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Murray Hose hosts farewell banquet

Mayor Wilfred Rosas presents Hose 4 President Robert Henderson a Certificate of Recognition to the Murray Hose 4 Volunteer Fire Company for its many accomplishments and contributions throughout the community.

In early October, the Murray Hose Co. 4 Volunteer Fire Company held its final banquet at the Kosciusko Club with more than 90 members and guests.

A full dinner was served with refreshments during the evening. All members received a gift, and all members and guests received a bottle of wine.

President Robert Henderson was master of ceremonies and spoke about the olden days of Hose 4 and its fire station on Nevins Street to its current location on Doughty Street.

Henderson introduced the guest speaker, State Sen. George Borrello, who represents the 57th state Senate District. The senator spoke about the need and how current fire volunteers save millions of dollars of property from fire and the many lives. Borrello also spoke about small businesses and their importance within the community.

Borrello gave special honor to the companies financial secretary, Edgar Ziegler who has over 68 years of service with Murray Hose and 64 as its financial secretary. Ziegler also touched on several interesting topics and made himself available to all present at the function. His guest was county legislator and staff member, Lisa VanStrom.

Pictured from left: Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas, Hose 4 President Robert Henderson and honored guest speaker George Borrello representing the 57th State District attend the company banquet.

Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas attended with his wife, Rosita, and spoke of volunteers and presented the company with a Certificate of Recognition to Murray Hose Co. No. 4. He mentioned that on the 115th year anniversary and disbandment the many accomplishments and contributions made by its officers and members.

Rosas and his wife also took time and visited with the members and guests.

Henderson also introduced the company’s officers, trustees and their wives and guests. Honorary members were also introduced along with its longtime relationship with East Town of Dunkirk Fire Department members and their wife’s and guests. Doug Carstens from Rescue Hose of Cheektowaga has attended many memorial services, installation banquets and special events for many years.

A special group of ladies were introduced: Joyce Tarnowski, Marylyn Nalepa, Rita Szot, Lois Tworek and Paulette Bienko. The husbands Chester, Martin, Louis, Bob and Peter respectively, held key officer positions and participated with company functions for several years.

Several plaques were awarded to members. The Presidents Award was given to Ziegler for his many years of service and dedication; Robert Penkaty received the Honoree Service Award for his dedicated service on special activities. The late Peter Bienko received a service award for his exceptional dedication on his many years in office as company treasurer. The plaque was presented to his wife Paulette.

George Borrello presents Hose 4 President Robert Henderson a proclamation for his 56 years of service and dedication to Hose 4 and the community.

William Adamczak received an Distinguished ServiceAward for 50 years of service.

Members not present, Richard Dougherty, Michael Kubera, and Joseph Kucharski will receive their plaque for their 50 years of service. John Skelly will also receive a special award for being the company’s last active firefighter in the city of Dunkirk with Murray Hose Company No. 4. He was also the captain for many years and was very dependable on attending fire calls.

The officers and members of Murray Hose Company No. 4 wish to thanked the Kosciuszko Club, Pat Tripp catering and her great staff, Millers Apparel, Merritt Winery, HIS Associates and Copy Boy organizations.

Several company members also participated in a final religious service at Blessed Mary Angela Parish Hedwig site dedicated to its living and deceased members of the fire company.

Before the service, Henderson spoke about the finality of the fire company, its beginning due the St Hedwig Church Fire of 1905 and concluded naming its deceased members of this past year. A final breakfast was served after the service at the Kosciuszko Polish Home. Company Chaplain Joseph Gullo said a special prayer honoring the members present.

State Sen. George Borrello, center, presents Edgar Ziegler with a proclamation for his longtime dedication to Hose 4, having 68 years of service and 64 years as its financial secretary. Company President Robert Henderson also presents Edgar with the company’s President Award for his many early years of fire fighting contribution to the company for a job well done.

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