Special Supplement to The Livingston County News April 18th, 2019
2 • April 2019
Fire departments share a legacy of service
Fire departments have a long
history in Livingston County and
meet their communities’ needs
with a variety of firefighting gear.
As you read these capsules
you’ll learn how these depart-
ments are moving forward, while
acknowledging their legacy, and
learn how you can get involved.
Avon Fire Department
Avon Fire Department is com-
prised of two companies, the
Avon Pumper Company and the
William VanZandt Hose Compa-
ny, which began 130 years ago.
The department is partici-
pating in the annual RecruitNY
weekend, which provides an op-
portunity for the public to learn
about services provided by their
fire department and how they
may be able to help the depart-
ment. Avon is planning an open
house, display and demonstra-
tions from noon to 4 p.m. April
27 at its hall, 74 Genesee St.
Avon Fire Department offi-
cers for 2019-2020 are Jay Batzel,
president; Sarah Twamley, vice
president; Barb Ippolito, secre-
tary; Kerry Murray, treasurer;
Brian Strozewski, fire chief; Dan
Snyder, first assistant chief; and
Bill Boyd, second assistant chief.
The William VanZandt Hose
Company officers are Kevin Pat-
rick, president; Ken Berberry,
vice president; Bill Boyd, secre-
tary; Tom Cushing, treasurer;
and Dan McKeown, captain.
Officers for the Avon Pumper
company are David Piampiano,
president; Bill Gree, vice pres-
ident; Barb Ippolito, secretary;
Tim Bartzel, treasurer; George
Spezzano, first lieutenant; and
Joellen Nichols, second lieu-
tenant.
Caledonia Fire Department
The Caledonia Fire Depart-
ment, which was founded in
1887, has added members and is
planning for a new fire hall. The
department’s current fire hall is
138 Court St., Geneseo, NY 14454
Cell: 585-747-2108
Office: 585-243-2643
Fax: 585-243-1838
www.mariebeikirch.com
www.abcolerealestate.com
Livingston County First Responders 2019
CALEDONIA FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPH
Caledonia firefighters train
with hydraulic rescue tools
by playing a Jenga-like game
where players used the tools to
remove a block at a time.
at 3089 Main St. in the village.
“We’ve outgrown the space
we’re in. We can’t add to the
fleet. We just can’t get bigger
trucks,” said Chief Jeff Ayers,
who is in his first year as chief af-
ter having been deputy chief the
last two years.
A building committee was
formed recently. Ayers said it’s
too early to have a cost estimate
or timeline for the new fire hall
project.
The department has a little
more than 50 active members
and has added three this year.
“Of the 50 members we have,
35 are interior firefighters, which
is great,” Ayers said.
Officers include Past Chief
and First Assistant Chief Michael
Churchill, Second Assistant
Chief Tim Beavers, Captains Jeff
Mills and Michael Knutowicz,
lieutenants Andrew Carpino and
Sam D’Agostino and Fire Police
Captain Don Mosele.
Conesus Fire Department
The Conesus Volunteer Fire
Department, 6703 South Livonia
Rd., Conesus, had a busy 2018.
Members put into service a
Marie Beikirch
Lic. R.E. Salesperson
585-747-2108
Kubota UTV which can be fit-
ted with a skid unit to help get
a person out of the woods on a
backboard or a pump and tank
to help with grass or woods fires.
The UTV can have tires or tracks,
which makes it versatile for all
seasons. The fire department al-
so bought an enclosed trailer to
transport the UTV.
In August 2018, the fire de-
partment had a welcome home
party for its first fire truck, a 1934
Dodge that had been restored.
The truck is on display in the
building across the parking lot
from the fire house.
During the department’s an-
nual banquet, members hon-
ored William Greene with 75
years of service.
“Mr. Greene is very infor-
mative of the history of the de-
partment,” said Chief Rachel
Halpenny. “He is a very valued
member of the fire department.”
The Conesus Volunteer Fire
Department business officers
for 2019-2020 are Debbie Green,
president; Dale Eddy, vice pres-
ident; Roger Damon, treasurer;
Maureen Trescott, secretary.
The Board of Directors are Deb-
bie Green, Rachel Halpenny,
Roger Damon, Harvey Teed,
Donna Pratt, Ken Schoonover
and Daniel Falls.
Line officers for 2019-2020
are Rachel Halpenny, chief;
Dale Eddy, first assistant chief;
Jim McManus, second assistant
chief; Pat Shaughnessy and Don-
hank You
to all the Men and Women for dedication and service!
“Serving the Community Since 1854”
Mon - Fri 7:30am-5:30pm
Sat 8am-3pm | Sun 10am-1pm
www.smithlumber.us
na Pratt, captains; and Maureen
Trescott, lieutenant.
The department will host its
spring chicken barbecue on April
27 during the state-wide Recruit-
NY initiative. Serving will start at
noon and go until sold out.
Cuylerville Fire Department
Cuylerville Fire Department,
2943 Canandaigua St., Leices-
ter, has been in operation since
1923. The department is capable
of responding to a variety of lo-
cations, including the Genesee
Valley Greenway, the north end
of Letchworth State Park and
Empire Dragway in Leicester
In June 2018, the department
dissolved Cuylerville Ambulance
because it did not have enough
qualified EMTs to staff calls for
service. Coverage was taken over
on June 30, 2018, by Livingston
County EMS.
Dansville Fire Department
The Dansville Fire Depart-
ment is looking forward to the
delivery of its new tanker later
this summer. “It will help with
the large area we cover... it’ll help
our neighbors too,” said Chief
Glenn Camuto.
The department is replacing
Pumper 516, which was pur-
chased in 1991. The pumper had
developed severe rusting of the
cab and has a rear door that can-
not be opened. The department
also had to repair the electrical
system.
585.346.5705
5833 Big Tree Road, Lakeville
The new tanker has a 3,000
gallon water capacity which will
allow the department to “pro-
vide a substantial initial water
supply to rural fires not covered
by a municipal hydrant system,”
Camuto said.
In addition to the new tanker,
the department plans to pur-
chase some new equipment with
a grant from former Sen. Catha-
rine Young’s office.
The funds were initially go-
ing to be used for rehabilitating
a building behind the fire house
for training and storage pur-
poses. However, Camuto deter-
mined the equipment purchase
was a more efficient use of the
funds.
Members continue to work on
rehabilitating the building, and
have installed a bail-out system
that allows firefighters to prac-
tice exiting from a window.
The Dansville Fire Depart-
ment is comprised of nearly
50 members. In 2018, they re-
sponded to 317 calls, up from
272 the previous year.
Several members were hon-
ored recently for service. They
included Bryce Walker (1-5
years), Camuto (20-30 years),
and James Welch (30-50 years).
The department is always
looking for new, younger mem-
bers. Anyone interested in learn-
ing more about the department
should call (585) 335-7770.
See FIRE T5

Ambulance companies deliver range of care
Several Livingston County
ambulance companies have
passed the 50-year milestone in
recent years. Dansville celebrat-
ed its anniversary last year, fol-
lowing Mount Morris and Nun-
da, which are in their 52nd year
of delivering care to those who
are sick or injured.
Here’s a capsule look at se-
lected ambulance companies
(others may be found in the fire
department capsules):
Avon Rotary Lions Ambulance
The Avon Rotary Lions Am-
bulance is moving toward dis-
solution, citing financial and
staffing struggles. Emergency
medical coverage of Avon was
turned over to Livingston Coun-
ty Emergency Medical Services
as of April 6.
The decision ended ARLA’s
63 years of service that began
through the efforts of Avon Ro-
tary and Avon Lions.
The move came after months
of talks among stakeholders
about how best to ensure high
Livingston County First Responders 2019 April 2019 • 3
quality ambulance service to GV EMS, which operated as vice, which includes emergen- roe County Emergency Com-
Avon as the financial situation Caledonia Ambulance, ceased cy services, community CPR/ munications Department. Vi-
of the ambulance service dete- operations in the face of rising AED and first aid training, EMT tale also works part-time with
riorated. operating costs and struggled to and paramedic training, com- CHS.
Kevin Patrick, president of get enough manpower. munity paramedicine, blood Each of these awards will be
the Avon Ambulance’s board of CHS was named “Agency of pressure clinics, and health fair submitted to the New York State
directors, said the decision to the Year” from the Monroe-Liv- participation. for consideration at the state-
dissolve was “very hard.” ingston Regional Emergency EMT Jenna Cirincione was wide level.
“We tried to figure out a lot Medical Service Council. named Basic Life Support Pro- MLREMS is a regional orga-
of different ways we could sus- CHS offers numerous train- vider of the Year. nization that provides oversight
tain it,” Patrick said, “but we just ing opportunities for its staff, Charles Vitale was named and education to EMS providers
realized it wouldn’t work any- the greater community and communications specialist of and departments in Monroe
more.” other healthcare providers. Its the year. He was recognized and Livingston counties.
CHS Mobile Healthcare focus remains community ser- through his role with the Mon-
See EMS T8
CHS Mobile Integrated
Healthcare has completed one
year of operations in Living-
ston County. CHS took over the
operations of Genesee Valley
Emergency Medical Services on
THANK YOU
March 26, 2018.
CHS, an organization cre-
ated in January 2017 from the
merger of ambulance services
to the first www.GeneseoComputers.com
sales@GeneseoComputers.com
in Chili, Henrietta and Scotts-
ville, picked up the Caledonia
and Mumford fire districts, and
the towns of Caledonia and York
responders! 126 Main Street, Geneseo, NY 14454
from GVEMS.
585.243.4870
4 • April 2019
Emphasis placed on community policing
Six Livingston County com-
munities have their own police
departments.
The departments in Avon,
Caledonia, Dansville, Geneseo,
Mount Morris and Nunda rep-
resent a variety of sizes in staff
and activity. They respond to
a variety of calls – from assist-
ing the public to investigating
crimes – and several provide
school resource officers to their
local school district.
All share a commitment to
community-focused policing,
which emphasizes interacting
with residents outside of emer-
gency or criminal situations.
Here’s a capsule look:
Avon Police Department
The Avon Police Department
begins its 80th year of service in
2019. The department can be
traced back to 1939, with a news
article that references the nam-
ing of a new police chief.
The department, led by Po-
lice Chief Joseph Geer, currently
serves about 3,500 residents and
handled about 2,000 calls for
service in 2018.
The department employs five
full-time and four part-time of-
ficers. One full-time officer is the
School Resource Officer at Avon
Central School. The SRO’s du-
ties include collaborating with
district administration regard-
ing the school district’s safety
plan, overall campus security,
classroom visits and presenta-
tions, and assisting with other
health and safety issues.
Officers within the depart-
ment possess various special-
ized certifications and skills,
such as evidence technician,
advanced interview and interro-
gation, bike patrol, child safety
seat technician, defensive tac-
tics instructor and crash man-
agement investigator.
The members of the Avon
Police Department emphasize
community-oriented policing
practices and involvement.
“Our aim is to provide the
most professional, effective and
immediate service to the citi-
zens of Avon,” said Geer.
Caledonia Police
The Caledonia Police De-
partment, established in 1891,
serves about 2,200 residents
who live within 10 square miles
Livingston County First Responders 2019
of the village.
The department contracts
with the Town of Caledonia and
also responds to priority one
and two ambulance calls, struc-
ture fires and reports of crimes
in progress. Caledonia Police
may also be called to assist the
Monroe County Sheriff’s De-
partment to help with calls in
Wheatland.
Caledonia is led by Chief
Daniel Chapman. The depart-
ment has three full-time and
four part-time officers. One of
the full-time officers serves as
the SRO at Caledonia-Mum-
ford Central School; another
is a member of the Livingston
County Drug Task Force.
Officers also possess several
important certifications. These
include fire investigators, evi-
dence technicians, child safety
seat technician, bike patrol, and
a commercial vehicle inspector.
The department has a med-
ication drop-box the residents
may use to properly dispose of
unwanted medications.
The drop box is in the vesti-
bule of the village clerk’s office
at Village Hall, 3095 Main St.
Residents are asked not to drop
needles or liquids in the box.
If you have any questions or
for more information, contact
the Caledonia Police Depart-
ment at (585) 538-6200.
138 Court St., Geneseo, NY 14454
Cell: 585-315-6617
Office: 585-243-2643 ext 101
Fax: 585-243-1838
pat@abcolerealestate.com
www.abcolerealestate.com
Dansville Police are the county’s three accredit- cent. The addition of numerous
ed law enforcement agencies. housing complexes, as well as
The Dansville Police Depart-
The certification is granted by the WalMart superstore has at-
ment, one of the busiest in the
the state Division of Criminal tributed to this increase in activ-
county, responds to more than
Justice Services after the agen- ity, according to Osganian.
4,000 calls annually.
cy seeking accreditation has In 2017 and 2016, the de-
The department has seven
undergone a thorough exam- partment responded to around
full-time officers, one part-
ination. Accreditation requires 8,200 calls for service each year,
time officer and a part-time
having approved standardized according to its annual report.
clerk. Chief Charlie Perkins has
policies and minimum training Calls for service include ev-
been with the department for
standards that must be kept up erything from helping a strand-
34 years, including 20 as police
chief. to date every year. The depart- ed motorist to assisting ambu-
Interacting with the residents ment’s policies are reviewed an- lance staff with responding to a
is a priority for the department, medical call.
nually by New York State.
Perkins has said. Officers con- A comparison of activity Mount Morris Police
duct bike rodeos for children,
from this past year, compared
lead community parades, at- to 15 years ago. In 2003, the The Mount Morris Police
tend local events and offer tours Department saw a change in
department handled 4,166
to community organizations. complaints. Last year, the de- leadership in 2018 following the
Since 2016, the department retirement of Chief Kenneth A.
partment handled 7,979 com-
has maintained a drug-drop box plaints, an increase of 48 per- See POLICE T7
at the North Dansville Village
Hall, 14 Clara Barton St. The box
is through a partnership with
the Livingston County Sheriff’s
We Salute Livingston
Office, Town of North Dansville,
Village of Dansville and Dans-
County First Responders
ville Police Department.
Geneseo Police Thank You
The Geneseo Police De-
partment continues to work to
maintain its law enforcement
accreditation, said Police Chief
Eric Osganian.
The department, along with
the Livingston County Sher-
iff’s Office and SUNY Geneseo
University Police Department,
Michael P. Dougherty
Patricia Cole Kevin W. Dougherty
Lic. R.E. Broker & Notary Public
585-315-6617 www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com

Fire
From T2
East Avon Fire Department
It was a busy 2018 for the East
Avon Fire Department, with
members responding to 307 to-
tal calls for service, 49 of which
were for structure fires. The
department was also an active
mutual aid provider, responding
109 times to calls for service out-
side its coverage area.
The department, founded in
1926, is using a $73,000 FEMA
grant to replace its Jaws of Life
extrication devices on its Pump-
er 277 and Rescue 279 trucks,
said Chief Jeff Faugh.
The department is looking at
replacing a rescue truck with a
more versatile vehicle.
With the level of experience
that comes from having 47 active
members, the department also
re-established its Firefighting
Explorer program last year. It has
13 young men and women par-
ticipating.
Members of the department
meet at its fire hall at 1615 W.
Henrietta Rd. in Avon every
Monday night.
for your dedication, service, and sacrifice!
Livingston County First Responders 2019
Geneseo Fire and Ambulance
The Geneseo Fire Depart-
ment, 133 Center St., Geneseo, is
an all-volunteer department that
provides fire and ambulance
service to the village and town of
Geneseo, the latter by contract.
The department was estab-
lished in 1834 with ambulance
service beginning in 1940.
The department averages
about 85 members responding
to 250 fire calls and 1,450 am-
bulance calls annually, said Fire
Chief Andrew W. Chanler.
The department averages
about 20,000 man-hours per
year for calls, training, stand-by
details and scheduled duty.
Geneseo operates one rescue
pumper, two pumper tankers, a
138 Court St., Geneseo, NY 14454
Cell: 585-737-7420
Office: 585-243-2643
Fax: 585-243-1838
jdw3175@rochester.rr.com
www.abcolerealestate.com
Geneseo Fire and Ambulance’s Memorial Day marching unit is
shown in a 2012 parade.
95-foot ladder truck, rescue boat,
and brush truck, along with three
ambulances, one first response
squad car and two support vehi-
cles.
Specialized equipment and
John Wallin
Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker
585-737-7420
Distributor and Manufacturer of
Liquid and Dry Sweeteners
April 2019 • 5
Groveland Fire Department
The Groveland Fire Depart-
ment, established in 1939, serves
the salt mine, Route 390, Cone-
sus Lake, and two prisons – a
territory of more than 30 square
miles.
In 2018, the department re-
sponded to 130 calls, more than
double the number of calls it re-
sponded to in 2017.
GENESEO FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPH
The department is pursuing
grants to help with the purchase
of new equipment and turnout
operations include high angle gear which has a limited lifespan.
Steve Teeter, in his 13th year
rope rescue, ice and water res-
as chief, has been with the de-
cue, and “Jaws of Life” equip- partment for more than 30 years.
ment, which is carried on all ap-
See FIRE T6
paratus.
Thank you
to all of our
First Responders!
From the Scouts, Packs and
Crews of Livingston County
®
®
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
A Scout is Helpful, Norman Rockwell 1941
6 • April 2019
Fire
From T5
The department has 15 vol-
unteers, but like many depart-
ments is seeking new members.
Anyone interested is asked to call
(585) 243-1441.
Hemlock Fire Department
Hemlock Fire Department is
celebrating its 95th year in 2019.
There are 30 members in the
department: 14 firefighters, in-
cluding nine that are interior
qualified, and 16 social mem-
bers who help with fundraising
events.
In 2018, the department re-
ceived a federal grant to replace
its air packs with MSA G1 air
packs. Eight of those include
thermal imaging cameras, which
help firefighters see in heavy
smoke conditions and find hot
spots that are normally unable
to be seen. They also have voice
amplifiers for better communi-
cation.
Hemlock received a grant
from New York for the pur-
chase of a Kubota UTV, which is
equipped with an 85-gallon skid
unit with rescue platform.
“It will be used for grass/wild-
land fires where we would not be
able to access by fire truck, and
rescues if someone were to get
hurt while hiking in trails,” said
Chief Tom Ellis. “This year we are
purchasing a new trailer that will
be used to haul the Kubota and
all our wildland fire equipment
and in the winter, it will be used
for ice/water rescue.”
The department is looking to
replace a 1981 mini pumper this
year with a pickup truck that will
also be used for grass/field fires
and towing the Kubota trailer.
Hemlock has responded to 50
calls so far in 2019, including five
structure fires, 13 motor vehicle
collisions, four fire alarms, and a
number of service calls which in-
clude water problems, weather
problems and standby/fill-ins.
Officers include Chief Tom
Ellis, First Assistant Chief Chad
Fraser, Second Assistant Chief
Tony Parsels, lieutenants Jamie
Sparks and Dan Resides, Presi-
dent Randi Smalley; Vice Pres-
ident Linda Gascon; Treasurer
Brenda Teed; and Secretary Pat
Fraser.
Hemlock Fire Department
will host two sportsman’s raffles
this year.
Hemlock Fire District No. 1
was incorporated in 1924 and
the Hemlock Volunteer Compa-
Livingston County First Responders 2019
Members of the Lakeville Fire Department are seen battling a
blaze during 2018.
ny was incorporated in 1942.
Lakeville Fire Department
The Lakeville Volunteer Fire
Department was formed Sept.
23, 1921, and has grown sig-
nificantly from when it began
with two pumpers and about 12
members.
Lakeville is the smallest fire
district in the county, though it
averages around 220 calls per
year. About 100 of those calls are
for emergency medical services.
“Besides responding to fire
emergencies, the department al-
so responds to all priority 1 and 2
EMS calls. This responder squad
has been in place since 2011
and has four EMTs that respond
at any given time. As a Livonia
Ambulance medic, myself, our
responder squad has been awe-
some about performing first pri-
or to our arrival and assisting us
with loading the patients,” said
Chief Hal Fellows.
The department is looking to
upgrade its infrastructure, in-
cluding improvements to IT ca-
pabilities, replacing a 1993 Pierce
truck with a vehicle featuring
stronger pump capabilities, tank
capacity and an interior design
with ease of cleaning to help re-
duce carcinogens that may be
left in the vehicle post fire.
“We are also looking at replac-
accidents and 10 fire-related pulse Fire Company.
calls. The department’s calls al-
so included 10 for mutual aid,
The department will partici-
pate in RecruitNY on April 27. Its
and eight calls to fill-in for other open house will run from 9 a.m.
departments. The response re- to 2 p.m.
quired nearly 1,200 man-hours. The department’s fleet of
The department has two equipment includes six trucks:
pumpers and a mini-pumper. two pumper trucks, one tanker
Recently, the department pur- truck, one 105-foot quint, one
chased and put into service a rescue truck and one grass truck.
new 2017 4 Guys pumper No. Officers include Chief Tim
135, to replace a 1996 truck. Vandevelt, First Assistant Chief
The department was estab- Rusty Taillon, Second Assistant
lished in 1910. Chief Jim Pribanich, Captain
Leicester will have an open Tim Gimme, First Lieutenant
house April 27 as part of Recruit- Tim Relyea, President Andy Luft,
NY to show the public how they Vice President Mike Torres, Sec-
can volunteer to help out in their retary Doug Churchill, Assistant
LIVINGSTON COUNTY NEWS FILE PHOTOGRAPH
community. The event is sched- Secretary Billy Barnhardt and
uled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Treasurer Ron O’Brien.
Lima Fire Department Livonia Fire Department
The Lima Fire Department,
ing our self-contained breathing Members of the Livonia Fire
7286 West Main St., Lima, was
apparatuses to a modern He- Department have been work-
the first fire department estab-
adups display, voice amplifiers, ing in recent months to meet
lished in Livingston County
and increasing the safety margin the terms and conditions of a
in 1876. The Department was
for those who are fighting the new state law that gives tax-free
called the Centennial Fire De-
fires within any hazardous envi- disability and death benefits to
partment until 1927 when it be-
ronment,” Fellows said. volunteer firefighters diagnosed
came the Lima Fire Department.
Current apparatuses in ser- with cancer.
Its history, though, dates to 1830
vice at Lakeville include a 1993 See FIRE T10
and a bucket brigade called Re-
Pierce Engine E214; a 2010
E-One Pumper P215; a 2011 Ford
Squad Truck; a 2006 all wheel
Gator; a 2007 Chevy Tahoe,
which is the chief’s vehicle; and
two boats. Charter Partner
One of the boats, a pontoon
boat called Lakeville Lady, was
Thanks to our responders!
turned into a Fire Rescue that Holly H. Harvey
went in to action July 3, 2018, RE Associate Broker, CBR
during a rescue of 13 people who
were launched into Conesus (585) 414-4845
Lake after colliding with anoth- h.h.harvey@frontiernet.net
er boat. The Lakeville Lady is on 5857 Big Tree Road • Lakeville, NY 14480
Conesus Lake from mid-May to office: (585) 346-2222 • fax: 203-9200
mid-October.
For more information about
the department or to learn more
about becoming a member, visit • Living Wills • Trusts
lakevillevfd.org or on Facebook.
Leicester Fire Department • Health Care Proxies
Leicester Fire Chief Jim Kane • Power of Attorney • Probate
has been at his position since
2011, leading a department of • Real Estate • VA Pensions
about 30 volunteer members.
In 2018, the department re-
sponded to 85 calls for service, Elder Law with emphasis on
including 22 for motor vehicle asset protection & crisis planning
Stephen M. Kelley, Esq.
Attorney at Law
131 Main St. • Suite 7 - Side Entrance
PO Box 278 • Geneseo, NY 14454
PHONE 585-519-4387
FAX 585-519-4419
myattorney52@gmail.com

Police
From T4
Mignemi, who had served the
village for 24 years, his last seven
as chief.
The department is staffed by
a dozen members, including
Chief Richard White, who was
sworn in Oct. 9, 2018. White,
who previously served as chief
of the Geneseo Police Depart-
ment from 1998 to 2003, brings
“a wealth of knowledge, educa-
tion and experience” to the po-
sition, said Mayor Frank Provo
when White’s appointment was
announced.
The department seeks to in-
crease foot patrols that feature
positive interaction between of-
ficers and residents, and main-
tain a SRO to help develop trust
between the department and
school-age children and ad-
dress a variety of issues, includ-
ing bullying.
Nunda Police
The Nunda Police Depart-
ment will introduce a bike pa-
trol this spring, said Chief Ryan
Livingston County First Responders 2019
The Nunda Police Department put a new patrol vehicle, a Ford
Interceptor, into service in February. The vehicle features a new
graphic design for the department, which started in 1954.
Dale.
The patrol will be visible at
community festivals and special
events. “We always want to be
out in the public, we’re commu-
nity oriented,” Dale said.
“We want the community to
understand that we are here to
serve the community. We are
not just out writing tickets,”
Dale said. “We are not here to
push calls out to other agen-
cies.”
Dale, who became chief in
September, said it is important
for the community to know who
all the police officers are.
“We want them to be able to
put a face with a name and know
April 2019 • 7
Drug Task Force a combined effort
Livingston County re- task force ... is a good example
launched its drug task force in of team effort,” said Living-
2013 with the intent to bring a ston County Sheriff Thomas J.
more formalized, proactive ap- Dougherty.
proach among local, county, The Task Force includes law
state and federal agencies that enforcement representatives
serve county residents. from the Livingston County
The Livingston County Drug Sheriff’s Office, police depart-
Task Force allows for improved ments in Avon, Caledonia,
NUNDA POLICE DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPH
communication among the Dansville, Geneseo, Mount
agencies and the ability to mar- Morris and Nunda, and the Liv-
shal more resources than indi- ingston County District Attor-
vidual departments can do on ney’s Office.
us on a first-name basis,” he their own. Residents may contact the
said. “We believe that drugs are Sheriff’s Office at (585) 243-7100
Dale said he wants to build on the root cause of most violent or online at http://www.living-
the work of his predecessor, Jeff crimes in Livingston Coun- stoncounty.us/Sheriff under
Wilcox. Those efforts include ty. The consolidated drug the “TAKE ACTION/TIP LINE.”
installation of a new server net-
work that will improve efficien-
cy and record keeping.
The department also
changed its uniform and patch
design for the first time in 22
years. A new patrol vehicle, a
Ford Interceptor, went into ser-
vice at the end of February and
represents the department’s
new graphic design.
The department, established
in 1954, has eight part-time offi-
cers, including the chief.
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8 • April 2019
EMS
From T3
Dansville Ambulance
The “ambulance service” of
the 1950s and 1960s was first
handled by funeral homes and
later the Dansville Police De-
partment, under the Dansville
Health Department. The four
companies that comprised
the Dansville Fire Department
formed a fifth company known
as the Dansville Ambulance
Company in October 1968.
The first ambulance in ser-
vice was a white station wagon.
As time passed, the Dansville Li-
ons Club joined forces with am-
bulance company members for
a fundraising campaign to pur-
chase a new, proper ambulance.
In the mid-1990s, the am-
bulance company received the
combined estate of Emma Ev-
ans and Frances Woolever that
allowed the current station to
be built at 18 Ossian St. in 1997-
98. Shortly after, the ambulance
company formally separated
from the fire department to be-
come a standalone company.
Dansville was the first EMS
service to reach the 1,000 call
per year mark. Today, the agen-
cy receives 1,400 dispatches a
year, operating two Certified
BLS ambulances , a certified first
responder truck, a John Deere
gator for off-road rescues and
fire scene support, and a MCI/
Mass Gathering Trailer.
The agency covers more than
100 square miles that includes
all or part of six townships in
two counties and the village of
Dansville.
“We drill with all the fire de-
partments within our cover-
age area,” said Jerry Jackson
of Dansville Ambulance, “and
have a great working relation-
ship with them.”
The ambulance also provides
coverage for the annual tractor
pull in Dansville, the four days
of the New York State Festival
of Balloons during Labor Day
weekend, the village’s Dogwood
Festival and all home foot-
ball games for Dansville High
School.
Operational officers for 2019
are: Director of Operations
Floyd Sick, Deputy Director
Matt Wolfe, Captain Tanya Ta-
tu, and lieutenants Len Saluz-
Livingston County First Responders 2019
Members of the Dansville Ambulance Company participate in a
prom safety demonstration at Dansville High School.
zo, Brock Cuddeback, Robert
Smith. Business officers are
President Greg Horr, Vice Pres-
ident Skip Wolfe, Secretary
Lindley Conte, Treasurer Jessica
Backus, Deputy Treasurer John
Seward, and Company Trustees
Lisa Perry and Jerry Jackson.
Lima Volunteer Ambulance
Lima Volunteer Ambulance
celebrated 70 years of service to
its community in 2018.
What began around 1937
as the Lima Fire Department
Auxiliary Ambulance housed
on East Main Street Lima in
the “Old Fire House” has blos-
somed into a two ambulance
organization housed in its own
base just west of the Village of Li-
ma and known as the Lima Vol-
unteer Ambulance.
In the beginning, a Cadillac
ambulance was used. One fire-
man would drive while anoth-
er trained in only basic first aid
would care for the patient in the
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back. Today, the agency has 32
members with 14 as EMTs.
Lima Ambulance averages
around 300 calls a year, but last
year the agency hit a 10-year
record of just more than 500
calls and are following a similar
trajectory for 2019, said Rescue
Chief Scott Domuracki.
Other administrators include
Captain Mike Finucane, Secre-
tary Gisela Wheeler and Trea-
surer Harold Falls.
Like many other agencies Li-
ma covets new members so it
can staff its rigs and answer each
and every call, Domuracki said,
noting that free training is avail-
able.
“Our members are dedicated
to answer the call in our com-
munity, and feel it is a privilege
to serve our neighbors in times
of crisis and need,” Domuracki
said. “We are ever grateful for
the support of our community.
We look forward to another year
of service.”
Livonia EMS nized a fundraiser with Com-
Livonia ambulance was
founded in 1966 and on Dec. 19,
munity Bank to raise funds to
purchase three sets of Doppler
2006, the Town of Livonia Am- equipment to use on the ambu-
bulance District was formed. lances for LVAD and other spe-
cial needs patients.
Livonia EMS has more than
60 dedicated volunteers con- Livonia’s 2007 Ford ambu-
lance was remounted on a new
sisting of Basic Life Support, Ad-
chassis and will be in service in
vanced Life Support and civil-
the upcoming weeks. The re-
ians trained in American Heart
mount/refurbish of an existing
Association CPR. For more than
ambulance allowed the Town of
10 years this dedication has al-
Livonia Ambulance District to
lowed the ambulance to cover
save nearly $60,000 compared
100 percent of primary calls and
to purchasing a new ambu-
quite often the second and third
lance.
calls for service in the district,
Trained members of the am-
said Joseph Breu, chairman of
bulance offer American Heart
the board of commissioners for
Association CPR instruction to
Livonia EMS.
local businesses, community
During the year the ambu-
lance crews respond to an aver- groups, churches, individuals
age of 1,200 calls for service. and governmental agencies.
The volunteers also support If you or your organization
many community activities, needs CPR training or are inter-
including sporting events at ested in becoming a member
Livonia Central School and the of Livonia ambulance contact
Hemlock Fair. LivoniaEMS@rochester.rr.com.
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HERO program shares ‘raw
and real’ stories about drugs
The Livingston County Sher-
iff’s Office continues to present
its HERO program at school dis-
tricts across Livingston County
and beyond in an effort to inform
students of some of the conse-
quences of abusing the addictive
drugs.
Short for Heroin Education,
Resisting Opiates, the Sher-
iff’s Office piloted the HERO
program at Dansville Central
Schools in 2016. To date, about
1,700 students have seen a HERO
presentation.
“This program is one com-
ponent of our comprehensive
strategic plan to combat the ep-
idemic but it is the single most
important initiative,” said Liv-
ingston County Sheriff Thomas
J. Dougherty. “This isn’t a scared
straight program but instead a
raw and real program that ed-
ucates our youth on the lethal
dangers through real life stories
of folks right here in Livingston
County.”
The most recent presenta-
tion at SUNY Geneseo in Febru-
ary was attended by about 700
students, including some from
Wayland-Cohocton Central
School in Steuben County.
To All Our First Responders
Who Keep Our Community Safe!
THE TOWN OF YORK
Fowlerville, Greigsville, Linwood, Piffard, Retsof, Wadsworth, York
Livingston County First Responders 2019
In addition to Dougherty,
students heard emotional and
powerful presentations from a
parent who lost a child to a hero-
in overdose, a Livingston County
Jail inmate who is incarcerated
and addicted to heroin, and oth-
er emergency responders with
firsthand knowledge of what
heroin and opiates are capable of
doing to the human body.
During an interview follow-
ing the February presentation,
Dougherty opined that the her-
oin epidemic has “no end in
sight.”
The best answer to the on-
going epidemic is cooperation
among law enforcement agen-
cies, addiction treatment spe-
cialists and community mem-
bers, said Dougherty.
And by making young people
familiar with the ramifications of
heroin and opiate use, Dough-
erty said he’s hopeful all of them
“choose not to ever use.”
Dougherty said help is avail-
able for addicts. He encouraged
them to call the Sheriff’s Office at
(585) 243-7100 “and we will get
you set up with the appropriate
services anytime of the day or the
night.”
With our appreciation from
April 2019 • 9
OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS County HazMat team is accredited
The Livingston County Of- ment.
Livingston County is served by
other first response agencies.
fice of Emergency Manage- The team may also respond
ment added a second accred- to an incident at a facility that
These include:
itation earlier this year. uses hazardous materials in its
SUNY Geneseo: The college
has an accredited University The Livingston County manufacturing processes.
Police Department of 17 staff HazMat team, which works Other situations in which
members, and an EMS agency, from the Emergency Man- the team may be called to as-
SUNY Geneseo First Response,
which is the primary emer- agement office, received its sist could be for flood response
gency response agency for accreditation in January from or to provide shelter to first re-
the campus. University Police the New York State Emergency sponders in inclement weath-
Chief Thomas J. Kilcullen is a
finalists for the national “Cam- Management Association. er, Niedermaier said.
pus Safety Director of the Year The team has 21 members The team’s accreditation
Award.” First Response is cele-
brating its 45th year. The agen-
and is made up of volunteers follows the February 2018
cy goes to about 300 medical from local fire departments. accreditation of the county
emergency calls per year and The team has monthly meet- Office of Emergency Man-
also conducts CPR classes,
ings and training sessions. agement. Both accreditations
blood pressure checks and
other training. The HazMat team responds involved a review of about 20
State Police: Livingston County to any type of accident or different standards – some
is served by Troop E in Canan- emergency in which hazard- with additional criteria that
daigua. There are State Police ous materials may be involved, must be met. Factors included
stations in Geneseo (Mount
Morris) and Lima. Major Eric said Kevin Niedermaier, direc- administration, training, pre-
L. Laughton is the troop com- tor of the Livingston County paredness, communication
mander. Office of Emergency Manage- and hazardous material plans.
Air ambulances: Three compa-
nies provide air ambulance
services in Livingston County.
Mercy Flight of Western New
York, with a base in Batavia,
has served the county since
1981. Mercy Flight Central,
A Huge
THANK
which is not affiliated with
Mercy Flight of Western New
York, is based in Canandaigua.
The county is also served by
LifeNet of New York from a
base at Hornell Municipal Air-
port in Steuben County.
YOU
To All Of Our
First Responders!
10 • April 2019
Fire
From T6
The legislation went into ef-
fect Jan. 1 and provides benefits
for firefighters who are diag-
nosed with certain cancers –
lung, prostate and breast cancer
among them – in certain condi-
tions, such as having at least five
years of service fighting fires in
the interior of buildings
“This bill mandated that each
fire department carry cancer
insurance on each active fire
firefighter that met a certain
criteria,” said Livonia Fire Chief
Rich Alexander. “This was man-
dated which meant we needed
to spend approximately $15,000
to cover our members.”
The Livonia Fire Department
has about 40 active members.
The new law didn’t provide
any funding, said Alexander,
meaning the cost of the policy
was placed on the department.
Alexander said his depart-
ment has taken other steps to
help minimize the risk of cancers
among its members.
“We have bought and issued
each interior firefighter two sets
of Nomex hoods which they
wear any time we work a fire and
are required to wash when re-
turning back to the station,” he
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455 Rochester Street, Avon, NY 14414
Phone: 585-226-9500 • Fax: 888-478-2797
starheadlight.com
Livingston County First Responders 2019
said.
Nomex is a type of flame-resis-
tant fabric that, when fashioned
into a hood or other garment, is
also very good at blocking fine,
potentially cancer-causing par-
ticulate matter from coming into
contact with firefighters’ skin.
“We also have a garden hose
on our engines to rinse the fire-
fighters off before they strip off
their gear, along with spare sets
that they can use while their ev-
eryday gear is being washed,”
said Alexander. “We also pur-
chased small wipes that are used
to clean the areas of our mem-
bers that are most likely to ab-
sorb the carcinogens the quick-
est like the neck, armpit, knees
and groin.”
The Livonia Fire Department
will host two sessions for pro-
spective members as part of Re-
cruitNY on April 27 and 28. The
sessions will explain what a fire-
fighter job is, the time needed,
why to get involved and how to
get started. The hour-long ses-
sions begin at 1 p.m. April 27 and
3 p.m. April 28.
Mount Morris Fire Department
The town of Mount Morris is
served by one fire department
with three companies: The Liv-
ing Stream Hose Company,
formed in 1852; Active Hose
Company, founded in 1873; and
Seymour Chemical Company,
MADE
ICAN
AMER
which was created in 1914. President Mike Galton, Vice cially incorporated as the Nunda
The department has 40 active
members who responded to
President Gary Ludwig, Secre-
tary Jeff Long, and Treasurer
Fire Department on Jan. 7, 1969,
when it received its certificate of
about 150 calls last year. Adrian Sanford. Safety Officers incorporation.
The department has also cel- are Heather Bennett, Jim Kama- The department celebrated
ebrated a trio of long-serving karis and Gary Powers. its anniversary of incorpora-
members: Robert Donovan and Board members are Steve tion with the arrival of a new rig,
Jack Mongillo have served for 60 “427.” The 2018 International
years, and Don Taber is a 50-year Howe, chairman; and Troy Ben-
7400 is a pumper tanker that
member. nett, Larry Mallaber, Steve Gelser features a 1,000 GPM pump and
and Mike Vasile.
The department is always 1,500 gallon tank. With “427” in
The fire department started
seeking new, younger volun-
in the 1800s, though it was offi- See FIRE T11
teers. Anyone interested in
learning more about the Mount
Morris Fire Department, should
call (585) 658-3130.
Nunda Fire Department
Members of the Nunda Fire
Department are inviting the
community to have a chat with 138 Court St., Geneseo, NY 14454
them during RecruitNY on April Cell: 585-750-3320
28. An open house is scheduled Office: 585-243-2643 ext 102
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire- Fax: 585-243-1838
hall, 4 South St., Nunda. alanscole@abcolerealestate.com Alan S. Cole
The department will have Lic. R.E. Salesperson
www.abcolerealestate.com 585-750-3320
officers and other firefighters
available to talk with. Visitors
can check out trucks, gear and
equipment to see what the de-
partment does. Food and other
activities are also planned.
We salute our First Responders:
Heroes on the
Officers for 2019 are Chief
Mike Bogardus, First Assistant
Chief Travis Deiter, Second As-
sistant Chief Dana Cotton, First
Captain Paul Gelser, Second
Captain Adam Cleveland, First
Lieutenant Brandon Snoddy,
Second Lieutenant Chad White,
Homefront
1-888-762-7258

Fire
From T10
the fleet, the department can
leave its hall with more than
6,000 gallons of water.
Sparta Center Fire Department
Sparta Center Fire Depart-
ment, 8479 Reeds Corners Rd.,
Sparta, formed in 1963,
The department’s newest
vehicle is a 2017 Pierce Pumper
Tanker, which it took delivery of
in August 2017. The department
has also used grants to purchase
rescue equipment for use at
motor-vehicle accidents and a
forestry grant to purchase equip-
ment for fighting grass fires.
Springwater Fire Department
The Springwater Fire Depart-
ment continues to grow in mem-
bers and services provided.
Since July 2018, the depart-
ment has responded to all med-
ical calls in the district as a Basic
Life Response Unit staffed with
volunteer BLS Certified First Re-
sponders and Emergency Med-
ical Technicians. The depart-
ment starts the needed medical
care and documentation and
transfers care over to the trans-
Livingston County First Responders 2019 April 2019 • 11
porting ambulance from Living- The department has respond- ten responds to mutual aid calls York Fire Department
ston County EMS. A dozen of
the department’s 40 firefighters
ed to 58 calls so far this year, of
which 31 were for medical aid.
in Nunda, Mount Morris, Grove-
land and Dansville.
York Fire Department is a rel-
atively new organization, estab-
have the certification. The department is on pace to re- Department members work
lished in 2007 with the merger of
“We are proud to report that spond to 90 to 110 medical calls closely with the Town of West two experienced fire companies:
we have a 100 percent call re- and more than 230 total calls this Sparta to support the town’s the York Volunteer Fire Compa-
sponse rate since the program year. activities, including the annual ny, founded in 1927, and Retsof
began,” said Springwater Fire The department celebrated summer “Old Fashioned Day” Hose Company, formed in 1957.
Chief Mike Edwards. 115 years of service to the com- event at the town hall. The department, 2667 York
“The BLS CFR program is a The department’s goals in-
munity in December 2018. Road West, York, will partici-
great asset to our community The department is hosting an clude reducing the frequency pate in RecruitNY on April 27. Its
and in my opinion the perfect open house from 1 to 3 p.m. April and severity of fire and haz- event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to
model for fire departments,” he 28 as part of the RecruitNY. ardous materials emergencies 2 p.m.
said. “The requirements for us to through prevention and edu- In recent years, York has add-
maintain fire and rescue services
West Sparta Fire Department cation; minimize suffering, loss ed a new rescue-pumper truck,
alone are very time consuming The West Sparta Fire De- of life and property from fires, which includes a hydraulic and
and we had difficulties main- partment was founded in 1975 hazardous materials, medical electric rescue tool, grain bin
taining both fire and ambulance and provides services to several and other emergencies through rescue equipment, rope rescue,
services. This allows us to re- hamlets including Byersville, response programs; and ensure lift bags, struts, cribbing, hazmat
spond and start the care with an Kysorville, Union Corners, West preparedness through training supplies, shore based water res-
ambulance heading for Spring- Sparta, West Sparta Station and and district-wide community cue, and fire suppression equip-
training and education. ment.
water immediately. ” Woodville. The department of-
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12 • April 2019 Livingston County First Responders 2019

Several members of the de-

EMS
From T8
Mount Morris Ambulance
The Mount Morris Ambu-
lance Service is in its 52nd year
of service.
The ambulance service re-
sponds primarily to the town
and village of Mount Morris
and is present at a number of
festivals and community events
each year. It also provides mu-
tual aid to neighboring commu-
nities when necessary.
Nunda Volunteer Ambulance
The Nunda Volunteer Ambu-
lance Service, responded to 493
calls in 2018 – the third highest
number in its 52-year history. Its
busiest year was 2017, when the
agency responded to 537 calls.
partment were honored for ca-
reer milestones. Martha Blair
and John Thompson have re-
sponded to 3,500 and 2,500
calls respectively. Brian Emke
was honored for responding to
2,000 calls and 20 years of dedi-
cated service. Mike Bugman (25
years), Dee Dee Burt (15 years),
and Tom Burt (15 years) were
honored for years of service.
The ambulance service re-
cently purchased a carbon
monoxide detector. The new
equipment will allow the de-
partment to more accurately
treat potential carbon monox-
ide poisoning victims and mon-
itor firemen at fire scenes.
Livingston County EMS continues paramedicine effort
Livingston County Emergen-
cy Medical Services is transi-
tioning into its own paramedi-
cine program aimed at helping
reduce ER readmission rates,
particularly among seniors.
The program began three
years ago with a $600,000 grant
from the Greater Rochester
Health Foundation. That grant
expired in October.
The program provides recent
emergency room discharges
with follow-up advice and in-
struction designed to make sure
they don’t need to be hospital-
ized again.
“We’re focused on EMS en-
counters to the ER and home.
Did the patient get everything
they need? Have they connected
with their personal physician?
What challenges might they
have in the home?” said County
EMS Director Karen Dewar. “By
making these connections we
are assuring that the care con-
tinues.”
Typically, a paramedic’s in-
teraction with the patients be-
gins with a 911 call followed by a
trip to an emergency room.
“They call for EMS thinking
the hospital is the only option,
but it may not be the only op-
tion,” Dewar said. “Sometimes
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the paramedic can see a solu-
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call.”
For example, a person who
has fallen may have loose rugs
or other tripping hazards in
their residence. The paramedic
may see this and have ways the
problem can be addressed to
prevent repeated falls and hos-
pital trips. Similarly, an illness
may not require an ER visit.
“This can help a lot in the
county,” Dewar said. “It’s an
opportunity to make sure needs
are met, and also provides the
patient opportunities to be able
to stay in their home.”
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A Huge
THANK
YOU
To Our
First Responders!