Write a commentThe Oswego Fire Department held a ceremony on Friday in honor of Fallen Firefighters Day, traditionally held on the first weekend of May nationwide.
OFD Chief Paul Conzone was joined by Oswego Mayor Rob Corradino, New York State Senator Chris Ryan, OFD Chaplain Reverend John Canorro, OFD Captain Don LaBarge, president of the Oswego Firefighters Association, and Assistant Chief Mike Zalewski in speaking to those gathered for the observance.
Among those in attendance to pay tribute to the memory of those Oswego firefighters who have perished in the line of duty were City Council members, Department heads, Police Chief Phil Cady and several officers, active duty and retired Firefighters, as well as many family members of the fallen.
The most recent Oswego firefighters who died in the line duty were Edward A. Maxon in 1956 and Scott W. 'Scotty' Davis in 2010. "One death is too many," said Chief Conzone. He urged his firefighters to devote themselves to staying alert to the dangers of their chosen profession. "Keep up on your training, stay in good condition to handle the rigors of the job, and try to improve each shift - even just one percent," Chief Conzone said.
The most poignant moment occurred when the names of all known OFD members who died in the line of duty were read, each followed by the tolling of a fire bell.
A reception was held following the ceremony hosted by the John D. Murray Oswego Firefighters Museum. Coffee was provided by Khepera Coffee Company.
To begin the day, on- and off-duty firefighters gathered downtown on West 1st Street in an annual observance of Firefighter Edward A. Maxon's passing at the former site of Vona's Luggage Store in May, 1956. Chief Conzone spoke about the need to be vigilant about potential building collapse when operating in hazardous conditions. Firefighter Maxon's grandson, retired Deputy Chief Edward C. Maxon also spoke to the gathered fire crew about safety awareness in his grandfather's memory.
