A large crowd of firefighters, elected officials, community members and distinguished guests from other Chautauqua County Fire Departments gathered to pay tribute to the men and women of the Westfield Fire Department who serve the community every hour of every day.

Chief Jerry Ruch began the evening introducing those seated at the head table. This included Chief Ruch and his wife Chris, First Assistant Chief Chris Reese and his wife Amanda, 2nd Assistant Chief Corry Fleck and his wife Becky, Westfield Exempt Volunteer Firemen’s Association President Al Holbrook, and Exempt Vice-President Herb Johnson and his wife Barb.

Following the playing of the “National Anthem,” and an invocation by the department chaplain, Father Al Clody, Chief Ruch then introduced the department’s line officers for 2017-2018. Citizen’s Hose Company No. 2 will be led by Captain Ryan Norton and Lieutenant Dave Walker. Cascade Hose Company No. 1 will be led by Captain Josh Belcher and Lieutenant Brad Szymczak. Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 will be led by Captain Chris Chasse and Lieutenant William Bills.

The department’s rescue squad and emergency medical services will be managed by Jon Belcher and Lieutenant Randy Edwards. The Fire Police are led by Captain John Kolpien and Lieutenants David Cochran and Ed Rotunda. The Safety Officer for the department is Randy Edwards. Providing mutual aid services for the Fire Police are Doug Ireland and Charlie Bryant. The department’s Explorers this year are Ben Cleland, Heather Fleck, Rick Schrader, and Joe Trippy.

Pictured are the recipients of the Fire Department of Westfield’s most prestigious awards presented during the department’s annual banquet at the Westfield Moose Lodge. Left to Right: Senior Firefighter of the Year John Hanmann, Rookie of the Year Ryan Norton, Firefighter of the Year Chris Reese, and Emergency Medical Services of the Year award winners Josh Belcher and Dave Walker.

The Fire Department of Westfield has a long history of service to the community and the prior Fire Chiefs were recognized for their leadership. Those recognized were Cliff Brown, Ron Trippy, William F. Bills, John Lindstrom, Ed Kneer, Lynn Travis, Ted Marsala, John Hanmann, Jerry Ruch, Jon Belcher, Lyle Holland, Randy Edwards and William H. Bills.

Al Holbrook, the president of the Exempt Volunteer Firemen’s Association introduced the associations officers. This year’s Vice-President is Herb Johnson, Marsha Holland is secretary, John Hanmann is treasurer, David Haskin is sergeant-at-arms, and the Directors are David Cochran, Lyle Holland, Ed Rotunda and Cliff Brown. It is the mission of the Westfield Exempt Volunteer Firemen’s Association to support the Fire Department and its members to the greatest extent possible. Holbrook also acknowledged the Firefighters widows, Beverley Culver, Felicia Lawson and Marcia Wethli.

At this year’s banquet, five members received service awards. Herb Johnson and Chris Chasse received five-year service awards. Chief Ruch received his 30-year service award, followed by David Cochran for 40 years of service and Lyle Holland for 45 years of service.

Receiving recognition for being the department’s top responders to either fire or medical calls during the past year were Dave Walker, Ed Kneer, Lyle Holland, Marsha Holland, Jerry Ruch, and William (Bill) Bills.

The Firefighter of the Year award for 2017-2018 went to 1st Assistant Chief Chris Reese for always being on the front line of firefighting and making significant contributions to the daily operations of the Fire Department of Westfield. The Senior Firefighter of the year award went to John Hanmann. This award recognizes a member of the department with more than 25 years of service who continues to contribute their time to calls and activities of the Fire Department of Westfield. Emergency Medical Services awards were given to Josh Belcher and Dave Walker. The 2017-2018 Rookie of the Year was Ryan Norton.

The Fire Department of Westfield was honored to have the following distinguished guests at this year’s banquet: Chautauqua County Legislator John Hemmer, Town of Westfield Supervisor Martha Bills, Town of Westfield Councilman David Brown, Village of Westfield Trustee Al Holbrook, Chautauqua County Director of Emergency Services John Griffith, Chautauqua County Deputy Fire Coordinator Scott Cummings, Mayville Fire Department Chief John Crandall, Portland Fire Department Chief David McIntyre, Sherman Fire Department Chief Larry Fardink, and Ripley Fire Department Chief Mark Smith. The Ripley Fire Department generously provided coverage for Westfield during the banquet.

The featured speaker for the night was Father Al Clody. Father Clody gave a solemn and moving speech regarding the duties and difficult work that firefighter’s must perform. Father Clody spoke about critical incidents where Fire Department personnel are usually the only ones on a scene who can resolve an incident because of their training, equipment and experience. Unfortunately, sometimes the incident has a negative outcome which can then have a detrimental effect on the involved personnel. Father Clody closed his speech by reminding those gathered of the important work firefighter’s do, and how much our community depends on them to saves lives and property.