Sodus Point FD Kicks Off their 100th Anniversary Celebration

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, the Sodus Point Fire Department kicked off their 100th anniversary celebration year with a fire truck parade and open house. The festivities began at 12:00 noon with the sounding of the department siren to signal the start of the fire truck parade. The fire trucks started their parade at the east end of the village, and continued westward up to the fire station. The actual 100th celebration kicked off at the department’s annual banquet, which was held on April 28, 2010, exactly 100 years to the date of the formation of the department on April 28, 1910.
The open house of the fire department followed the fire truck parade, with many old pictures and memorabilia from the first 100 years of the department on display. Also there were fire prevention displays, tours of the station, antique fire truck rides on the department’s Ward LaFrance engine, and also rides were given on the department’s LARC Vehicle. The LARC Vehicle can travel on either land or water and can also pump water. There was also 100th anniversary merchandise for sale, and a raffle for the Ladies Auxiliary. Hot dogs, hamburgers, juice, and ice cream were served as refreshments. The Department has several special events planned for this year’s 100th anniversary celebration during the summertime months. There will also be a huge, three-day weekend celebration for the community and local fire departments alike with live music, games, and a huge fireman’s parade during the weekend of August 6th thru the 8th, 2010.
 

Fire News photos by Jeff Ambroz

Wallington Engine Company Holds 95th Annual Banquet

 On Saturday, April 17, 2010, the Wallington Engine Company of the Town of Sodus held their 95th annual banquet. The event was held at Captain Jack’s Restaurant in Sodus Point. The evening started out with a happy hour from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by the blessing at 7:00 p.m. Following the blessing, a buffet dinner was served. After dinner, the introduction of the line officers was given by Chief Fred Burkhard, and the introduction of the company officers was given by President Jason Karasinski.

After the introductions the formal awards presentation began led by Assistant Chief Randy Crandell. Assistant Chief Crandell first gave out two special awards to Firefighter and Commissioner Ken Eastly and to Chief Fred Burkhard. The awards were plaques for each of the two men. Firefighter/Commissioner Eastly was given his for his unselfish dedication serving as a firefighter, chief, and chairman of commissioners for 46 years. Chief Burkhard was given his in recognition and appreciation for his leadership serving as Chief to Wallington Engine Company and being a firefighter for 35 years.

Following the special awards another special presentation was given by New York State Senator and Honorary Member of the Wallington Engine Company Mike Nozzollio. Senator Nozzollio presented both Firefighter/Commissioner Eastly and Chief Burkhard with a special US flag flown over the New York State Capitol in Albany in honor of their plaques they received from the department. Senator Nozzolio also spoke for a few minutes before the Thomas Duemmel award for most hours of training was presented to this year’s recipient The Senator spoke to everyone about how important the hours of training are for members of the department and to the community, stating a recent off road rescue which the department had handled, and in which they had saved a man’s life.

The awards continued with the Thomas Duemmel annual award for the most hours of training being given to Firefighter Ken Kelsey. Following the award, the certificates for hours of training were handed out to members who had more than 100 hours of training in for the previous year. Awards were then given out for years of service to the department. Following the awards ceremony, dessert was served, and dancing to D.J. music from STP D.J. service was provided for everyone’s pleasure.
 

-Fire News photos by Jeff Ambroz