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East Pembroke Fire catches up with three years of awards at installation dinner

By Howard B. Owens
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James Gayton was named Firefighter of the Year for East Pembroke at the department's awards and installation dinner on Saturday night.
Photo by Howard Owens.

It's been four years since the East Pembroke Fire Department came together for an awards and officer installation dinner, so there were a few awards to hand out on Saturday night.

Chief Don Newton recognized years of service and training hours for 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as handing out, along with Tim Yaeger, the Service Awards and Firefighter of the Year for each year.

The Service Award for 2021 went to the Genesee County Health Department for support and assistance during the pandemic.

Jennifer Groff was named Firefighter of the Year for 2021.

For 2022, the Service Award went to the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management for all of its assistance around Christmas when Winter Storm Elliott hit.

Dave Martin, who couldn't attend the dinner, was named Firefighter of the Year for 2022.

Willie Welch received a special award for his 40 years of dedicated service to the fire department and the county. Paul Fenton also has 40 years of service but wasn't available on Saturday night.

The Service Award for 2023 went to Adam Pearce. 

The Firefighter of the Year for 2023 is James Gayton, who was recognized for his dedication to the department, whether it is fixing things that are broken, cleaning what needs to be cleaned, or barbecuing at fundraisers.

Newton said, "He puts his time in and gives us the best of everything he can."

The 2024 firematic officers:

  • Don Newton, Jr., chief
  • Charles Chatley, deputy chief
  • Andrew Martin, assistant chief
  • Travis Dobrowsky, EMS chief
  • James Gayton, firematic captain
  • Jennifer Groff, EMS captain
  • Ken Marble, exterior fire captain
  • Kyle Rupp, firematic lieutenant
  • Stephen Smelski, EMS lieutenant
  • Richard Groff, fire police captain

Administrative Officers:

  • Donald Newton, Sr., president
  • Ken Marble, vice president
  • Julie Waldron, secretary and parade marshall
  • Riley Martin, sergeant of arms
  • Adam Pearce, assistant parade marshall
  • Pastor Bloom, chaplin

Board of Directors: Andrew Martin, Donald Newton, Sr., Charles Chatley, Ken Marble, Stephen Smelski, Julie Waldron, Dale Lewter, Patrick Gallaway.

District Representatives:

  • James Gayton, chairman
  • Patrick Reeves, sergeant of arms
  • Kristi Humphrey, treasurer,
  • Kevin Gill, assistant chairman
  • MaryAnn Chatley, secretary
  • Richard Groff, commissioner
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Tim Yaeger, Genesee County's emergency management coordinator, was the evening's master of ceremonies.
Photos by Howard Owens.
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Don Newton, Tim Yaeger, Charles Chatley, and Gary Patnode (Office of Emergency Management), with the 2022 Service Award
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Bill Welch receiving the 2023 Service Award from Tim Yaeger.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Adam Pearce received the Service Award for 2023, with Don Newton.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Tim Yaeger presented to Chief Don Newton and the department an award for most training hours in the county in 2023.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Don Newton, Charles Chatley, and Andrew Martin, with plaques they received in recognition of their position as chief, deputy chief, and assistant chief.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Tim Yaeger administered the oath of office.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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James Gayton rang a bell and Charles Chatley lit candles to honor first responders who have passed in the last year, including a candle for Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, whose funeral service was earlier in the day on Saturday.
Photo by Howard Owens.

University at Albany announces fall 2023 dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Dean's List at the University at Albany recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students.

To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.

The following students have been named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List:

  • Tania Cortes Gutierrez of Pavilion
  • Carlos Melgarejo of Oakfield 
  • Danica Porter of Basom 
  • Lauren Reimer of Batavia
  • Ashley Schiefer of Batavia
  • Alexandra Zanghi of East Pembroke 

Members of two local granges honored at National Convention

By Press Release
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Submitted photo of Corfu Grange members (from left to right): Don Koepf, Corrine Koepf, Karen Bridge, Jan Bencic, Becky Perry, and Aurilla Putney.

Press Release:

The Grange is a fraternal organization based on agricultural principles with a long history of grassroots activism which has opportunities for the whole family. There are four levels of Grange: Subordinate (local), Pomona (county), State, and National. Within those levels, there are 7 degrees. The highest degree a Granger can receive is the 7th degree, which is presented at the National Convention. This year the National Convention was held in Niagara Falls. 

Nine members of the Genesee County Pomona Grange earned the 7th degree. Six members from Corfu; Don Koepf, Corrine Koepf, Karen Bridge, Jan Bencic, Becky Perry, and Aurilla Putney. Three members from East Pembroke; Julie, Alexandria (Jomni), and Colton Tarbell. Jomni, East Pembroke Junior Grange Leader, also received the Agricultural Awareness Award. 

For more information about the Genesee County local Granges, contact Joan Phelps, Pomona President, at 585-762-8503.

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Photo of Jomni, East Pembroke Junior Grange Leader (center) receiving the Agricultural Awareness Award (photo courtesy of Lindsay Schroeder).

Troop 64 member promoted to Eagle Scout

By Staff Writer
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Jerremy Sharick being awarded Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor with his parents Dana and Piper Sharick.
Submitted photo.

Jerremy E. Sharick of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 64 in East Pembroke was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jerremy earned 32 merit badges earning him two Palms, also. 

Jerremy's Eagle Project was building a new counter and storage table for the Corfu Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, where he has volunteered for nearly five years. The new counter replaces a folding banquet table that the pantry was using that had no storage. He also donated the leftover funds to the food pantry. 

Jerremy's Eagle project consisted of 87.5 volunteer hours. 

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Jerremy with Paula Trapani from The Corfu Food Pantry
Submitted Photo
new eagle scout
Jerremy E. Sharick received a citation from Assemblyman Steve Hawley on achieving Eagle Scout.  Jerremy was also recognized by Rep. Claudia Tenney.
Submitted photo.

Fire chief orders Area 51 races shut down after multiple injuries reported

By Howard B. Owens

The chief of East Pembroke Fire has ordered Area 51 to shut down its motocross races.

When a first responder informed the chief, a person at the races said, "There's no way that's going to happen," the chief responded, "Tell him if he doesn't shut it down, I'm going to have him arrested."

There have been multiple calls to the dirt track today for injuries and the latest call is requiring a Mercy Flight dispatch.  There are reportedly more than a couple of people currently in need of treatment for injuries.

Mercy EMS is tied up on multiple calls so Alexander's ambulance has been dispatched to the scene.  Darien is being asked to staff its ambulance because of the current ambulance shortage.

Area 51 is located at 3323 Harloff Road, Batavia.

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

 

Photo: Stella is missing in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens
missing dog

Stella is only six months old and she's missing in East Pembroke.

She took off on her own at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday while at Crosby's in East Pembroke.

Stella is a Mastiff, weighs 70 pounds, and is described as "skittish."

She is wearing a pink collar. 

If you find her, call Jeff at 585-500-1436.

UPDATE June 27, 10:15 p.m.: Stella is found safe.  The owners were putting up a trail cam where she was last seen, and she walked up to them at that location.

Bucket truck overturns on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A bucket truck has reportedly flipped over on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 390.4 in the westbound lane.

Unknown injuries.

East Pembroke Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 3:33 p.m.: The truck is leaking fluids.

East Pembroke Fire District announces meeting schedule for 2023

By Legal Notices

East Pembroke Fire District Meeting Schedule for 2023

  • January 10, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • February 14, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • March 14, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • April 11, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • May 9, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • June 13, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • July 11, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • August 8, 6 p.m budget workshop
  • August 8, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • September 12, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • October 17, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • October 17, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • November 14, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • December 5, 7 p.m. district meeting
  • December 12, 6 to 9 p.m. district commissioner vote
  • December 26, 7 p.m. district end-of-year meeting

East Pembroke holding election for fire commissioner

By Press Release

Press release:

There will be an election for commissioner for the East Pembroke Fire District. This commissioner position is for a five (5) year term beginning Jan. 1, ending Dec. 31, 2027.

The election will be held at the East Pembroke Fire District Hall, 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia, between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Please email maryann@eastpembrokefiredistrict.com or call (585) 813-6576 if interested in running for this position.  

You will need to pick up a petition and have at least 25 signatures from persons living in the East Pembroke Fire District.   All interested candidates must live in the East Pembroke Fire District.   All petitions must be returned to Mary Ann Chatley by Dec. 5.

PUBLIC NOTICE: East Pembroke Fire District to hold budget workshop

By Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE: 

Notice there will be a Bugdet Workshop held at the East Pembroke District Hall, at 7 pm, Tuesday August 2,2022. Workshop will be held at District Building located at 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia NY 14020. 

Publisher's Note: Legal Notices/Public Notices are published by The Batavian for free as a public service pending revision of state law that will allow digital news publications to publish legal notices that meet the legal requirements of such notices. Clerks: Email your notices to news@thebatavian.com.

Multiple departments responded to wheat field fire on Brown Road, East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A wheat field fire was reported at 2:12 p.m. at 2281 Brown Road, East Pembroke, in a back field.

East Pembroke Fire responded. 

The chief requested Elba's utility transport vehicle and Alexander's UTV, because they have pumps on them, to the scene.  Alexander Fire, Indian Falls, Alabama, and Darien Fire also dispatched. Alden Fire, which was on scene at the Darien accident, volunteered to bring their UTV to the fire and was dispatched.  Crittenden Fire was also dispatched.

Town of Batavia Fire was placed on standby in quarters.  A Mercy EMS basic life support unit was requested to the scene.

The fire was reported out at about 3:10 p.m.

House fire reported on West Main Street Road, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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A structure fire is reported at 3687 West Main Street Road, Batavia, following a possible furnace explosion.

The building is reportedly unoccupied. 

Town of Batavia Fire and East Pembroke Fire responding.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: A second alarm requested.

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: Route  5 is being closed to traffic in both directions, at Kelsey Road, and at Wortendyke.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: Corfu to fill in at East Pembroke. 

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: Mercy EMS requested to the scene to stand by.  National Grid requested to the scene.  The fire is knocked down. Firefighters are starting overhaul.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: Code enforcement and Red Cross are responding.

UPDATE 8:20 p.m. (Photos and info via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service): Whether a furnace exploded in connection with the fire is under investigation, said Don Newton, the East Pembroke fire chief. The fire appears to have started on the second floor and the furnace is in the attic, Newton said. While Newton was in route to the fire, a firefighter first on scene called Newton on his mobile phone and informed him there was heavy smoke but no visible flames. Before Newton arrived, the firefighter called back and said flames had broken through the rear of the structure. Newton called for a second alarm.  There was apparently no one home when the fire started. Once firefighters confirmed the house was vacant they searched for pets and most of the pets appear to have escaped the fire, Newton said. There is heavy smoke damage throughout the structure and the structure is not habitable. 

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Accident with minor injuries but entrapment reported on Slusser Road

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 7989 Slusser Road, East Pembroke.

The car is in a field. The driver reportedly sustained only minor injuries but extrication is required.

East Pembroke Fire on scene and Alabama Fire called to assist.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Crews have managed to get the patient out through the door.  Alabama can stand down and the East Pembroke engine can continue non-emergency.

Public Notice: East Pembroke Fire District Election

By Legal Notices

Legal Notice: 

Please take notice that the annual election for the East Pembroke Fire District will take place on December 14, 2021 between the hours of 6pm and 9 pm, at the District hall, located at 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia NY.
For the purpose of electing two(2) Fire District Commissioners.
     - one for a five(5) year term commencing on January 1, 2022
     - one for a one(1) year term commencing on January 1, 2022
Petitions may be obtained by contacting District Secretary Mary Ann Chatley, by phone (585)-813-6576, or email chatleym@gmail.com.
Qualified candidates shall file their petitions signed by (25) registered voters of the East Pembroke Fire District.
Petitions must be filed with the District Secretary no later than November 30, 2021.
 

Three GC students named Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars at RIT -- in top 1 percent

By Billie Owens

More than 100 Rochester Institute of Technology students were named as Outstanding Undergraduate Scholars for the 2020-2021 year.

Since 1976, RIT has honored the top 1 percent of undergraduate students who are able to maintain a high standard of academic excellence while also giving back to their community through civic or volunteer work, conducting research, or being engaged in co-op or work in their field of study.

Award recipients, including the following, were honored during a virtual celebration earlier this year:

  • Triton Adamski, of Corfu
  • Lucas Kohorst, of East Pembroke
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Urban family thanks firefighters, friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and community for their help after garage fire

By Press Release

From Brittany Urban:

Our family wants to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to our friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and community. A couple of weeks (Dec. 15) ago we lost so many of our personal belongings that were stored in our garage to a fire.

We never would have imagined in a million years this would happen to us and were completely shocked, heartbroken and devastated.

After the incident, so many people reached out to us to provide comfort, support, kind words, prayers, donations, their time, and to check in on us.

We found so much comfort in knowing we weren't going through this experience alone and we cannot express in words how much we appreciate each and every one of you.

We also would like to specifically thank the following: Pembroke & Indian Falls fire departments, Alabama, Town & City of Batavia fire departments, Corfu, Darien & East Pembroke fire departments, along with Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, who was the law enforcement officer on scene.

The hard work of all these firefighters prevented us from losing our house in the fire as well. We are so thankful that didn't happen and that our family was not hurt.

Also, a special thanks to Officer Young who stayed by our side the entire time and helped us stay as calm as possible and went above and beyond for us.

Thank you to each and every one of you who risk your lives every day to help others and do everything you can to keep them safe.

In such a dark, uncertain, negative world these days it's nice to know that there are still good, kind people out there who are willing to come together and support one another in times of tragedy.

We wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy new year.

Warmest regards,

-- The Urban Family

Patron causes scene at Crosby's in East Pembroke over mask-wearing

By Howard B. Owens

A deputy has been dispatched to East Pembroke to try and locate a male subject who became upset at an employee over the issue of wearing a mask inside the store.

The man walked away but has repeatedly called her on the phone, according to dispatch, cussing at her and threatening her.

Vehicle rollover accident reported on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 394.7. The occupants are out of the vehicle and walking around. Mercy medics are responding along with East Pembroke Fire Department.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: One person may have a concussion.

UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: Command requests a second ambulance to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 5:01p.m.: Mercy medics are en route to ECMC with one patient.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: The East Pembroke fire assignment is back in service.

Multiple vehicle accident reported on the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

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A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 395.

There are multiple callers. It may involve two semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:57 a.m.: Westbound traffic is blocked. The East Pembroke chief requests that traffic be diverted at the Batavia exit.

UPDATE 8:58 a.m.: Extrication will be required according to an Indian Falls chief who responded. Confirmed, two tractor-trailers, possibly a car.

UPDATE: One person was transported by ground ambulance to ECMC with a possible serious injury.

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