Lockport's Ed Tase elected as FASNY first vice president

Edward Tase Jr. of Lockport was elected first vice president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York at its 148th annual convention, which was held virtually (due to COVID-19) Aug. 22. Tase has served in a number of leadership roles within FASNY, most recently as a member of its board of directors, and now assumes new statewide responsibilities on behalf of New York’s volunteer fire service.

Tase has been a member of the fire service for nearly 50 years. He's a lifetime member of Frontier Volunteer Fire Co., which he joined as a junior member when he was 14 years old. Tase has long been active in the operation and management of the company, holding a number of offices, including trustee, financial secretary and recording secretary. He also serves as an active member of the South Lockport Volunteer Fire Co.

“I am proud to serve The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York,” Tase said. “Since 1975, I have seen this association grow from only 7,000 members to over 43,000 today. My goals for the coming years are to help get the benefits that are needed to continue the growth not only in FASNY but the volunteer fire and EMS service in New York. New York state should be proud of the service we provide in the volunteer fire service.”

Tase rose to become president of the Niagara County Volunteer Firemen’s Association in 1998 after serving as third vice president, second vice president, first vice president and financial secretary. He also has served on the county's fire advisory board for 15 years.  Tase has also been active in leadership of the Western New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association, which he joined in 1976.

“We must work to help the legislative body of New York to understand the value of the service we provide. FASNY has many legislative bills before them and need their help to get these passed and signed by the governor,” Tase said. “I am proud to work alongside the trustees of our FASNY Firemen’s Home – this team has and continues to do a wonderful job keeping the residents of our home away from home safe. I am pleased to share we have and continue to be COVID-19 free, thanks to the great teamwork we have within our leadership.”

For FASNY, Tase has served on numerous committees including membership, member services, budget, audit, legislative, resolutions, and fire prevention and life safety; and served as the organization's print project manager and convention exhibit chairman. He has also served as vice president of the FASNY Foundation.

Tase and his wife of 40 years, Linda, have two married daughters, two grandsons and two granddaughters who reside in North Carolina.

Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of 85,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.