(Photo provided by the Homer Fire Department).
The Homer fire department recently honored four members for their 50-plus years of service.
The first one honored was the late Jack Garvey, who passed away in December. Garvey was a member of the Homer Fire Department for over 60 years, taking on roles such as captain, president and a charter member of the department’s rescue squad, which “started the process of training (emergency medical technicians) and purchasing equipment to respond to medical calls for the community,” according to a post. Garvey was also known for his knowledge on the alarm systems and building electrical systems.
The late Jack Garvey was recently honored for 60-plus years of service with the Homer Fire Department. (Photo provided by the Homer Fire Department).
Gary Mceuen, the second member honored, joined the fire department in 1972. Serving in various positions, he was the chief of the department for a handful of years. Today, he volunteers in providing traffic control and mentoring young members of the department. Mceuen was also Cortland County’s deputy fire coordinator, supporting various fire departments during large incidents.
Ralph Thornton, the third member honored, joined the fire department in 1964. He received his life in 2000, but returned to active service in 2009. Thornton is active as a driver and serves with the fire police. He is known around the Village of Homer for making ice on the Village Green for families and children to enjoy.
Mahlon Irish, Sr., the fourth and final member honored, joined the fire department in 1962, including as deputy fire chief. A fire service member for 62 years, he served in the area for over three decades before moving and joining another fire department in the state. Irish moved back to Homer and rejoined the fire department in 2009. He is active as a driver and with the fire police and also assists around the station with work details and functions.
Three active Homer Fire Department members were recently honored for their 50-plus years of service. Pictured, from left, are Gary Mceuen, Ralph Thornton and Mahlon Irish, Sr. (Photo provided by the Homer Fire Department).
“Homer is honored to have long standing members in the fire department,” the post said. “They provide guidance and mentoring to the younger generations and keep us aligned to our history. Thank you to all four, and their families, for their dedication and service to the community.”
