Members of the Nester Hose Company gathered Jan. 31 to recognize decades of service during the company’s 139th annual banquet in Geneva.
The event honored three new 50-year members and three new life members for their long-standing commitment to the Geneva Fire Department.
Ed Champlin, Don McGuigan, and Charles Pitifer received recognition for 50 years of service. The company also honored Stu Hillenbrand, Peggy Mahoney, and Katie Noonan-Bay as new 25-year life members. Several of the honorees attended the banquet, which took place at the Hydrant Hose Company.
Each honoree received a gold lapel pin marking their service milestone, along with a state proclamation from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York.
Deputy Chief Michael Bucklin delivered remarks on behalf of Fire Chief Del Perrotta, who could not attend. In his message, Del Perrotta praised the honorees for “making a real difference every single day” and thanked firefighters for strengthening the community.
The banquet also recognized the company’s top firefighters based on call response, training, and participation. Capt. Steve Lathey announced the Top 10 list, led by Dan Gallagher.
Company leaders also acknowledged members stepping down from leadership roles, welcomed new members, and remembered firefighters who passed away over the past year.
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