Firemen’s convention comes to a close
FAYETTE CITY – People from across the county crowded the streets of Fayette City Saturday to watch the 67th annual Fayette County Firemen’s Convention parade. The parade was part of the conclusion to the weeklong convention, which was hosted by Fayette City, and featured fire trucks from dozens of fire companies that had participated throughout the week.
Leading the parade was a truck that is now owned by the Genesee Valley Fire Department, but according to Bob Skibo, a member of the Fayette City Volunteer fire Department, the truck was first purchased by Fayette City in 1923.
“That was the first motorized truck in the Mon Valley and only the second in Fayette County,” said Skibo.
The parade also featured area bands and baton units, local emergency management vehicles, several horse riders, and the Tri-County K-9 Search Team.
Kelly Parshall, president of the Fayette City Volunteer Fire Department, said that to add some humor to the parade, they had last year’s Fayette County Firemen’s Association President Brian Van Sickle ride in an old hot tub decorated with bright orange paint.
“We always try to whammy the past president on the last day of the convention,” said Parshall. “There has to be some entertainment in the parade and we thought that would add some humor.”
Skibo and Parshall both agreed that the entire convention had gone very well.
“The whole week was perfect,” said Skibo. “The biggest battle would have been rain and we had five beautiful days.”
Parshall said that they were off to a bit of a slow start Monday evening, because there was a lightning storm, and before the storm passed, there was a water break during the hose-laying contest.
“I guess you could say we had a thunderous start, but the rest of the week went very well,” said Parshall.
He said they started the week Sunday with a memorial service and the Past Presidents Banquet.
“The memorial service was beautiful and the banquet was a huge success,” said Parshall. “We honored our oldest member, William Ciavare, who has been a member for 54 years, and we honored our fire chief, James Eley Jr., for 46 years as chief.”
Skibo pointed out that Harold Debolt of the New Haven Hose Company was also very noteworthy, as he has been a member of his company for 78 years and is about to celebrate his 100th birthday.
“He is still pretty active and dedicated to his fire company,” said Skibo.
Saturday was also when the association elected new board members. Parshall explained that the treasurer, secretary and chaplain are newly elected every year, but once someone becomes the third vice president, they continue to move up through the four chairs until they serve their term as president.
This year’s president is Rob Leiberger of Connellsville Township. The first vice president is Bob Eicher of Fairchance. The second vice president is Harold Whyle of Point Marion. Jim Wolfe of Markleysburg is the third vice president. The new secretary is Larry Abel of Perry Township. Leonard Lynch of Perry Township is the treasurer, and the chaplain is Roye Leckemly of Smithfield.
“The entire convention was beyond excellent,” said Parshall. “We had a good turnout every day. A lot of people came out to support us. We are all very satisfied.”