Sherburne holds fire dept. banquet
SHERBURNE – The Sherburne Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards dinner Saturday, honoring the department’s 55 members for their service and dedication.
More than 100 volunteers, their family members and guests attended the event at the firehouse on West State Street.
“We’re like a family,” said Sherburne Fire Chief Pat Lawrence. “This is the night when we all come together to recognize everyone for their efforts. And we try to have as much fun as we can.”
Rich Fuller, a 13-year veteran, was named “Firefighter of the Year.” Lawrence praised Fuller’s volunteer efforts despite being employed outside the area.
“(Fuller) was still able to respond to 50 percent of the fire alarms,” the chief said.
“It’s a great honor,” added Fuller, a second generation firefighter. “I never thought it would happen. Because I love this job. It’s not something I do for the awards.”
Department newcomer Travis Aikins earned “EMS Provider of the Year” honors.
EMS Captain Jay Symonds remembers when Aikins, 19, was still a youth fire explorer, still clamoring to become a full member of the department.
“Every day he came in asking us, ‘When can I join? When can I join?’” said Symonds.
One year and 167 calls later, Aikins has become an invaluable member of the squad who can “always be counted on,” Symonds said.
Elena Casscles was given the Chief’s Appreciation Award for her dedication behind the scenes, most recently in organizing Saturday’s dinner.
“Without her, we just flat out would not have been able to pull this off,” said Lawrence.
Plaques commemorating 40-plus years of service were also given to Whit Palmiter (40), Fred Baker (41) and Ed Ross (44).
The department also named its officers for 2008-2009: Ed Ross, 1st Assistant Chief; Vern Palmiter, 2nd Assistant Chief; Jansen Casscles, Captain; and Fred Jenkins and Rich Fuller, Assistant Captains.
The Chief also recognized volunteer Bill Hodges, who is retiring after 34 years of service. “We’re going to miss him,” said Lawrence. He also honored 28-year veteran Mike Sanner, who was unable to attend.
In other news, the department will be purchasing a new ladder truck in the coming weeks for approximately $500,000 with Federal Emergency Management Association assistance.
The department also honored 43 of its active members with gifts for their years of service (years in parenthesis): Mike Jenkins (4), Jeff Harter (6), Kip Manwarren (12), Chase Winton (13), Adam Palmiter (14), Edsall Hodges (15), Bill Roosa 19), Phil Hull (19), Al Doing (20), Jeremy Loveland (21), Dave Turner (23), Jim Prunoske (24), Ron Baker (24), Vinny Magro (25), Walt Reid (26), Bob Aikins (29), Pete Pudney (29), Brian Aikins (32), Matt Prunoske (8), Joe Ray (20), Ken Reid (19), Mike Hodge (22), Rich Fuller (13), Vern Palmiter (29), Paul Jones (11), Betsy Reid (12), Melanie Simmons (22), Mike Sanner (28), Keith Wheelock (27), Dough Shattuck (30), Megan Law (53), Dan Pudney (56), Bill Hodges (34), Elena Casscles (3), Jay Symonds (10), Pat Lawrence (32), Fred Jenkins (9), James Turner (2), Stephanie Purdy (2), Dorothy Tarbell (18), Dennis Dann (6), Jansen Casscles (8), and Travis Aikins (1).
More than 100 volunteers, their family members and guests attended the event at the firehouse on West State Street.
“We’re like a family,” said Sherburne Fire Chief Pat Lawrence. “This is the night when we all come together to recognize everyone for their efforts. And we try to have as much fun as we can.”
Rich Fuller, a 13-year veteran, was named “Firefighter of the Year.” Lawrence praised Fuller’s volunteer efforts despite being employed outside the area.
“(Fuller) was still able to respond to 50 percent of the fire alarms,” the chief said.
“It’s a great honor,” added Fuller, a second generation firefighter. “I never thought it would happen. Because I love this job. It’s not something I do for the awards.”
Department newcomer Travis Aikins earned “EMS Provider of the Year” honors.
EMS Captain Jay Symonds remembers when Aikins, 19, was still a youth fire explorer, still clamoring to become a full member of the department.
“Every day he came in asking us, ‘When can I join? When can I join?’” said Symonds.
One year and 167 calls later, Aikins has become an invaluable member of the squad who can “always be counted on,” Symonds said.
Elena Casscles was given the Chief’s Appreciation Award for her dedication behind the scenes, most recently in organizing Saturday’s dinner.
“Without her, we just flat out would not have been able to pull this off,” said Lawrence.
Plaques commemorating 40-plus years of service were also given to Whit Palmiter (40), Fred Baker (41) and Ed Ross (44).
The department also named its officers for 2008-2009: Ed Ross, 1st Assistant Chief; Vern Palmiter, 2nd Assistant Chief; Jansen Casscles, Captain; and Fred Jenkins and Rich Fuller, Assistant Captains.
The Chief also recognized volunteer Bill Hodges, who is retiring after 34 years of service. “We’re going to miss him,” said Lawrence. He also honored 28-year veteran Mike Sanner, who was unable to attend.
In other news, the department will be purchasing a new ladder truck in the coming weeks for approximately $500,000 with Federal Emergency Management Association assistance.
The department also honored 43 of its active members with gifts for their years of service (years in parenthesis): Mike Jenkins (4), Jeff Harter (6), Kip Manwarren (12), Chase Winton (13), Adam Palmiter (14), Edsall Hodges (15), Bill Roosa 19), Phil Hull (19), Al Doing (20), Jeremy Loveland (21), Dave Turner (23), Jim Prunoske (24), Ron Baker (24), Vinny Magro (25), Walt Reid (26), Bob Aikins (29), Pete Pudney (29), Brian Aikins (32), Matt Prunoske (8), Joe Ray (20), Ken Reid (19), Mike Hodge (22), Rich Fuller (13), Vern Palmiter (29), Paul Jones (11), Betsy Reid (12), Melanie Simmons (22), Mike Sanner (28), Keith Wheelock (27), Dough Shattuck (30), Megan Law (53), Dan Pudney (56), Bill Hodges (34), Elena Casscles (3), Jay Symonds (10), Pat Lawrence (32), Fred Jenkins (9), James Turner (2), Stephanie Purdy (2), Dorothy Tarbell (18), Dennis Dann (6), Jansen Casscles (8), and Travis Aikins (1).
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