Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co.
Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co.

Chamber Awards Gala 2014: NRR Chamber honors Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co.

by jmaloni

Submitted

Sat, Mar 22nd 2014 07:00 am

by Jennifer Pauly

President

Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will honor 10 businesses and individuals at its annual Chamber Awards Gala Friday, May 16, at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.

Today's Sentinel continues with profiles of the 2014 honorees.

Town of Porter Citizens of the Year

Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co.

The Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. has been chosen by Town of Porter Supervisor Merton Wiepert as recipients of the 2014 Town of Porter Citizens of the Year award. The fire company, all volunteers, leads an active schedule of community service, responding to emergencies, and is dedicated to making this area of Niagara County a great place to live.

The Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. was formed in 1924 with 24 charter members. Today, in its 90th year as a fire company, its membership of 64 members serves the towns of Porter, Lewiston and Wilson. The first firehall in Ransomville was built in 1925 located just east of the Four Corners on Youngstown-Lockport Road.

In 1960, a new hall was erected and dedicated on the present site at 2525 Youngstown-Lockport Road.

Last year, the fire company responded to an impressive 507 fire and EMS calls. More than 360 of those calls were emergency medical service related alone. The two ambulances the company owns have been entirely paid for by donations from members of the community and fundraisers. Fundraisers such as gun raffles and the popular Daytona 500 party help to raise funds for equipment and programs.

One of the unique aspects of the company is its third platoon, which is comprised of retired men who assist in responding to calls and hold training sessions on Wednesdays. In all, the members log between 1,900 to 2,000 training hours per year.

There have been many events and programs that have developed since the beginning of the company. The first Ransomville firemen's field day was held on the Four Corners to Academy Street. Field days were held annually until 1957 when they were discontinued.

The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1925 by a group of firemen's wives. Their mission at the time was to assist the firemen by raising funds and serving refreshments at the time of a fire. The Ladies Auxiliary remains an important part of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. today. And the Junior Firefighter program has been a great feeder program to the membership, with five of the current officers graduates of the program.

The leadership of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. is impressive with officers in each department providing valuable and lifesaving service to Ransomville and the surrounding communities. Leaders include: Executive Officer President Jim Stone; Line Officer Chief Chris Lederhouse; EMS Officer Capt. T.J. Lisman; Fire Police Officer Capt. Tim Harris; and Women's Auxiliary President Debbie Pollow. There's also a board of fire commissioners. All of them and their officers and members give their time to make the community a better place to live. A complete listing of officers is available online at www.ransomvillevfc.com.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce and Town of Porter are grateful for the service and dedication of the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. to the community and are proud to honor its members as the 2014 Town of Porter Citizens of the Year.

•••••

Chamber Awards Gala

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will honor 10 businesses and individuals at its annual Chamber Awards Gala Friday, May 16, at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.

The annual awards gala includes an evening of live music, silent auction and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a sit-down dinner and awards program. Tickets, priced at $95 per person, are available through the chamber office (895 Center St., Lewiston).

The Chamber Awards Gala is open to the public. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through the chamber office by calling 716-754-9500. For more information, visit www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com.

Hometown News

View All News