Officers installed,
firefighters honored
MidTown – Town of Evans NY – January 24, 2004 --- The Seventy-First Annual Installation Banquet of the Evans Center Fire Company was held Saturday-January 24 at the fire company's John S. Ginnitti Memorial Assembly Hall.
President Geordie Sinclair lead the participants in the Pledge to the Flag followed by an opening prayer read by Angelo Rizzuto.
The evening's program was dedicated in the memory of John Agos who passed away earlier in the month. John was a life member and had served the department for 49 years at the time of his death.
Serving as the master-of-ceremonies was Carl Russo, 97 Rock radio personality and volunteer firefighter with the East Seneca Fire District in West Seneca, NY.
Following dinner, Town of Evans Clerk Carol Meissner recited the oath of office to the fire company's ladies auxiliary officers and to the fire police officers. Erie County Legislator Jeanne Z. Chase performed the installation of executive officers while Russo installed the line officers. President Geordie Sinclair then appointed the officers of Explorer Post 528 for the coming year. Also on hand was Town of Evans Councilwoman Kathy Bartus.
The Firefighter-of-the-Year award was presented by Immediate Past Chief Dennis Allen to Vince O'Hare. Vince has served the department for almost 35 years and has served for the past many years as Fire Police Captain. Vince responds to every incident he's available for and watches out for the safety of his fellow firefighters and motorists.
Allen recognized Bruce Green Jr., Bruce Green Sr., Mike Relosky, Steve Schade, Tiger Schmittendorf and Kevin Snyder with gifts as Top Responders for 2003.
President Geordie Sinclair presented several service pins including a 50 year pin to Life Member Don Taylor. Bruce Green Sr. was the recipient of the first-ever John Agos Memorial Volunteerism Award.
Last year's EMS Captain Jason Hontz presented top responder awards to both EMS and non-EMS personnel and awarded 'EMS Provider of the Year' to Dennis Allen who responded to over 250 EMS calls in 2003.
Incoming Chief Bruce Green Jr. honored Past Chief Dennis Allen with a plaque thanking him for his 6+ years of dedicated service as fire chief. Allen also received a job shirt and past chief's badge from the fire company and his white leather chief's helmet to keep as a memento.
In turn, Allen presented Green with a gold leaf leather shield for his chief's helmet.
Ladies Auxiliary President Cyndee Rizzuto awarded service pins and awards to several members.
The ladies auxiliary also presented a $2,000 check to President Sinclair for new equipment for the assembly hall, and another $2,000 check to Chief Green for additional fire police supplies.
Explorer Post 528 recognized Dennis Allen and Bob Corsi for their contributions to this vital youth organization.
Special thanks go to Carl Russo, Cala's Catering, Bob Trask's DJ Service and to the mutual aid fire companies for attending the festivities and covering Evans Center's responses for the evening while the department was out of service.
