Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department holds installation banquet

CASSADAGA -- The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department held its annual 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 102nd year of serving the village. Volunteers have served this community and protected it for over 102 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 5 Cassadaga Fire Department members “who answered their last call of duty,” and for the 81 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2025 throughout the U.S. and the 63 already in 2026.

Special guests included Cassadaga Village Mayor Rudy Abersold, Cassadaga Village Clerk Sue Penhollow, Cassadaga village trustees Danna DuBois, David Rowley and his wife Cheryl, and Cassadaga Village historian and life members John Sipos and his wife Susan. Sipos is also on the Stockton Town Board.

Also included were members of bordering fire departments of Stockton, Sheridan, Forestville, Lily Dale, and Sinclairville. Honorary Life members from Pine Bush Fire Department attending were Bob Morgenthaler, and Frank Garvey Sr., and Retired FDNY Firefighter Anthony Barruso and his wife Antoinette were introduced.

Present from the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services 1st 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, were Sen. George Borrello of the 57th District, who spoke of helping others, and said he is here today to say thank you to all, and Debbie Johnson who serves as treasurer. Also introduced was Becky Frank, wife of chief Bobby Frank Jr., 1st assistant chief Donald Minnich, 2nd assistant Tim Cobb and his wife Paige, EMS Captain Josh Newark and his wife Danielle, Lieutenant of the EMS. From the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office was the Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, and John Penhollow, Legislator from District 7.

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 calls this year and the number of hours, and the number of hours of training. A special thank you was extended to the Ladies Auxiliary, and flowers were given to Auxiliary members. There were those recognized for their years of service, and those who were top responders.

Absersold administered the oath of office to incoming officers.

A special thank you to the banquet committee for putting together this event, and the crew for setting up tables and chairs in the morning,

The Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department is an important part of the Cassadaga Village.