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New equipment dedicated to former state senator

A special thanks

Fire chief Steven Raiport unveils the new equipment bought for the Gowanda Fire Department. OBSERVER Photos by Natasha Matteliano

GOWANDA — Former state Sen, Catharine Young attended the unveiling of the new helicopter pad and rescue truck in Gowanda, and was surprised to find out they dedicated them to her.

In 2009, Gowanda endured a 100-year flood, which inspired the pursuit of the new rescue truck and helipad. The process of attaining the new vehicle and pad was long and difficult, but was made easier by the help of the members of the department and elected officials.

“The commitment of our members has always been strong, but the commitment of our elected officials, whether local or state, is so important because they provide the tools and equipment that we need,” said fire chief Steven Raiport. “That helps us to keep our community safe and without their support, it would be very difficult to purchase equipment on our own.”

The event housed under 50 people at the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Company. All seats were properly distanced and masks were worn by those standing. Many officials spoke to the success of gaining the equipment, including Young, Gowanda Mayor David Smith, county legislator Andrew Burr, deputy Mayor Carol Sheibley and disaster coordinator Nick Crassi.

The Gowanda Fire Department is responsible not only for the village, but for the towns of Collins, Persia and Perrysburg. Zoar Valley is also a challenge in itself, since there are lots of calls that come from the gorge and how difficult the terrain is to navigate.

Andrew Burr, county legislator dedicates the new rescue truck and helipad to Catharine Young. OBSERVER Photos by Natasha Matteliano

“When there’s an emergency, we’re all there,” Raiport said. “With our new truck, it will allow us to continue to operate in an efficient manner when we are called upon.”

The department gifted a plant to Young and Sheibley, a symbol of thanks from the department.

“Without the determination, leadership and vision we would not be where we are today,” Raiport said. “Both of these individuals have put in countless hours to make a difference. They are always helping and always listening intently.”

Sheibley thanked all of the people that dedicated their time and care into getting the new equipment for the department. She also read the proclamation that proclaimed the week of July 19 through July 25, 2020, “Team, Effort, and Appreciation Week” to recognize the efforts of Young and to thank her, the fire department, the village board and staff, for all the work they did to make positive change happen.

“This is a celebration of service. Service by all the people that work, past and present, to work together to make tonight possible,” Smith said. “It’s dedication all the time and it’s service from the heart.”

“Young was invaluable to the Gowanda Fire Department and Rescue Squad with her advocacy to secure funding to a $200,000 capital grant and the 2018-19 New York state budget for a new rescue truck and helipad which responds to emergencies throughout the fire district, particularly in the Zoar Valley Gorge,” Burr said. “The equipment enables the firefighters to continue high-angle rescues and life-saving missions.”

Young was surprised by this honor. “Thank you to all of you for tonight. The greatest privilege and honor of my life was representing this district and representing you,” Young said. “I thank you all so much for your kind words, but I’m not the hero in this. You are heroes. Gowanda is one of those special places where people really do care about each other and take care of each other.”

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