By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
WEST VALLEY — More than 30 departments from four Western New York counties brought the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen (SWAVF) to the northern Cattaraugus County community of West Valley earlier this month.
Outgoing SWAVF President William Kozak of the Farmersville Fire Department passed the gavel to Stephen Pacanowski of Chautauqua County at the convention’s reorganization meeting Saturday, Aug. 3.
Farmersville had been scheduled to host the convention in 2020, but that was postponed that year by COVID-19.
Next year’s 117th SWAVF Convention is scheduled for July 30-Aug. 2, 2025 and will be hosted by the Forestville Fire Department.
Pacanowski announced four vice presidents for 2024-24: Erin Parish of Cattaraugus County; Brian Hemphill from Allegany County, Robert Scotty of Chautauqua County and JM Jewett of Erie County.
Three directors of the organization were also announced: Brandon Kozak of Cattaraugus County, C.J. Irish of Allegany County and William Nelson of Erie County.
Besides Pacanowski, other SWAVF officers include:
Philip Mohn, secretary; Timothy Conmy, membership secretary; Bruce Isaman, treasurer; Linda Makin, assistant historian; Allen Nowak, chaplain and Ray Worth, assistant chaplain.
Erin Parish of West Valley was named Firefighter of the Year, nominated by the Humphrey Fire Department.
At Saturday’s Giant Parade, firefighters and firefighting equipment from more than 30 departments across the region wound their way through the West Valley hamlet up Route 240 to the fire hall.
The Westons Mills Fire Department Kinney Hose Co. took first place parade honors for Most Members in Line and Best Firematic Band. The Bolivar Fire Department placed first with the best appearing colorgard and fifth for Best Appearing Fire Company.
