A Grand Celebration for the BCVFD

By Katie McFadden

The 2023 Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department officers and chiefs are officially installed. On Saturday, February 25, the new officers, honorees, members of the BCVFD and more packed the American Legion in Broad Channel for the 118th BCVFD Installation Dinner.

The evening included the official installation of the BCVFD’s officers and chiefs. They include Chief of Department George Conklin, Assistant Chief Michael Delgado, Deputy Chiefs Ed Wilmarth III, Andrew Knee and Richard Bogart, Chief Engineer Ed Wilmarth Jr., President Daniel McIntyre, Vice President Maurice Sartor, Treasurer Donna Bassetti, Financial Secretary Ed Wilmarth Jr., Recording Secretary Roxanne Seunarine, Sergeant at Arms Leonard Cannella, Engine Company Captain James McCabe, EMS Captain Joseph O’Hare Jr. and Safety Captain Maurice Sartor.

Plus, some were given special recognition at the dinner. “A special thanks was given to Treasurer Donna Bassetti for her tireless service as well as to outgoing President Jill Henglein and outgoing Chief Rich Bogart,” the BCVFD shared on Facebook. Plaques were also awarded to State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and former BCVFD Dispatcher turned City Councilwoman Joann Ariola for their commitment and contributions to the new firehouse project.

“Honored to have received an award of recognition from the BCVFD at their Officers Installation Dance tonight,” Ariola said. “I am proud to have five of the nine remaining volunteer fire departments in the city of New York here in District 32. Thank you all for your service!”

Among the others receiving special recognition were members of the BCVFD who have gone above and beyond. EMS Captain Joseph O’Hare Jr. was presented a plaque for completing 10 consecutive years of service. The 2022 EMT of the Year Award went to Jocelyn Santiago and the Firefighter of the Year award went to FF Lenny Cannella.

Photos from the BCFVD.