Photograph by John Sipos At the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department installation banquet for 2025, Cassadaga Deputy Mayor William Astry gave the oath of office to the incoming officers. Shown are Deputy Mayor William Astry giving the oath of office to Laura Logan incoming Secretary, Dan Russell incoming Vice President, Danna DuBois incoming President, and Debbie Johnson incoming treasurer.

CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department held its 2025 installation banquet at the Cassadaga Fire Hall in the village.

The volunteer fire department was organized in 1924 shortly after the village was incorporated, and is in its 101st year of serving the village. Volunteers have served this community and protected it for over 101 years now. Vice president of the fire department Dan Russell served as the master of ceremony, and welcomed all to the banquet. Russell then introduced those seated at the head table, and the many visitors and guests. Following the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag, a moment of silence was held for the five Cassadaga Fire Department members “who answered their last call of duty,” and for the 72 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2024 throughout the U.S. and the 63 already in 2025.

Special guests included Cassadaga Village Deputy Mayor William Astry and his wife Roxanne who is the Deputy Clerk, Cassadaga Village Clerk and Department Member Annette McChesney and husband Gordy, Cassadaga village trustee Danna DuBois, who is also the fire department president, and friend Andy Hastings, Cassadaga Village historian and life members John Sipos and his wife Susan. Sipos is also on the Stockton Town Board.

Also included were bordering chiefs Roger Salhoff and his friend Chloe from Stockton, Stockton EMS Captain Betty Catanese and husband Jeremy, Chief Tom Kolassa and his wife Janice from Sheridan, Chief Andy Montague and his wife Stacey from Forestville, assistant chief Bill Avis and his wife Jackie from Lily Dale, and Assistant Chief Andy Anderson and his wife Megan from Sinclairville. Honorary Life Members from Pine Bush Fire Department Bob Morgenthaler, Frank Garvey Sr., Wilbur and Donna Meyers, and Retired FDNY Firefighter Anthony Barruso and his wife Antoinette were introduced. Present from the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services were Fire Coordinator Noel Gutman and his wife Jennifer, First Battalion Chief Mike Keddie and his wife Penny, and HazMat Coordinator and department BOD president Christopher Wichlacz and his wife Tammie who is also a department member.

At the head table introduced by Vice President Dan Russell, with his wife Becky, were state Sen. George Borrello of Sunset Bay, who spoke of helping others, and said he was here to say thank you to all the volunteers, and Lisa Vanstrom, administrative assistant and Chautauqua County District 15 Legislator, Laura Logan and husband Richard, Danna DuBois and boyfriend Andy Hastings, Debbie Johnson and daughter-in-law Brittney.

Also introduced Chief Robert Frank Sr. and his wife Becky, 1st assistant chief Donald Minnich, 2nd assistant chief Christopher Frank, Captain David Dunlap, and Lieutenant David Muscato. From the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office was the Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone,

Village historian John Sipos gave the invocation and blessing prior to the meal. The meal was catered by Super Duper Catering. The refreshment attendants were Nicole Burridge and Ashley Zambotti. The DJ was Anthony Barruso. A special thanks was extended to the many who set up the tables that morning, and to the banquet committee for organizing the evening’s banquet.

Following the meal, the department chief told of the 237 calls this year and the number of hours, and the number of hours of training totaling 2,667 hours. Seven new members were accepted into the department.

A special thank you was extended to the Ladies Auxiliary by Laura Logan, and flowers were given to Auxiliary members by Katie Russell, Aurora Frank and Madison Frank. Perk Newell spoke for the Ladies Auxiliary and this group of 36 is very valuable to the fire department for their dedication.

The following were recognized for their years of service with the fire department: Joshua Newark for 10 years of service, Second Assistant Chief Donald Minnich for 10 years of service, Fire Police Captain Andy Hastings for 10 years of service, Danielle Newark for 20 years of service, and Stanley Zembryski for 40 years of service.

The top 10 responders in 2024 were Debbie Johnson, Patricia Mangine, Dimmer Shaw, Andy Hastings, Mike Lehnen, Archie Colton, Danna DuBois, Bob Frank, Dan Russell, and Teresa Penhollow. Line officers recognized were First Assistant Donald Minnich, Second Assistant Christopher Frank, Captain David Dunlap, and Lieutenant David Muscato. The John R. Pattison Rookie Firefighter of the Year award was presented to Patricia Mangine. Anthony Borruso was awarded Honorary Lifetime Member of the Fire Department. Borruso was a member of the New York City Fire Department for 29 years, retiring in July 2024, and served as the DJ in Cassadaga for several years.

A special thank you to the banquet committee for putting together this event, including Courtney Logan for helping with the flowers and the crew for setting up tables and chairs in the morning,.