bethany fire department

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department holds 2025 Installation of Officers Banquet

By Steve Ognibene
Feb 9, 2025, 6:20pm

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

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

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 moment of silence for two members in 2024 and past members of the Bethany fire department who have passed away. Photo by Steve Ognibene

Bethany Fire Department honors departed members by purchasing new vital signs monitor with families' donation

By Billie Owens
Jun 6, 2017, 3:51pm

Front row: Roger Norton, Virginia Gayton. Back row: Mel Davis, EMS captain; Jeff Fluker, chief; Jim Duval, EMS lieutenant, Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Bethany Volunteer Fire Department is honored to present a new vital signs monitor for use in our town. Our community lost two highly respected members, Louis Gayton and Mickey Norton. Both of these families donated money to be used for the ambulance service in memory of their loved ones.

We wanted something special and memorable that we could use for a long time as a memorial to these two outstanding citizens of Bethany. After considerable thought and debate, it was decided to purchase the monitor, which can provide continuous readings of oxygen levels, blood pressure and pulse rates.

Bethany is proud to put this monitor into service. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Gayton and Norton families and look forward to using it in service to the people in our community.

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