains Chris Beach and John Murray; Lieutenants Ron Beach and Mark Schroeder. Business Officers President Dennis Chapman, Vice Presidents Jack Southcombe and Tony DeMarco IV, Directors Barb Pursel, Bill Reid, Gail Milner and Larry Heins, Secretary Stan MacWilliams and Treasurer Suzanna Heins.

   The Caledonia Fire Department is hosting a parade on June 26 and field days June 26 and 27 that will feature food, games and live entertainment. Fundraising tickets for a chance to win cash prizes in early bird drawings held monthly up to June and at the carnival grounds on June 27 are now on sale. The fire department is very pleased to bring back the traditional parade and look forward to a successful and fun weekend event for the whole family. If you’d like to learn more about the Caledonia Fire Department, visit www.caledoniafiredistrict.org