Firefighter convention comes to Churchville

Firefighter convention comes to Churchville

Hundreds of volunteer firefighters will gather in Churchville from July 25 through 28 for the Western New York Volunteer Fireman's Association's 108th State Convention. The Association's president, Forrest Skelton, is a member of the Churchville Volunteer Fire Department. He said this is the first time the convention has been held in Churchville. "It is common for the convention to be hosted by the department to which the WNYVFA president belongs," he said. "The convention was last held in Monroe County in 1990."

Skelton said Churchville is honored to be hosting this year. "It's a nice thing to bring the event this way once in a while." At least 350 delegates are expected to attend from the 11-county region that encompasses Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.

Fred Lennon serves on the board of directors for the Churchville Volunteer Fire Department. He said the Association is a way for volunteer fire departments in western New York to get together and discuss issues, safety concerns and legislation that affects them. They also stage competitions between departments and hold other activities like truck rodeo and fire police events. A full schedule is planned during the convention in Churchville. "There's a lot going on in a three-day period," Lennon said.

Events scheduled include a Mercy Flight emergency airlift demonstration, a golf tournament at the Churchville Golf Course, a tour of the Monroe County Public Safety Training Center and a parade which will kick-off on Friday, July 27 at 7 p.m. The parade begins at Washington Street at Buffalo Road and proceeds west through the village to Park Road.

Lennon said 21 departments have committed to take part in the parade so far. Some departments have bands and colorguards, and the Gates Keystone Bagpipes will play for the Churchville Fire Department. Meetings and competitions are also planned and include firefighters games, a stat medic demo, EMS competition, emergency communications and fire police training sessions.

On Friday, a memorial service and Firefighter of the Year Award Ceremony are planned at St. Vincent's Church. Skelton said the memorial service honors volunteer firefighters who have died over the past year.