   |
| |
 |
|
NORTHERN CENTRAL NEW YORK VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 115th Annual Convention Auburn & Weedsport, NY June 3-4-5, 2010
Many thanks to our Weedsport FD heroes for taking time from their Field Days to provide the Color Guard for the Northern Central NYVFA 2010 Convention recently held in Cayuga County. Welcoming us, Chief David James also introduced other local officials.
Auburn Fire Chief Michael Hammon spoke that in 1894 their first paid chief worked for four dollars a month and his major concerns included new apparatus, hydrants, wires stretched overhead, and training. He still has the same worries 116 years later but does the future hold fighting fire with robots like they tried capping that oil well a mile under water?
A 32 year firefighter and Chief the last time we were here, Auburn Mayor Michael Quill says "Firefighters are the real heroes, not the sports stars, not the politicians. We are the ones who get up in the middle of the night when no one else is around to do what we have to do because we have the love for it and the love for our fellow man."
Nominating Committee Chairman Gordon Snyder submitted for the NC Offices of President, David Van Marter of Minoa, Onondaga Co.; 1st VP, Frank Orbaker, Fairville, Wayne Co.; 2nd VP, Ralph "Ben" Vedder, Himrod, Yates Co.; Secretary, Pamela J. Fingar, Branchport, Yates Co.; Financial Secretary, Edward Sexton, Penfield, Monroe Co.; and Treasurer, Theodore Summers Jr., Pittsford, Monroe Co. All Officer and Trustee Director candidates became elected later and new Executive Directors were appointed.
Chairman Carl Veltri of the 2% tax committee updated us on the uses and reporting of monies received by fire departments and benevolent organizations from the tax on fire insurance sold in New York State by foreign and alien insurance companies. FASNY 1st VP David Jacobowitz warned that some people are talking of sweeping this money into the state coffers. With 48 million dollars at stake and 10% of that goes to the Firemen's Home, how would the home and many fire departments and benevolent associations function if this money was taken away?
This prompted an irate comment from the floor that rather than looking for new revenue streams and sources, the government should be looking at BUDGET CUTS to do some sacrifice. Answers? Remember, elections are coming up. Maybe we need a clean sweep. Maybe this guy takes care of us. We need to think about it and we need to get more involved.
Firefighter of the Year Committee Chairman Joe LaVigne sent out 376 letters with zero response. Surely, someone can sign a letter and send in the information to recognize a firefighter near you for next year.
Legislative Co-Chairman Richard Webster's recent gastric bypass surgery was very successful. It was reported that he is recovering even better than he anticipated.
Thanks to the Finger Lakes Times for their new section called UNSUNG HEROES. They honored Seneca County's long time NC Director and Past Chief James Steele of the Romulus Vol. FD in the May 23rd edition.
Parade and Rules Vice-Chairman Dave Dixon aptly backed up Chairman Russell Olmsted's request for NC to adopt the Cayuga County Fire Advisory Board's SOG regarding Parade and Event conduct and rules barring use of red lights, sirens, air horns, etc. going to, during or leaving the event other than for an emergency. Also, handing out candy or other items by someone walking the sidelines would be OK, but throwing it from vehicles would be prohibited for kids safety. Frank Clark was appointed to head a committee, working with the Parade and Rules Committee, to look closely at these issues, current rules and other counties policies and report back by the September meeting.
Vol. Fire Police Assoc. of the State of NY President Ross Corser, Past Pres. Robert Beamish and Area 4 VP Jeff Martin presented information and the recommendation that all Fire Police should take the new 21 hour course and re-certify about every 3 years to keep up with increased responsibilities and law changes. Fire Police should also be familiar with the Federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, take the Oath of Office as often as your local Authority Having Jurisdiction requires, and make sure you are registered as a Peace Officer with the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
NYS Fire Chiefs' Assoc. Pres. Al Varlaro and Director Harold A Smith Jr. recommend that we register, vote and make changes legislatively if we are dissatisfied. If we show up in large numbers at the polls and pull the lever of someone that doesn't go along with what they want, then they get the message. Talk to your local legislators, be on a first name basis as individuals and let them know what the fire service needs, but remember we also need to unite and speak with one voice through your county, regional and state organizations as well.
The Memorial Message by Chaplain Douglas Wallace of the Cayuga County Assoc. of Emergency Services was very heartwarming. We are here to remember those that served the fire service so well before "The Real Chief" called them home, the families that allowed that service and to be thankful for their lives. If we forget everything else that Doug said, he wants us to remember three words. "Remember to remember." >>>Necrology List 2010
Parade Prizes went to Border City by one point for Full Dress with Jordan second. Sport Dress went to Fairville with Palmyra second. The Skaneateles Auxiliary garnered first. The second place award was converted to a Special Judges Award which went to the Cayuga Co. Sheriff's Color Guard. Farthest Distance (Marching with 8 or more in line) went to the Cayuga FD. Farthest Distance (Attending) went to Branchport.
Jordan FD under the direction of Chief Doug Milton had Most Men In Line, Oldest Hand or Horse Drawn, Oldest Motorized and Best Appearing Apparatus (new in service). The Judges Award went to the Fairville Explorers and Gary Colella won the Chief's Award with his Antique Whipple Chief's Car.
The Silent Auction of Theme Baskets made $517.50 for Northern Central.
Future meeting dates and locations scheduled are: Sept. 19, 2010 at Richmond Fire Company, Honeoye. Legislative at 1 P.M. Oct. 16, 2010 Banquet at Geneva Country Club catered by Club 86. Jan. 9, 2011 at Fairville FD. Regular meeting at 2 P.M. Apr. 17, 2011 at Elbridge. Legislative update at 1 P.M. Jun. 3 - 4, 2011 Convention hosted by Minoa
Please, for the families, train to be safe, go home afterward, and "remember to remember". Russ
|
House Fire - Montezuma Fire District Sunday, May 29, 2005Rt. 90
Tuesday, July 5, 2005 Rt. 34
FIRE COMPANIES BATTLE HOUSE BLAZE IN THROOPSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2005
Firefighters responded to a house fire in Throop Sunday afternoon.The fire, at 2131 Sine Road, was called in at 5:51 p.m. Firefighters from Throop, Port Byron, Montezuma, Sennett, Owasco and Auburn responded.No injuries were reported, Cayuga County fire officials said. The house is owned by Charles and Madeline Smith, according to county tax records.
Published on September 5, 2005, Post-Standard, The (Syracuse, NY) “It looks like it was a faulty chimney for the wood stove,” said state trooper Thadeus Wiggins of the fire at 7535 Healy Road in Sennett, the home of Stephan McLoughlin. “It’s total loss,” Wiggins said. Cold temperatures hampered firefighters’ ability to battle the fire at the home. Sennett Fire Chief Paul Weiman Jr. said that when hydrants began to freeze, water was shuttled to the home in tanker trucks. “We were lucky we didn’t have a wind blowing,” Weiman said. The Sennett Fire Department was assisted by more than 50 firefighters from Weedsport, Throop, Port Byron, Montezuma, Aurelius, Elbridge, Mottville, Skaneatleles and Fleming Station 1. The fire was reported at 1:57 a.m. and Weiman said firefighters left the scene at about 11:30 a.m. Weiman said that although firefighters did the best they could, “there wasn’t much (of the house) left standing.” The Cayuga County American Red Cross offered assistance, but Christopher Molloy, director of emergency services, said the family had a place to stay and didn’t require immediate help. Click for VIDEO by Ed ChickBlaze ruins home in IraTwo days before Christmas, an Ira family lost everything when fire destroyed their home late Friday morning.More of this storyBlaze ruins home in Port Byron
 One day before Christmas, an Port Byron family lost everything when fire destroyed their home Saturday afternoon.More of this story |
