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awards banquet

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department holds 2025 Installation of Officers Banquet

By Steve Ognibene
Bethany Fire Department held it's annual installation of officers banquet saturday evening.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Bethany Fire Department held it's annual installation of officers banquet saturday evening.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

On Saturday evening, Fire Chief Jeff Fluker of Bethany Fire Department led as the master of ceremonies at Bethany’s annual awards and installation of officer’s banquet. 

More than 80 people attended, including VIP guests from other area fire departments, including Alexander, Attica, Elba, Pavilion, Stafford, and Wyoming.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley and County Legislator Gregg Torrey were also among the guests.  

Steve Breckenridge and Emergency Coordinator Tim Yaeger gave opening remarks on the evening.

Jeff Fluker presented the installation of officers for 2025.  

Steve Breckenridge presented the President's Award to Bethany Fire Department Treasurer Debbie Donnelly.

Jeff Fluker and John Szymkowiak announced the Firefighter of the Year award to EMS Captain, Gail Smith. 

Jeff Fluker and John Szymkowiak presented the Chiefs award for the year to second assistant and training officer, Will Thurley.

Gregg Torrey presented the years of service awards to the members present.

The memorial service, led by Pastor Walter Wenhold, honored Robert Alwardt, (Divider NY) Don Frank, who passed away in 2024 and all deceased members of the department.

The department responded to 146 total calls in 2024.  

The top responders were:

  • Will Thurley, 82 calls
  • Brian Bitton, 75 calls
  • Gail Smith, 62 calls
  • Glenn Adams, 55 calls
  • Peggy Johnson, 42 calls
  • Jeff Wolak, 40 calls
  • Carl Hyde Jr., 37 calls
  • Jeff Fluker, 35 calls
  • John Szymkowiak, 35 calls
  • Vicki Wolak, 34 calls

If anyone is interested in joining or learning more, contact Chief Jeff Fluker at 585-300-8153 or come to the fire hall any Monday at 7 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Treasurer Debbie Donnelly, received the presidents award.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Treasurer Debbie Donnelly, received the presidents award.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
EMS Captain, Gail Smith, received the firefighter of the year award.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
EMS Captain, Gail Smith, received the firefighter of the year award.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Second assistant and training officer, Will Thurley, received the chiefs award.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Second assistant and training officer, Will Thurley, received the chiefs award.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Members of Bethany fire department who were in the top 10 of attendning calls during the year.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Members of Bethany fire department who were in the top 10 of attendning calls during the year.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
  A couple members in attendance recieved years of service awards.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
  A couple members in attendance recieved years of service awards.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
A moment of silence for two members in 2024 and past members of the Bethany fire department who have passed away.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
A moment of silence for two members in 2024 and past members of the Bethany fire department who have passed away.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Arc GLOW to host annual awards banquet October 9 to celebrate individuals and community supporters

By Press Release

Press Release:

Arc GLOW will be holding its second Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. Rebecca Leclair, the President of Rebecca Leclair Communications, LLC and former anchor and reporter from WHEC-TV (Channel 10), will be the emcee.

Individuals will also be providing entertainment. For a month, Arc GLOW nominated staff, individuals and community members for a variety of different awards.

The award winners are the following:

Self-Advocate of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others.

Nathan Johnidas, Albion

Supported Employment Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.

Elizabeth Padilla, Walnut Street, Batavia 

Pre-Vocational Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning.

Tammy Reimels, Hilltop

Residential Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills.

Monica Mineo, Garfield IRA in Batavia

Day Habilitation Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities.

James Gibbs, WOW Day Hab in Batavia

Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. Shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement.

Brittany Murphy, Genesee County

KidStart Employee of the Year

To honor an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assist in all areas of their growth and education.

Maggie Putman

Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP)

To honor a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. Provides excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates our individuals to take their active role in the community.

Heather Taft, residential manager at Avon IRA in Avon

Employee of the Year

To recognize an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.

Heidi Wyant, transportation manager

Friend of the Year

Community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision.

Hoffman Hanafin & Associates, LLC

Business Partner of the Year

A partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment.

Aunt Cookies in Geneseo

Volunteers of the Year

To honor a person who is committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision.

Kevin and Dawn Fisher

Reservations are open until Sept. 30. at ArcGLOW.org/event/awards-banquet-and-annual-meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.

Much appreciation shown for volunteers at Byron Fire Department’s annual dinner

By Steve Ognibene
Byron Fire Department 2023 award recipients, Photo by Steve Ognibene
Byron Fire Department 2023 service award recipients, Photo by Steve Ognibene

Byron Fire Department held it’s 2024 recognition and installation of officers Saturday evening at the fire hall.  More than 100 people attended the event to honor volunteers who have served in the department. 

In the 2023 year of review presented by Captain Brandon Crossett, there were 226 total calls, 168 of which were EMS calls. John Durand had 196 Calls, Bob Mruczek 167, Edward Sharp 137, Brandon Crossett 126.

A moment of silence was given to Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello who passed away on March 10 in the line of duty.  A 50/50 raffle was raised for the family of Sgt. Sanfratello.  The winner chose to give their winning proceeds towards the total raised, which was $230.

In 2023 some significant mentions included the town board and community used funds to purchase a new town park and Byron rescue ambulance.

The Ladies Auxiliary presented awards that totaled 185 service years, and member of the year was Morgan Leaton.

Award highlights:

2023 Firefighter of the Year - Michael Alexander

Acknowledgement of Chiefs Award – Cory Russell

Most Training hours in Genesee County - Michael Alexander, 201

Training Award - Brandon Crossett 132 hrs

EMS Award - Debra Buck-Leaton EMT of the Year

Dedication of Service Award - Fire Chief Bob Mruczek

Recognitions:

Ken McKendrick Jr, 45 years of service

David Barringer, 50 years of service

Jim Hutchinson, 55 years of service

Other awards were given to, Pete Lochner, Steve Lochner, Joe Wells, Joshua Woika, Tammy Wells, Lori Mruczek, Morgan Leaton and Julia Wasinger.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Byron Fire Deptartment 2024 installation of Officers  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Byron Fire Department 2024 installation of Officers.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
L to R, Chief Bob Mruczek presenting special awards to Pete Lochner, Steve Lochner, Joe Wells  Photo by Steve Ognibene
From left, Chief Bob Mruczek presenting special awards to Pete Lochner, Steve Lochner, Joe Wells.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
L to R special awards, Tammy Wells, Lori Mruczek, Morgan Leaton, Julia Wasinger  Photo by Steve Ognibene
From left, special awards went to Tammy Wells, Lori Mruczek, Morgan Leaton, Julia Wasinger. 
Photo by Steve Ognibene
A standing ovation was given to David Barringer for 50 years of service  Photo by Steve Ognibene
A standing ovation was given to David Barringer for 50 years of service.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Firefighter of the Year, Michael Alexander  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Firefighter of the Year, Michael Alexander.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cory Russell was presented the Chiefs Award by Bob Mruczek  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cory Russell was presented the Chiefs Award by Bob Mruczek.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
L to R Tyler Lang presents Brandon Crossett and Michael Alexander with top training service hours awards  Photo by Steve Ognibene
From left, Tyler Lang presents Brandon Crossett and Michael Alexander with top training service hours awards.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
L to R Kaleena Neal-Smith and Bob Mruczek present Debra Buck-Leaton with the EMT of the Year award  Photo by Steve Ognibene
From left, Kaleena Neal-Smith and Bob Mruczek present Debra Buck-Leaton with the EMT of the Year Award.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ladies Auxillary combined 185 years of dedication to the Byron Fire Department  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ladies Auxillary combined 185 years of dedication to the Byron Fire Department.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ladies Auxillary Member of the year Morgan Leaton (holding flowers)  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ladies Auxillary Member of the year Morgan Leaton (holding flowers).
Photo by Steve Ognibene

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