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Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge class attended by 37 local volunteer firefighters

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge (L.A.C.K.) class of 2018 was attended by 37 Genesee County volunteer firefighters.

The L.A.C.K. program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Feb. 15 was a four-hour program providing  an opportunity for fire officers, training officers and chief offers to improve their personal and organizational skill set.

Ongoing eduction and training of our first responders is essention for awareness, prevention and safe and effective response.

Visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management FACEBOOK or department Web page for future training opportunities.

February L.A.C.K. participants in Genesee County included: 

ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Richard Brunea                 

Sidney N. Eick

Aron J. Kehlenbeck                 

Ryan Thompson                 

Todd M. Thompson                 

BATAVIA, TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott T. Maloy                 

BERGEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott R. Mayne                 

BETHANY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Jeff R. Fluker

Christopher M. Page

Jeff Pietrzykowski

BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Justin T. Baxter                 

Robert A. Mruczek

CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Gregory S. Lang                    

Matthew R. Lenhard

Rob G. McNally

Daniel P. Smith

DARIEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Joe T. Marino                 

David W. McGreevy                 

Timothy E. McGreevy                 

EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lloyd J. Casselbury                    

Destin G. Danser                 

James R. Gayton                    

Paul J. Kirsch                 

Donald E. Newton Jr.                    

Jocyelyn Perry                    

Julie Waldron                    

David A. Winters            

ELBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kevin W. Dart                    

Nicholas J. Esten                    

Leonard  Peterson                    

Caitlin E. Zipfel                  

INDIAN FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Edwin F. Mileham Jr.                  

LE ROY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Timothy L. Hogle                          

PAVILION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dewey A. Murrock

Donald A. Roblee                          

SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dean L. Bates                  

Scott A. Blossom

Dozens honored on GCC's dean's list for fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces the following are among 351 full and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Fall 2017 semester. Students honored on the dean's list have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. 

The College also maintains President's and Provost's Lists comprised of students who earned quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. These other GCC honorees are announced separately. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu.

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 dean's list honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Zachary Antonucci of Alexander, NY

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY

Jared Lennon of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Sara Stanley of Basom, NY

Natalie Amico of Batavia, NY

Brianna Brade of Batavia, NY

Cameron Clark of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Hope Davids of Batavia, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Emily Harris of Batavia, NY

Jillian Helwig of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Sarah Hollands of Batavia, NY

Jazmine Holmes of Batavia, NY

Leighann Howland of Batavia, NY

Felicia Kennedy of Batavia, NY

Dolapat Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Sataka Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Samuel Lang of Batavia, NY

Rebecca Mattison of Batavia, NY

Angelina Miconi of Batavia, NY

Leah Monteleone of Batavia, NY

Shannon O'Brien of Batavia, NY

Taylor Paris of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Madison Swiatowy of Batavia, NY

Micheal Van Dorn of Batavia, NY

Cassandra Warren of Batavia, NY

Laura Whitcroft of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Williams of Batavia, NY

Jaysen Wylie of Batavia, NY

Jeremy Fink of Bergen, NY

Kristin Hohn of Bergen, NY

Kimberly Lovett of Bergen, NY

Tina Ambrosoli-Keller of Corfu, NY

Timothy Crandall of Corfu, NY

Sarah Gohn of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Katelin Miller of Corfu, NY

Jessica Ryckman of Corfu, NY

Brittany Taylor of Corfu, NY

Shelby Turner of Corfu, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Claire Francis of Darien Center, NY

Cameron Sutton of Darien Center, NY

Laura Tyx of Darien Center, NY

Curtis Kreutter of East Bethany, NY

Matthew Baker of Elba, NY

Aaron Bastiano of Elba, NY

Amanda Castaneda of Elba, NY

Alyssa Laudico of Elba, NY

Justin DiFalco of Le Roy, NY

Mondell Elliott of Le Roy, NY

John Gombos of Le Roy, NY

Alyssa Hill of Le Roy, NY

Brandon Hodge of Le Roy, NY

Taylor Kirby of Le Roy, NY

Morgan Luce of Le Roy, NY

Sara Platek of Le Roy, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Samantha Borkholder of Oakfield, NY

Rebecca Carlsen of Oakfield, NY

Allen Chatt of Oakfield, NY

Jonathan Kedzierski of Oakfield, NY

Christopher Coniber of Pavilion, NY

Nathan Ford of Pavilion, NY

Trinidad Salinas Guzman of Pavilion, NY

Maelee Sanford of Pavilion, NY

Alyssa Stalica of Pavilion, NY

Elizabeth Blossom of South Byron, NY

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu.

Among South Byron Fire's awards for 2018, one for 65 years of service

By Howard B. Owens

southbyronnight2018.jpg

Among the honorees at South Byron Volunteer Fire Department's annual dinner on Saturday night was Gerald Bateman, who was recognized for 65 years of service to the department. State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley were on hand to honor Bateman's service to the community.

The 2018 firematic officers are: Scott Blossom, chief; Brian Hickey, deputy chief; Jim McKenzie, assistant chief; Chase Cone, captain; Andy Konieczny, 1st lieutenant; Matt Dougherty, 2nd lieutenant; Nicole Bold, engineer; Reggie Macdonald, fire police captain; Elizabeth Blossom, fire police sergeant; Steve Sharp, fire police corporal.

Administrative officers: Dean Bates, president; Reggie Macdonald, VP; Elizabeth Blossom, secretary; Alfred Klycek, treasurer; Bob Fite, membership chair; Al Secash, bell jar chair; Allison McKenzie, sunshine chair; Rev. Harold Coller, fire chaplain.

Auxiliary officers: Theresa Hammer, president; Beth Wilson, VP; Melody Stone, secretary; Michelle Yasses, treasurer; Irene Fite, sunshine chair; Theresa Hammer, party chair; Mariellen Blossom, chaplain.

southbyronnight2018-2.jpg

Chief Scott Blossom presented Andy Konieczny with Firefighter of the Year and Most Training Hours awards.

southbyronnight2018-3.jpg

President Dean Bates presented Theresa Hammer with the Member of the Year award.

Local volunteer firefighters train and hone their skills to save lives and help in dangerous situations

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen area firefighers successfully completed the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) training program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Also, an eight-hour Trench Rescue Awareness course was recently conducted at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Twenty-two members of the County’s volunteer fire service completed this program on Nov. 9.

BASIC EXTERIOR FIREFIGHTER OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM

BEFO is an entry-level program requiring 79 hours of classroom instruction and skill development. This course is designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters. BEFO prepares new firefighters to operate under direct supervision in the exterior or IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) areas of the fire scene.

Students participated in training covering: firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE); self-contained breathing apparatus inspection and cylinder changing; fire department communications; building construction and fire behavior; modern fire control research; portable fire extinguishers; rope and knot tying; ground ladders; forcible entry; tactical ventilation theory; water supply; hose and fire streams; loss control; orientation to fire origin and cause determination; fire prevention and life safety initiatives; confined space awareness; overview of first aid and buddy care; and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations. 

Genesee County BEFO training participants included: 

Alexander Fire Department

  • Matthew F. Grimes                    
  • Adam F. Meier                 
  • Douglas G. Mess                 
  • Heidi L. Richmond                    

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy J. McCabe                    

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company

  • Megan R. Brown                    

East Pembroke Fire Department

  • Lloyd J. Casselbury

Pavilion Fire Department

  • Amanda A. Goodwin                    
  • Sean P. Vogt Jr.                    
  • Timothy R. Zipfel Jr.                     

South Byron Fire Department

  • Aaron N. Belluscio                 
  • Theresa E. Hammer                 
  • Andew L. Konieczny                 
  • Vitorrio J. Muoio                    

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Samantha S. Call                  

TRENCH RESCUE AWARENESS COURSE

Problems that can and do occur in trench rescue incidents were discussed. Safety techniques, shoring techniques, proper procedures, team operations and hazard assessment were addressed.

Trench Rescue Awareness participants included:

Town of Batavia Fire Department

  • Joshua K. Boyle
  • Clayton A. Gorski                 

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Christopher M. Page
  • Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Co.

  • Mitchell D. Bates
  • Gregory S. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Steven D. Rodland
  • Jeffrey D. Luker

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company inc.

  • Joe T. Marino
  • David W. McGreevy
  • Mark R. Starczewski Sr.
  • Paul C. Redden

Elba Fire Department

  • Nickolas J. Esten
  • John D. Mudrzynski
  • Jason R. Pallister
  • Michael J. Schad Jr.
  • George M. Underhill
  • Caitlin E. Zipfel                    

Pembroke Fire District

  • James Reinhardt
  • Tera L. Reinhardt

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy E. Eckdahl

Inaugural South Byron Pig Roast will be held Oct. 21

By Billie Owens
The inaugural South Byron Fall Pig Roast will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21st, at the South Byron Fire Hall. It is located at 7389 Route 237. Doors open at 3 p.m., meal served at 4 p.m.
 
Tickets are $10, eat in or take out. Adult beverages available for purchase.
 
Featuring music by Savage Cabbage and a live DJ, too -- WoJo Sound; 50/50 raffle.  
 
Event cosponsored by South Byron Fire Department and Byron Kiwanis.
 
Questions/tickets/info -- call Karen 314-4245, or call Beth Wilson at 409-5991.

Ranzenhofer secures $100K to assist South Byron with new fire truck

By Howard B. Owens

ranzsouthbyrongrant.jpg

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced $100,000 in state funding to offset a part of the total cost of a new fire truck for the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company.

“The South Byron Volunteer Fire Company plays a vital role in our community, and I am committed to securing the necessary resources so that our volunteer firefighters are able to get the job done,” Ranzenhofer said. “Today’s announced state investment will help to preserve the life-saving services our firefighters provide to residents.”

The new fire truck will replace a 20-year-old 1996 Front Line Engine. The average lifespan of a fire engine is 20 years.

“As a small fire company, we have a small budget with limited resources. Without this state funding, we would have been unable to cover the total cost of a new fire truck. We are so grateful that Senator Ranzenhofer is helping us to reach our goal,” said South Byron Volunteer Fire Company President Dean L. Bates. 

ATV found crashed into steel barrier on Chapel Road, Byron, but operator not found

By Billie Owens

An ATV struck a steel barrier on Chapel Road, just north of Route 262, in Byron. Unknown injuries. The caller reports not seeing an operator of the ATV in the vicinity. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding. The location is just north of the old railroad bed. Command on scene tells responders to approach in non-emergency mode. "It appears this accident occurred some time ago. We're still looking in the brush here. ... I don't think there's anyone to be found here," command says. Law enforcement is responding, too. Mercy medics' response was cancelled.

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.: The fire departments are returning to service. "Law enforcement will handle it from here," command says.

Power line down, outage reported on Coward Road, Byron

By Billie Owens

A power line is reported to be across the roadway at 7604 Coward Road, Byron. There is also a power outage in the vicinity and a utility pole is broken. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

Grass fire reported on Mill Pond Road, Byron

By Billie Owens

A grass fire also involving a tractor is reported at 6448 Mill Pond Road, Byron. The location is by Mud City Road. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

Head-on collision with 'several ejections' reported on Clinton Street Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car head-on collision is reported at 7701 Clinton Street Road, South Byron. Several people are injured. The location is between Old State and West Bergen roads and Clinton Street Road will be closed at those junctions by Stafford Fire Police. Three ambulances are called to the scene. A responder reports "multiple ejections." Byron fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester is being notified that seven patients are en route for emergency care. Mercy Flight is grounded due to weather.

UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: The Byron assignment is back in service.

South Byron names Fireman of the Year and appoints 2015 officers

By Howard B. Owens

At the department's installation dinner this weekend, Jacob Yasses was named South Byron's Fireman and Member of the Year. Presenting the award are Christopher Hilbert and Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who also acted as emcee for the dinner.

Sworn in as firematic officers where:

  • Robert Wilson, chief
  • Jefferey Starowitz, deputy chief
  • Scott Blossom, assistant chief
  • Chase Cone, captain
  • Ben Baun, 1st lieutenant
  • Jacob Yasses, 2nd lieutenant
  • Christopher Hilbert, engineer
  • Lenny Peterson, fire police captain
  • Jim McKenzie, fire police sergeant
  • Reginald Macdonald, fire police corporal
Administrative officers:
  • Christopher Hilbert, president
  • Jacob Yasses, vice president
  • Sandee McKenzie, secretary
  • Alfred Klycek, treasurer
Photo and information submitted by Peter and Michelle Yasses.

Adults with Disabilities had a blast at Halloween dance at South Byron Fire Hall

By Billie Owens

Photo and write-up sent by Pat Iamon on Nov. 21:

On Oct. 16th at the South Byron Fire Hall, 85 plus attendees came together to celebrate Halloween at Genesee County’s Adults with Developmental Disabilities Dance. There were witches, pirates, policemen, clowns, cowboys and Hippies. All had to pass by our life-sized “Uncle Charlie” who at the slightest movement gladly removed his head as his eyes moved from side to side.

Attendees entered ghostly bat-ridden, spider-webbed South Byron Fire Hall on a mild October evening. Uncle Joe snapped photos as DJ Tom queued up some of the group’s favorite tunes. As usual, folks mingled on the dance floor in between enjoying some delicious Timbits from Tim Horton’s and apple cider. September and October birthdays were recognized prior to our customary circle dances, the Chicken Dance and the Hokey Pokey.

The next dance is the much-anticipated Christmas Dance. We are expecting a visit from Santa and he usually comes bearing gifts. The dance will be held on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the South Byron Fire Hall on Route 237 once again.

Special thanks to the South Byron Fire Department for extending us the use of the hall for these first two dances while the Byron Fire Hall is undergoing some renovations. The last dance of the season on May 14th will be the Patriotic Dance and it will be held at the Byron Fire Hall.

The dances are sponsored by Byron Ladies Auxiliary, and are open to all folks with developmental disabilities ages 13 and up living in Genesee County; family and caregivers are also welcome. Adequate supervision is required. Anyone wanting to volunteer or who needs more information may call Pat Iamon at 245-2918 or Laura Platt at 548-2245. If dances need to be cancelled due to weather, please listen to WBTA.

Car crash with injuries at Route 237 and Cockram Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 237 and Cockram Road. Byron Fire Department is on scene and South Byron Fire Department and Mercy medics are en route. The road is completely blocked and law enforcement is there.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: All available manpower out of Byron's hall is called in along with Fire Police. Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is available and a landing zone is going to be set up.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight will be arriving momentarily.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: Mercy Flight arrived a while ago.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Byron and South Byron are back in service and the road is reopened. According to Sheriff's deputy Kevin McCarthy, preliminary indications are that a box truck northbound on Route 237 was sideswiped when a southbound sedan crossed over the line. The female sedan driver required extrication and was taken to a hospital by Mercy Flight. The male driver of the box truck was not seriously injured. Identities of both parties involved are known but are not being released at this time. There were no passengers. Charges may be filed pending investigation.

UPDATE: The driver of the 1993 Chevy sedan is identified in the accident report as Renee G. Belknap, 44, of Bergen. The box truck driver is Grancisco M. Rosario, 55, of Medina. Belknap was cited for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road.

UPDATE: Here are additional photos submitted by Jason Kota.

Car crash on Route 237, pole and wires down, roadway blocked

By Billie Owens

A car crashed into a pole in the area of 7027 Route 237. Unknown injuries, but the driver is out of the vehicle. The pole and wires are down, blocking the roadway. The "car is smoking."

Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

The location is between Town Line and Cockram roads.

UPDATE 3:13 p.m.: Fire Police are called to shut down traffic at Route 237 and Cockram Road. National Grid will be contacted about the damaged equipment.

UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: Byron command says responders can come in non-emergency.

UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: Mutual aid for standby crews is requested: A Stafford pumper to South Byron; and a pumper from Elba to Byron.

Tanker with 500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia tipped over on Cockram Road at Route 237

By Billie Owens

A tanker with 500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia tipped over in the area of 6355 Cockram Road and Route 237. It is blocking the roadway. No indication of any spill at this time. It was being hauled by a tractor. Byron and South Byron fire units are on scene. Wind is west, southwest at 11 mph. County hazmat officials are notified.

UPDATE 8:11 a.m.: The county hazmat team is responding.

UPDATE 8:32 a.m.: Byron and South Byron fire police are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:45 a.m.: An engine from Clarendon Fire Department is requested to fill in at Byron's station.

The pin that broke, causing the accident. The ammonia was transferred from the tank that tipped over to two others owned by the same farm. The hazmat team was prepared in case there was a leak.

Two South Byron women earn advanced degrees from Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

Two local Nazareth College graduate students were among a class of 185 earning master's or doctoral degrees at the 87th Annual Commencement ceremony that took place at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on May 11.

They are Colleen Swinton and Heather Currier, both of South Byron.

Crash, unknown injuries, at Byron Holley and Cochran roads

By Billie Owens

A one-car accident is reported at Byron Holley and Cochran roads. Unknown injuries. Byron and South Byron firefighters are responding along with Mercy medics. A telephone pole snapped and wires are down.

UPDATE 11:40 a.m.: Command cancels Mercy medics. Other units to continue non-emergency. National Grid to be notified about the snapped pole.

UPDATE 11:55 a.m.: National Grid has a 20-minute ETA.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: All fire units are leaving the scene.

Possible grass fire behind house on Clinton Street Road, Byron

By Billie Owens

A possible brush / grass fire is reported behind a residence at 6902 Clinton Street Road. Byron and South Byron firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: A responder in the area reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: A nearby resident was burning something and it's extinguished.

Accident with injuries at North Byron and Searls roads

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries that is blocking traffic is reported at the intersection of North Byron and Searls roads. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

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