- Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 April 2014 23:12
By Paul Chasko
After a search for suitable officers among their membership, an annual election of those nominated was held and the new officers of the Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department (FVFD) were installed at an annual dinner held for that purpose on March 29.
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| President Jacob Lawrence, at the microphone, introduced the administrative officers present. They are (l - r): Mark Chasko; Jason Dooley; Doug Detig; Josh Heyl; and Jason Melzer. Absent from the photo were: Dave Husser; Gary Rizzo; Bill Grubbs; Dennis McLaughlin; and Doug McIntyre. |
This is a more than popularity contest; these men will be making decisions that affect the well-being and possibly the lives of their brother firefighters. Past firefighting experience, knowledge of procedures and equipment, leadership training abilities and dedication are all factors considered in choosing the operational officers.
The administrative officers must show a dedication to keeping the organization strong, well-equipped and financially solvent – no easy task when pieces of equipment valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars must be purchased, maintained and periodically replaced. With growing financial challenges, the administrative officers will be struggling to keep the FVFD from becoming another of the many volunteer fire departments to close its doors.
Municipal officials and residents of Union and Nottingham Townships and the Borough of Finleyville should seriously consider the unselfish services provided by these first-responders to personal and community emergencies. Respond to their on-going fund drive as if your life depended on it – someday in just might.
The event highlights were the introduction of the new officers, a presentation of a check for $4,700 to the FVFD resulting from the recent “Pub Crawl” chaired by Don and Barb Maers and a 20-year active service award for Doug Detig.
Congratulations, best wishes and prayers go out to the new officers listed below and all other members of the FVFD – keep strong and stay safe.
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| New Fire Chief Jeff Lawrence, at the microphone, introduces the operations officers. They are (l - r): Neil Stewart; Jason Dooley; Mark Chasko; Andy Sneed; Jacob Lawrence; Adam Parker; Jason Melzer; David Kegel and Jeff Thomas. |
Administrative Officers:
- President - Jacob Lawrence
- Vice President - Jason Melzer
- Recording Secretary - Josh Heyl
- Financial Secretary - Dave Husser
- Treasurer - Doug Detig
- Chapalin - Gary Rizzo
- Trustees -Mark Chasko, Bill Grubbs, Dennis McLaughlin, Doug McIntryre
Operative Officers:
- Fire Chief - Jeff Lawrence
- Assistant Fire Chief - Jeff Thomas, David Kegel
- Chemical Captain - Jason Melzer
- Hose Captain - Adam Parker
- Ladder Captain - Jacob Lawrence
- Chief Engineers - Andy Sneed
- Assistant Engineers - Mark Chasko, Jason Dooley, Neil Stewart
Click on "Gallery" to see more photos of this event by Paul Chasko
