Photograph by John Sipos At the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department 2023 installation banquet, Cassadaga Village Mayor William Dorman gave the oath of office to incoming officers. Shown are Dorman, incoming president Danna DuBois, incoming secretary Laura Logan, incoming treasurer Debbie Johnson, and incoming vice president Dan Russell.

CASSADAGA — The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department recently held its 2023 installation banquet at the Cassadaga Fire Hall in the village.

The volunteer fire department was organized in 1924, and is in its 99th year of serving the village. Incoming president of the fire department Danna DuBois served as the master of ceremony, and welcomed all to the banquet. She then introduced those seated at the head table, and 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 96 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2022 throughout the U.S., and the two already reported in 2023.

Special guests included Mayor William Dorman and his wife, Viola, Cassadaga Deputy Mayor William Astry, village Trustee Cindy Flaherty and her companion Dennis Collins, and Cassadaga Village Historian and honorary life members John Sipos and his wife Susan.

Also included were bordering chiefs from Stockton Jeremy Catanese and his wife, Betty; from Forestville Lt. Joshua Woods and his wife, Stephanie; from Lily Dale Bill Avis and his wife, Jackie, and from Fredonia Lt. Alex Zentz.

The honorary life members from Pine Bush Fire Department present were Bob Morgenthaler, Frank Garvey Sr., and Jeff Parsals and his wife, Judy.

Also recognized was New York City Firefighter Anthony Barruso and his wife, Antoinette.

Present from the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services Battalion I Coordinator was Kyle Barthel and his wife, Erin, and the CCEMS Senior Paramedic Tim Carlson and his wife, Gabbie.

Chautauqua County Deputy Fire Coordinator for Hazmat and the County Planning Technician Chris Wichlacz and his wife, Tammie, were introduced. At the head table included Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, and Lisa Vanstrom and Randy Holcomb from state Sen. George Borrello’s office.

Also in attendance was current fire chief Joshua Newark and his wife, Danielle, who is also the current EMS captain; outgoing president David Muscato and his wife, Sue; Danna Dubois and her friend, Andy, incoming secretary Laura Logan and her husband Rich. Incoming treasurer Debbie Johnson and her daughter-in-law, Brittany, and incoming Vice President Dan Russell and his wife, Rebecca, were introduced. Joshua Newark who is the current chief has been newly appointed as the CCEMS Sr. Paramedic.

Sipos gave the invocation and blessing prior to the meal. The meal was catered by the Super Duper Catering. The refreshment attendant was Nicole Burridge, and the DJ was Anthony Barruso.

Following the meal, Chief Joshua Newark presented the report on the report on the number of calls 270, of which 213 were EMS calls, and the number of training hours. A special thank you was said to the Ladies Auxiliary.

A thank you was offered to outgoing president David Muscato. Recognized for years of longevity were Chad Boyland, Robert DeGolier and David Disaverio for 10 years of service, Edward Sisson for 15 years of service, James Muscato and Charlye Tyler for for 20 years of service, Robert Frank for 25 years of service marking him a life member, and David Muscato for 40 years of service.

Andy Hastings was recognized for taking on the role of the Fire Police Captain. The top 10 responders in 2022 were Adam Zarcynski, Brett Zarcynski, Dan Russell, Mike Lehnen, Archie Colton, Andy Hastings, Danna DuBois, David Muscato, Terry Penhollow, and Bob Frank.

The junior members were recognized and roses were presented to the members of the Ladies Auxiliary by Abbey DuBois and Thad Wichlacz, and the Ladies Prayer was given. Cindy Goot talked about the Ladies Auxiliary, and recognized those with years of longevity. Terry Ann Blizzard has been an Auxiliary member for 40 years. It was said, “We have the best auxiliary.” Danielle Newark spoke about the EMS.

Dorman then gave the oath of office to the 2023 incoming officers. They are Danna DuBois incoming president, Laura Logan incoming secretary, Debbie Johnson incoming treasurer, and Dan Russell incoming vice president.

The Village of Cassadaga was incorporated on Jan. 9, 1921 — 102 years ago so that a fire department could be formed.