Members of the Nester Hose Company of the Geneva Fire Department gathered earlier this month for its 138th Annual Banquet to honor new 50-year members and new 25-year Life Members.
Two 50-year members, David LaVoie and Michael Stramandinoli, and two Life Members, Kelly Hart, and Joseph McDonald, were honored at the banquet at the Hydrant Hose Company. Only Hart was able to attend. The honorees each receive a Gold Lapel Pin with “50-Year Member of Nester Hose Co.” or “25 Years of Service” and “Life Member” engraved on it.
Addressing the firemen, Fire Chief Del Parrotta praised firefighters’ “dedicated service with bravery and teamwork. Geneva is safer and stronger because of you,” he said.
Among the guests at the banquet were Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bucklin, Police Chief Ron Eveland, Ontario Director of Emergency Management John Yannotti Jr., and officers and commissioners from the Hydrant Hose Company and the Folger Hook and Ladder Company.
Tradition at the banquet calls for announcing the Top 10 firefighters based on their attendance responding to fire calls, training, work details, and meetings. Capt. Steve Lathey listed the following Top 10 firefighters: (1) Dan Gallagher; (2) Rob Patnesky; (3) Mike Bucklin; (4) Steve Lathey; (5) John Guinan; (6) Chris Lamson; (7) Rick Rhinehart; (8) Sean Bucklin; (9) Billy McNicholas; and (10) Don McGuigan.
Also recognized were the following new members since last year’s banquet: Kyle Nelson; Zachariah Long; Marshall King; Alexander Marancik; Lincoln Champlin; Joseph Hart; Wyatt Tobin; Gavin Brignall; and Jayson Booth.
Company officers are Assistant Chief Dan Gallagher, Capt. Steve Lathey, 1st Lt. Billy McNicholas, 2nd Lt. Mike John, President John Guinan, Vice President Bill Sweeney, Treasurer Bobby Harris III, Recording Secretary Peg Mahoney, Financial Secretary Rob Patnesky, Board of Directors Mike Bucklin, Mike John and Billy McNicholas and Don McGuigan, Delegate to the Central Body.
