The East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department held their Installation Banquet at Batavia Downs on Saturday night.
Ken Marble made the Top 10 Call Club, responding to 76 calls in 2018, all while battling throat cancer. Marble was also named Firefighter of the Year for 2018.
“Its not somebody that has to make every call or every training or someone who is there for everything, but its for people that are around and are respected for what they do,” says East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton.
“He came in, took the bull by the horns and started doing his job from day one. He ‘s not a person to give up very easy either, I will tell you that. He’s fought through a lot these last couple of months, battling cancer and he is kicking the shit out of it.”
Paul Fenton was named Service Person of the Year for his continuous support to the fire department and the community. Fenton retired as a commissioner this year.
“Multiple times he and his family and his business have donated to this fire department, countless times, we just can’t express enough gratitude and thankfulness for what you have done for us as a department and to help our community,” says Newton.
Fenton was recognized by the District, the Department and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
The East Pembroke Volunteer Department responded to 314 calls for the year.
Tim Yaeger installed the department officers for 2019 and the 2017 Firefighter of the Year award was presented to the whole department as they moved into their new fire hall over the last year and were unable to hold an installation banquet.
“All you guys left your families behind to come out to calls and get this building ready, moving everything from the old building, so this award, (2017 Firefighter of the Year) goes to all the members. “
“You made most of this possible by sacrificing what you do with your families and helping the District, the Chiefs and the Department, this is owed to you guys.”
