HomeMy WebLinkAbouthistory of central assoc 1893 1976 firemens association_0016CENTRAL NEW YORK FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
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(1938-39) of Ithaca, died August 23, 1972 and Paul E. O'Connor (1966-67) answered his last alarm
on January 16, 1972.
The day of June 23, 1972 was when the Volunteer Firemen in Central New York and the State
Fire Academy in Montour Falls made National Headlines. The Flood Disaster in the Southern Tief
Counties, with Chemung, Steuben and Tioga being hit the hardest, resulted in devastating damage and
destruction affecting thousands of people. Fire Departments and hundreds of Firemen throughout our
association were called upon to assist many ways to help those in need; some of these departments
worked around the clock for several days. The State Fire Academy was turned into a hospital for
over 230 evacuees from the Coming Hospital and the Founders Pavilion in Coming.
The 79th Annual Convention was held at President Arthur Brown's hometown of Sidney. Jerry
Harrington of Odessa was elected President with George Lang of Cortland, lst Vice -President, and
Ray Sherburne of Eaton, 2nd Vice -President. It was at this Convention that the office of Sergeant at
Arms was created with Donald Beckingham of Old Forge being elected to this post.
Ray N. Margeson, a life member of the Horseheads Fire Department and currently of the State
Firemen's Home, was made an Honorary Life Member of the association; Jr. Past President, Arthur
Brown was made a regular life member.
The Hiawatha Engine Company No. 4 of Owego was the overall Point Trophy winner in the
Hose races with 8 points; North Norwich received the Paul O'Connor Sportsmanship award and the
l" Homer Fire Department received the Hard -Luck Trophy, a new trophy donated by the Breesport Fire
Department. The First Aid contest winners were Greene in the association and Levittown in
non -association. A total of 5 teams were registered in the events. Winners of the annual parade were:
Best Appearing Fire Department, Walton; Best Ladies Auxiliary, Walton; Best School Band,
Sherburne-Earlville, and Best Drum and Bugle Corps, The Delaware Lancers.
During the Annual Convention of the F.A.S.N.Y. held in August, Keith Whiting of Cortland, a
past President of the Central, was elected President of the Board of Trustees of the State Firemen's
Home.
On September 23, 1972, the Pine City Fire Department and the Chemung County Firemen's
Association hosted a dinner at the Pine City Fire Station as a testimonial to that "Grand Old
Fireman" of Pine City, Herb Furman. Herb was made a life member of C.N.Y.F.A. in 1966.
Word was received on November 3, 1972 that Charles L. Butts of Norwich, the association's
treasurer for the past 16 years, had died that morning—he was 75. Charlie was a dedicated fireman for
54 years and before being elected Treasurer was Official Starter for 14 years and served on many
committees. He also held many elected offices and served on various committees in both the Norwich
Fire Department and the Chenango County Firemen's Association.
At a special meeting of the Officers, Life Members and Board of Directors held in Cortland on
November 19, Harry Dunlop of Pine City was appointed to fill out the term of Treasurer of the
association left vacant by the death of Mr. Butts.
Historian .............. FREDERICK D. TODD
7 Salo Drive
13 Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886