JACKSON - On January 13, the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company held its 68th annual installation of officers, awards dinner and dance at the Miller Avenue Fire Station.
Elected in November and commencing their offices as of January 1, for a one-year term were: President Douglas M. Velting, Vice-President John Poppe III, Secretary Andrew Kubinski, Treasurer Kenneth Persichetti and St. at Arms Jesse Langguth. Elected for a third consecutive one-year term were; Chief Matthew Genovese, Assistant Chief John I. Alchevsky, Captain Justin Hanson, 1st Lieutenant John Poppe III and 2nd Lieutenant Adam Poppe.
Appointed by the Chief to serve for a one-year term were: Safety Officer Gary Poppe, Assistant Safety Officer Douglas M. Velting and Chief Engineer Andrew Kubinski.
Firefighter Jesse Langguth was presented the 2006 "Rookie of the Year" award, and 1st Lt. John Poppe III was named "2006 Firefighter of the Year."
Chief Genovese presented special 2006 "Chief's" awards to Assistant Chief John Alchevsky and 2nd Lt. Adam Poppe.
Mrs. Rose Jamison, Auxiliary Member and wife of District #2 Board of Fire Commissioners member and Life Member Richard H. Jamison Sr. received a special award from the fire company for her life's work benefiting the children of Jackson Township. Mrs. Jamison is also known for her original idea for the fire company's annual "Santa Patrol," which has been a continuing tradition within the Jackson Township fire companies during the holiday season for over 30 years.
Appreciation awards were also presented by Chief Genovese and President Velting to the numerous in- township and surrounding emergency service agencies that respond when requested to assist the fire company in its commitment to the residents of Fire District #2, Jackson Township.
Vice-President John Poppe III was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The Cassville Volunteer Fire Company #1 protects 65 square miles of southern and western Jackson Township and is staffed by more than 30 active volunteer firefighters. For more information about the Cassville Fire Company or to volunteer, visit the Company's website at www.cassvillefire.org.
