Four local heroes were honored during this week’s Chautauqua County Legislature meeting.
County Executive PJ Wendel issued four separate Certificates of Recognition to Steve Smouse, Mia Goot, Joe Pollaro and Arden Johnson.
Smouse is the first assistant chief of the Lakewood Fire Department. On March 11, there was a structure fire at 2481 and 2477 Keller Road in Busti. One home was destroyed and another was severely damaged. Seventy-eight individuals responded to the call, which impacted eight structures total. Smouth coordinated the response.
“This is an example of strong work ethic, leadership, and community dedication,” Wendel said.
Goot was honored for rescuing a Portland man from the Barcelona Harbor on March 29. “Heroics acts like this inspire kindness and solidarity across Chautauqua County. Her heroic actions are appreciated not only by the residents, myself but also the individual, whose life she saved,” Wendel said.
Longtime Lakewood Volunteer Firefighter Remembered | News, Sports, Jobs post-journal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from post-journal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
etichy@post-journal.com Local firefighters gathered Thursday to pay tribute to James Decker, a 50-year member of the Lakewood Fire Department who died April 16. A funeral service was held at the Falconer Funeral Home before a procession to Maple Grove Cemetery in Ashville.
P-J photos by Nikk Holland James Decker
Local firefighters gathered Thursday to pay tribute to James Decker, a 50-year member of the Lakewood Fire Department who died April 16. A funeral service was held at the Falconer Funeral Home before a procession to Maple Grove Cemetery in Ashville.
P-J photos by Nikk Holland
James Decker did just about everything during his 50-year career as a member of the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department. At various times during that span he was an emergency medical technician, served as a pump operator, was an interior firefighter, member of the fire police, served as an assistant fire chief, was the finance secretary and curated the department’s museum.
James N Decker | News, Sports, Jobs post-journal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from post-journal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Forest Fire Service firefighter who collapsed while battling the Lakewood wildfire weeks ago regained consciousnesses on Wednesday and is making progress, according to his family.
The wind-whipped fire along the Garden State Parkway burned 167 acres on March 14. Dozens of homes were put at risk on both sides of the highway. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said a preliminary investigation determined the fire was intentionally set but no arrests have been made.
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The firefighter was identified by his son to New Jersey 101.5 as Brian Sauers who is in his early 60s, a volunteer member of the East Dover Fire Company and a municipal engineer for Lakewood. He was working the fire in back of the Lowe s store on the Brick/Lakewood border when he collapsed, his said.