Shown in the photograph with the new Stryker Performance Stretcher by the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department ambulance are: Christin DeGolier, secretary of the Ladies Auxilary; Sue Zanghi, treasurer of the auxiliary; Danna DuBois, president and EMS Lt. of the fire department; Terry Penhollow, EMT; Laura Logan, secretary and EMS captain; President of the Ladies Auxiliary Kathy Wise; Caitlin Logan, firefighter; Nicole Morano, vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary; Chief Chris Wichlacz; Assistant Chief Robert Frank; Kevin Peebles, medic and firefighter; and Vice President David Muscato.

CASSADAGA — Maintaining equipment and keeping all equipment up to date is one of the priorities of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department. Those who serve the fire department are volunteers and the well-being and safety of the volunteers are important factors. Recently, the fire department purchased a Stryker Performance Stretcher for the ambulance. The stretcher is an electric lifting stretcher which is battery operated. This helps to take the load off the responding volunteers from having to lift a patient into the ambulance. A stretcher like this helps to avoid lifting injuries for the volunteers.

The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department consists totally of volunteers and welcomes new members to the fire department and the emergency department. The cost of the stretcher was nearly $25,000. To help pay for the stretcher, a grant from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services through Senator Cathy Young’s office amounted to $10,000. In addition to this grant, a donation from the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in the amount of $8,633 was recently received. Kathy Wise is the president of the Ladies Auxiliary. This donation made it possible for the purchase of the stretcher and the balance was paid by the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Without this donation and the grant, the purchase of the stretcher would not have been possible at this time.

The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1924, and has served the community for 95 years now. The village of Cassadaga was incorporated in the early 1920’s so that a fire department could be formed. A special thank you is extended to the many volunteers who serve the fire department and the rescue team.