Volunteers fire up positive spirit
By John Zornow
jzornow@cgazette.com

RECOGNITION: At the annual Newark Fire Department celebration, Lt. Ken Graf was named Fireman of the Year for saving a woman's life.

NEWARK: At a time when many fire departments are losing members or converting to paid status, the Newark Volunteer Fire Department, now entering its 150th year, is prospering, both in numbers and spirit.

'I continue to be amazed at the number of new members joining our volunteer ranks, as well as the tremendous turnout at emergency calls,' said Newark Mayor Peter Blandino at the annual Newark Fire Department banquet, held Jan. 24 at Burnham's Canalside Restaurant.

Nineteen new fire department members were among the guests attending the banquet, which also included Assemblyman Robert Oaks, village and town officials and area fire chiefs. Former Newark Police Chief and current Deluge Hose Company member Dick Bogan was master of ceremonies.

Honored at the banquet were Lt. Kenneth Graf and Newark Police Sgt. Doug Keyton for their efforts in an early morning fire on Sept. 1 at Armstrong Senior Living apartments on East Maple Avenue. Members of the department walked, led and carried the 50 to 60 residents to safety from the building.

Graf and Keyton were among the first to respond to the fire and pulled an elderly woman to safety. The woman, suffering from severe burns, died a few days later.

Keyton was previously recognized at the annual village holiday party in December, and Graf was also cited recently. Awarded the designation of Fireman of the Year for his valor on duty, Graf received a standing ovation from his peers and guests at the banquet.

Blandino credited Graf's quick actions at the fire.

'You demonstrated heroic, unselfish actions, and we are proud of you,' he said. As he examined the award, Graf looked directly at a table of rookies and new firefighters.

'Get your training, and you will be ready for a situation like this,' he said to them.

Graf has been a member of the Deluge Hose Co. of the Newark Fire Department for 37 years. The first in his immediate family to be a firefighter, he joined the department in March 1972, at the urging of his cousin. A longtime employee of Garlock Sealing Technologies in Palmyra, he said his passions are being a fireman, bowling and spending time with his family.

Blandino, who was at the Sept. 1 fire, was recognized for his attendance at major fires. Blandino regularly listens to the emergency scanner and responds to fires and other emergency calls to see for himself what the volunteers experience.

'I want everyone to know just how proud we are of you,' said Blandino. 'Let there be no question that the Village Board will continue to provide the necessary equipment for the fire department to keep our village safe.'

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