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SUNSET BAY - Sunset Bay Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 has a longstanding history of keeping the bay community safe for its hundreds of year-round residents, and thousands upon thousands of annual visitors.

Recently, members of the Sunset Bay Fire Company and Auxiliary hosted a dinner and awards ceremony in celebration of the company's 60th anniversary since its founding in 1949. In addition to past and present members, a number of local, state and federal representatives were in attendance to recognize the company's many years of service, and ongoing commitment, to the community.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation was given by Pastor Molly T. Golando of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, a brief history of the Sunset Bay Fire Company was provided by senior member George Weiskerger, and President John Fecio and Chief Robert Weiskerger gave their opening remarks.

"After 60 years of dedicated service to our community, there is obviously a lot of history within our fire company," Chief Weiskerger said later. "It was nice to see all the past members, past chiefs and distinguished guests in attendance. One thing is certain, we pride ourselves on being the best we can be and helping others in a time of need. As the fire company and its membership continues to grow, we look forward to serving the community and its residents for another 60 years."

The area served by the Sunset Bay Fire Company covers Sunset Bay as well as the northern strip along Routes 5 and 20, from Seneca Road to 5 West. The company also serves as first response to the village of Silver Creek, Fecio added.

Membership throughout the company's 60 years has remained strong. In fact, Fecio, a member of 19 years, said it has grown steadily in recent years, reaching its current membership of 35.

"Our membership has actually increased, not by a ton, but definitely over the past few years," he said.

According to Fecio, the Sunset Bay Fire Company is an invaluable asset to the bay community, unquestionably so when considering the closely packed residential neighborhoods, the marina and lake, and the railroad tracks- each of which presents its own particular difficulties.

"It's not what you'd typically find in a suburban community," he explained. "... It certainly is a benefit to have membership that is familiar with the characteristics of the bay itself."

Over the years, the Sunset Bay Fire Company has become uniquely tailored to serve the needs of its small beach community. With their specific equipment, training and experience, company members have the capability to perform ice and water rescues, as well as manage flooding and evacuations, all in addition to the tradition services provided by local fire departments.

"The camaraderie of the members over the years, and both the willingness to put the effort forth and recognizing the fact that the bay needed a fire company within the bay," Fecio said of the reasons for the company's longevity.

In addition, he said the company receives a great deal of support, both financial and otherwise, from the surrounding community.

Toward the end of the ceremonies, a number of fire company members were honored with service awards, presented by Fecio and Weiskerger, for their years of dedication - from five years to the most senior member at 35 years. The fire company also received several commendations and plaques from local, state and federal officials in attendance.

Rob Carline, First-Assistant Chief Mark Dietzen, Chad Ellis, Jim Nusall Jr., Jim Nusall Sr., Director Joe Pawlak and Director Randy Zimpfer received pins and certificates for five years of service. Paul Mason and Treasurer-Director Melinda Weiskerger received pins and certificates for 10 years of service. Frank Boniface, President Fecio, Vice-President-Director George Olinger, Sue Olinger, Second-Assistant Chief Kevin Weiskerger and Chief Weiskerger received plaques and certificates for 15 years of service. Dan Curry, Mike Kreuter and Jeff Smith received plaques and certificates for 20 years of service. George Weiskerger received a plaque and certificate for 35 years of services, standing as the most senior member of the company.

In addition, a special presentation was made to Don Burghardt, as a past chief and the sole surviving charter member of the fire company. Though he no longer belongs to the company, Fecio said he was a significant figure in the early years of the company.

Second-Assistant Chief Kevin Weiskerger also received special recognition by the 60th Anniversary Committee for outstanding dedication and service to the company. The award will only be presented once a decade, with the next to be presented during the fire company's 70th anniversary celebration.

For the Sunset Bay Fire Company, a certificate of recognition was presented by Chautauqua County Fire Coordinator Julius Leone on behalf of County Executive Greg Edwards; a letter of commendation was received by Chautauqua County Legislator David Wilder; a proclamation was presented by New York State Sen. Catharine Young; a commendation read and entered into the Congressional Record by Congressman Brian Higgins was presented; a plaque was received by Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace; and a plaque was presented by Chautauqua County Fire Coordinators Leone, Anthony Faso and Ronald Keddie on behalf of the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services.

The evening concluded with a benediction and blessing by Golando.

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