COVENTRY – More than 180 people gathered Saturday to give the men and women of the Oxford Fire Department and Emergency Squad their due at the organization’s annual awards banquet at The Silo Restaurant.
Fire Chief Mike Cobb kicked off the event by reviewing the department’s accomplishments over the past year.
“This has been a year of compliance,” he said, explaining that they have worked hard to meet all regulations, going so far as to contract with Empire Safety to ensure they were meeting requirements.
According to the chief, 64 members of the all-volunteer department took an offered OSHA training class and all but two took the department physicals and fit testing. In addition, he said, Oxford is the first in the county to comply with the new accountability tag system.
Cobb also applauded the department for its fire prevention and education efforts.
“I’m proud of our people for ... getting the education out there,” he said, explaining that they succeeded in reaching 850 children and community members with their message this year not only during Fire Prevention Week but also at Sheriff’s Camp, the Lion’s Club Big Rig event and other events throughout the year.
Cobb also stressed the importance of carbon monoxide monitors, which are now required under Amanda’s Law. According to the chief, the lives of two Oxford families were saved this year because of the devices.
To underscore the message, he announced that each person at the dinner would take home a CO detector, courtesy of the Oxford Bingo Commission.
“We’re here to protect and save lives,” he said, asking that those who already had detectors in their home pass the one they were being given on to someone else. “Please, please, please get these installed as soon as possible.”
Members of the Fire Department, Emergency Squad, Auxiliary, Explorer’s Post and Fire Police were all recognized for their years of service during the banquet. Among those named were Clyde Horton Anthony Zdobylak who has dedicated 50 years to the fire service; Robert Carey and Robert Lewis for 55 years; and Donald Ross for 65 years.
In addition, four specials award were given.
Each year, one firefighter is selected by a panel of their peers to receive the prestigious Firefighter of the Year award. This year’s recipient was Kevin Bartle. Former Fire Chief Bill Harvey presented the award. He described Bartle as a “go-to guy” with more than 30 years of service to the department, whose family had a long tradition in the fire service.
Also recognized were Auxiliary Person of the Year Kim McConnell; EMS Provider of the Year Jim Dean; and Fire Police Award recipient Willard “Woody” Brown.
Cobb presented his own awards to several individuals for their outstanding contributions to the department.
“The trumpets signify leadership in the fire department,” the chief explained, as he presented the awards to Assistant Chief Tim McGowan; Safety Officer Greg Ross, Dick Hoke, Tim Wakefield, Allen Ross and Ray Baldwin. Three women - Sarah Ulfik, Auxiliary President Connie Rowlison and Ellen Ross - were also recognized for their contributions. In addition, long-time Bingo Commissioner John Coville and his wife Linda were honored for their years of sacrifice and dedication.
“Thank you for your service to the community,” said NYS Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, who was a special guest at the event. Oxford’s volunteers serve residents within the 133 square mile Oxford Fire Protection District, as well as surrounding communities through mutual aid agreements.
“I know what runs through your blood,” Crouch said, explaining that his son-in-law is a member of the fire service. “We’re proud of him, and all of you.”