NORWICH – Emergency personnel from across the county are pulling together to raise money for the first female firefighter to serve Chenango County.

Norwich, Preston and Plymouth fire crews are holding a fundraiser for Connie Degear, a lifetime member of the Fire and Emergency Medical Service, from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Norwich Fire House.

“The Norwich Fire Department will be hosting a spaghetti and meatball dinner to help Connie and her family during this very difficult time of her life,” said Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo.

Degear joined the Norwich Fire Department in 1972 and was the first female firefighter in the county. She has taught CPR, EMT and first aid classes to crews for the past 40 years and is a recently retired LPN from Chenango Memorial Hospital.

“Just about everyone involved with emergency service in Chenango County has been in or a part of one of her classes. Everyone knows Connie,” said Chawgo