CHERRY CREEK - Tom Waag was named Cherry Creek's top responder at the department's annual recognition banquet.
The Cherry Creek Fire District honored all members and thanked them for another year's service to the community.
Jim Bostaph, fire chief, welcomed everyone to the banquet and Bruce Fish, chaplain, asked the blessing over the meal.
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Among the local officials and dignitaries attending the recent Cherry Creek Volunteer Fire District Annual Recognition Dinner were Kevin Muldowney, representing state Senator Cathy Young, R-Olean; Jim Bostaph, Cherry Creek fire chief; state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Chautauqua County; and John Griffith, Fourth Battalion coordinator. Members of the fire district were honored for their years of participation, and the top five responders of 2011 were named.
P-J photo by Sue Ann Fish
Guests for the evening were chiefs from the surrounding communities, including, Brian Himes of South Dayton, Stephen Rexford of Ellington, and Don Steward of Conewango Valley.
Dignitaries welcomed to the festivities were Kevin Muldowney, representing state Sen. Cathy Young, R-Olean; state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, who represents Cherry Creek in the legislature due to redistricting, and John Griffith, Battalion 4 coordinator.
Bostaph spoke of how the year began with the fire at the Cockaigne Ski Center and went on to relay other events of the past year: the decommissioning of the district's snowmobile and the Mack truck, and on a brighter note, the enclosing of Station 2 on Center Street in the village.
Three new members were officially welcomed into the district: John Lukaszewski, Debbie Walker and Maggie Wallace.
Awarded for their continuous years of service to the district were: Jerry Abers, 10 years, Ken Chase, 25 years, Jim Abbey, 25 years, Dan Colburn, 25 years, and Jack Condon, 55 years.
Jim Abbey was also honored for his service as past chief of the district with a flag, commemorating his service.
The top responders for the year are: Tom Waag, Terry Sheldon, Kevin Hudson, Jim Bostaph and Bobby LeBarron.