Jefferson Fire Department Installs Officers

Marc Lawrence (left) accepts special citations from Assemblyman Chris Tague (center) and Senator Peter Oberacker (right) for his 30 years of service to the Jefferson Fire Department during the department's annual installation dinner last Saturday at the Mill Pond in Jefferson. Lawrence is a fire commissioner and past chief of the department. He also accepted the award for his mother, Helene Lawrence, who was honored for her 35 years of service.

JEFFERSON – Members of the Jefferson Fire Department gathered at the Mill Pond Inn last Saturday to install officers and recognize members celebrating  special years of service. Officials attended from the county and neighboring towns, along with state Assemblyman Chris Tague and state Senator Peter Oberacker.

Dan Manalga took his third oath as chief of the Jefferson Fire Department and thanked everyone for coming out for the department's 99th installation of officers. "I appreciate every member," he said. "Everyone plays an important role in our small department. We all have something we can offer and that we strive in doing. I feel we have a great group. I truly appreciate everyone and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart."

William "Bill"Bivona, served as the evening's emcee. He said the department has been working to save some money so that next year, 2027, they will be able to host some special events to celebrate their 100th anniversary as a department. On Nov. 16, 1893 the Jefferson Village Fire Department was established by an act of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors.  On Jan. 16, 1894 they were able to purchase a two-wheel cart for $20 from S.E. Smith of Delhi  and  $158.81 worth of hose was purchased from the Eureka Hose Manufacturing. They purchased four ladders with hooks for $23.85. In 1900 300 feet of hose was purchased to replace the original hose at 55 cents per foot. The first four-wheel card with two new ladders was purchased in Worcest in June 1921.

However, the present Jefferson Fire Department was officially formed "in mind" on Dec. 14, 1926 with 30 members. The first officers were elected on Jan. 28, 1927 with Lewis Fuller the first fire chief. The first regular meeting was held on Feb. 4, 1927 with  28 men signed on. The department's history will be a focus of the activities held next year, when they will host their 100th installation.

This year's slate of officers include Dan Minalga, chief; Joe Bivona, first assistant chief; Andy Bivona, second assistant chief; McKay McMullen, third assistant chief; Tarkan Ceng, fire captain; Mischell Wade, treasurer; Courtney Bivona, secretary and Christine Bivona, fire police captain. Department fire commissioners include: Bill Bivona, chairman; John Thompson, vice chairman; George Hotaling, Jerry DeJoy and Steve Laubmeier.  The Board of Directors include: Marc Lawrence, ex chief, president; Tarkan Ceng, captain, vice president; Chief Dan Minalgal: Linda Vroman, Ladies Auxiliary President; Christine Bivona, FirePolice CAptain; Jeffery DeJoy, Martin Dmytriw and Dan Thompson.

Special years of service to the department were acknowledged with plaques and special citations from both the Senate and Assembly, presented by the Senator and Assemblyman, along with the chief, as follow, as follows: five years - Al Cozine, Jerry DeJoy and Marry Anne Erdody; 20 years - Bill Bivona and Lora Cordone; 30 years- Marc Lawrence and Debbie Jochem and 35 years - Helene Lawrence.

Chief Manalga also made special presentations to Courtney Bivona, who assists him with his paperwork and his wife, Amy, for picking up the slack for his hours spent with the fire service. In appreciation, he presented each with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Fire officers of the Jefferson Fire Department were installed at the department’s 98th annual installation dinner last Saturday, held at the Mill Pond Inn in Jefferson. Pictured in the center is Fire Captain Tarkan Ceng, then, in the white hats, from left: Third Assistant Chief McKay McMullen; First Assistant Chief Joe Bivona; Chief Dan Minalga and Second Assistant Chief Andy Bivona.

Jefferson Fire Department Commissioners pose on the steps of the Mill Pond Inn as the department gathered for its 99th annual installation. Pictured from left are: Jerry DeJoy, Steve Laubmeier, John Thompson , vice chair and Bill Bivona, chairman. Absent was George Hotaling.