SHERIDAN — Rebecca Schafer is announcing her bid for the office of Sheridan Town Clerk on the Nov. 7 election. Schafer has received the endorsement of the Republican, the Conservative, and the Independence parties.

Schafer is a lifelong resident of the town of Sheridan and graduated from Forestville Central School in 2002 with a regent’s diploma. After graduation, she was accepted at Houghton College, where she graduated in 2006 with a major in humanities and a minor in history. During college she attended student leadership conferences in Washington D.C. where she met with various leaders of our country. During that time she was invited to the Iraqi embassy, along with other students, to meet with Iraqi officials before their first democratic elections in 2005.

After college Schafer worked at Lake Shore Hospital as a CNA, at a local daycare in Silver Creek, and as an Emergency Medical Technician for Alstar Ambulance Service.

In 2006, Schafer joined the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department to become a second generation firefighter with her father and is currently the department secretary and serves on the Board of Directors. She attended the Emergency Medical Technician Classes sponsored by SUNY Fredonia and is a NYS certified EMT. She served as the Captain of the Emergency Medical Services and Company President.

In 2010, Schafer became a lab instructor for the SUNY Fredonia EMT program. Additional courses taken include Pump Operations, Officer Training, and Incident Command which is designed to improve leadership skills and techniques.

Rebecca is the mother to two daughters Natasha, 9, and Isabella, 5. Both girls attend Fredonia Central Schools and are active in dance classes. Rebecca is a member of the Fredonia Parent Teacher Association and attends meetings regularly.

Schafer is a past member of the Sheridan Historical Society, has worked as an election inspector, and has an active role in the annual Sheridan Memorial Day Celebration serving as a reader of the rolls of the deceased veterans, the Gettysburg Address, and in recent years as a vocalist for the ceremony.

Schafer’s hobbies include studying American History and she belongs to a local Civil War re-enactment group that presents living history in several towns and villages in Chautauqua County.

Knowing the importance of having a notary public available at the town hall, Rebecca has studied to become a notary public, passed the test, and is in the process of filing for certification with the county clerk. She expects to have her certification by Election Day. Schafer has been attending Sheridan Town Board meetings, planning board meetings, workshops, and budget reviews to learn the various tasks of a Town Clerk and has spent time job shadowing alongside the current clerk.

Schafer has the time and availability to perform the duties and responsibilities of town clerk and clearly understands the importance of the position. Her experience as secretary in the fire department, leadership classes, and training in high stress environments gives her the experience and background for the position of town clerk.

Enthusiastic, dedicated, and courteous, Schafer is proud to serve her community as a volunteer firefighter/EMT and is looking forward to serving the taxpayers and residents as the Sheridan Town Clerk.