OXFORD – The Oxford Fire Department came together Saturday night for their annual award ceremony and banquet, which also unfortunately fell on the same day many in their ranks suffered a personal tragedy.
“We will sit back, tip a few, tell a few stories and lie, but one thing that I think will be the most cherished is the passing of our history from one generation to the next. We all sit in a room tonight filled with years of history, years of leadership and years of sincere dedication,” said Oxford Fire Chief Ronald Martin Jr.
Martin told the crowd at the Silo Restaurant in Greene Saturday night that at 4:40 a.m. earlier that morning, 24-year old Todd Harvey, a close friend and family member to many in the organization, lost his battle against melanoma, a form of skin cancer, and passed away.
“We all see the paintings on the wall, the trophies in the trophy case and the mementos that are tipped over every once in awhile. We think the material items as our history. I think that those play a role in our history but I think that what is more important is the experiences and the stories that unfolded and that each member carries with them,” he said.
Martin said the department “made history once again” when it came together to put on a three day fundraiser for Harvey around the first of November.
“It was a two-day event that was extended to three because so many people came forward wishing to participate,” he said.
While Todd Harvey was not a volunteer himself, he comes from a family with a strong tradition in the fire service. His grandfather, Bill Harvey Sr., was honored earlier this year for 60 years of service with the Oxford Fire Department. Todd’s father, Bill Harvey Jr., has been an active member of the department for 38 years. During that tenure, he served for 10 years as chief and has acted as a Chenango County arson investigator for another 16 years.
“Our goal was to unite and at least make one person’s life a little more enjoyable. This event labeled as the Harvey Benefit, accomplished more than I could have ever imagined,” said Martin. The fire chief said the tragedy brought many in the department together in a time of need creating a renewed sense of family and appreciate between members.
“From the beginning to the end, what transpired was inspirational and moving. For the first time in many years the fire service and community rallied and came together and the brotherhood was once again,” he said.
Martin said the event was so successful that the department planned on having a yearly fundraiser for a newly devised program that would save money for fire service members in times of dire need.
The department honored many in the audience Saturday with career service medals and distinguished service medals, some earning their recognition for their role in the Harvey Benefit.
Also honored at the ceremony were:
Firefighter of the Year – Ken Ross
EMS Provider of the Year – Larry Olsen
Fire Policemen of the Year – Craig Cheesbro
Auxiliary Member of the Year –Jeane Turner
Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matthew Beckwith told members that soon the county would begin instituting a new $6 million dollar upgrade to it communications systems which included new broadcasting towers and equipment. Beckwith said the project was still under budget.
“For what most counties are looking at as a 15 or 20 million dollar project, we’ve accomplished for much less. It has been a long time coming but better we do it right and at the lowest cost possible,” he said.
Beckwith also extended his remarks to the Harvey family.
“You have a huge family, you have a huge family in Oxford, in Chenango County, across the state. If you ever need anything just ask,” he said.