To celebrate 85 years of service, Wrights Corners Fire Company went with a Black & White theme, and special guest speaker, Al Sienkiewicz, from Webster's Fire Department. The president of the fire company, Michael J Norwood, called the ceremony to order, and David Weaver led the pledge to the flag.

As always for the first hour, guests and members enjoyed cocktails and amazing food provided by Donna Eicks Catering. Music was again handled by Beamin Sounds, nothing but pure entertainment at these events for over 20 years. Chaplin Jack Bridwell provided the invocation. The memorial service and ringing of the bell was held, and then it was time to eat. Hundreds of people did just that, with plates of beef, chicken, alfredo, salads, shrimp, the list goes on. Wrights Corners never skimps on their installation celebration.

During the dinner hour, all screens played a special slide show that was produced with the help of historian Lowell Dickenson and Specialized Services; people, places and scenes from 80 years of history and collections. Wrights Corners had bought its first engine that allowed them to get their rating from Webster. During Mr. Al Sienkiewicz's talk and presentation, a homemade movie from the 1940's was shown of the new truck. What a show. The road was lined with cars on both sides as a bull dozer plowed a path in the snow so the truck could drive down a hill and actually draft water. The gear was stored on the outside of the engine, so it was frozen if it was cold, and wet if it rained. The turnout gear that the original firefighters were wearing during this demonstration made you think you were watching an old Superman movie with reporter Clark Kent in his top hat and long dress jacket. There were smiles on the firefighters' faces as water was sucked from the frozen creek and was pumped through these powerful hoses. Well, hoses, one looked like what a heavy duty garden hose may be today and what an old trash line from the 60's was; but it was a fire truck and it would provide years of life-saving service for the Wrights Corners Fire Co. The best part of this old time movie was the bull dozer hooking up to the truck and a handful of well-dressed firefighters pushing the truck back up the hill so it could roll down the road back to the fire hall.

President Michael J Norwood provided his report. Then it was time for Fire Chief Commander "JJ" Jonathan Mcknight to update the company on calls and new members, and welcome all the special guests.

It was an amazing celebration for John Lobczowski, Sr., who was honored for 60 years of service. State Senator Robert Orr was first with a proclamation. Senator Orr is a major supporter of volunteers across the state of New York. He brought to the attention of those celebrating that Wrights Corners has at least four members with over 60 years of service. There were members from the assembly, local government, sheriff's office and more honoring John.

Five years of service went to Mark Hare; 20 years of service to Kelly Simard (we have covered all 20 of her years, a very active member who helps keep the company moving forward); 30 years of service to Kyle LaRuffa and Michael L Norwood, who received his award and hug from his son, the president. New members Samantha McKeon, Renee Ponter, Thomas Czach were all mentioned.

The Ladies Auxiliary Officers for 2025 are President Sherrie Campbell (who finally said I DO after decades), Vice President Sara McKnight, Treasurer Cindy Horner, Recording Secretary Tanya Steinhardt, Corresponding Secretary Kathy Nizialek, 3rd year director Susan Nizialek, 2nd year director Jill Pietkiewicz, and 1st year director Tracy Williams.

Fire Company Officers are President Michael J Norwood, VP Robert Bruckner, Treasurer Kelly Simard, Recording Sec Linzie Michel, Corresponding Sec. Bonita Reid, and Head Trustee Ryan Hnat.

Trustee 3 year Shane Brundage, Chaplin Jack Birdwell, Steward Roxanne Davis, Sergant at Arms David Weaver, CHIEF Jonathan McKnight, 1st Ryan Dicinson, 2nd Wallace Linderman, 3rd Zacary Wodo, Master Mechanic Jeffery Lee, Fire Police Matthew Hnat, Parade Marshal Michael J Norwood.

The installation Committee: Robert Bruckner Chair, Kelly Simard, Lowell Dickinson, Lauren Hunter, Roxanne Davis, Tanya Steinhardt, and Sherrie Campbell.

It was not just a night to relax and laugh. This ceremony told the history of the fire company. Lowell provided a multi-page sheet that broke down the who, what, when, and why. Like, why are the Wrights Corners trucks green and white; no, we decided it wasn't a couple of Irish firemen at a bar one night. It was because of members in the war who wrote back to the company and advised the members that the Japanese would bomb anything red.

History, memories, and amazing times, that's a Wrights Corners Installation Dinner.