The Jeffersonville Fire Department held its awards dinner last Saturday night at the Villa Roma to honor its members who have made outstanding contributions to the department. 

Firefighter Peter J. Cummings was honored for 50 years of active service and Gary P. Mathern was honored for 60 years of active service. Additionally, Al Steppich was recognized for 50 years of service. 

On hand to congratulate them were New York State Sen. Peter Oberacker and Assemblywoman Paula Elaine Kay.

“Our entire Sullivan County community is in debt for all of your service,” Kay said. “I am in awe of everything that you have done.” 

Oberacker, who has served with C H Graham Hose Co. in Schenevus, NY, congratulated both men. 

“The smallest act has the greatest result,” he said. 

Outgoing Chief Joseph Mall was also recognized for his two years of service as chief.

“We took a strong fire department and we made it even better,” he said, referencing the other fire department members. “We encouraged more training and celebrated the firefighters who made the investment in themselves for the sake of their community.” 

Mall said last year the department was first in the county for student graduations from state fire classes. 

One of those young firefighters is Jonathan Beck, who was awarded the Firefighter of the Year Award for his “outstanding dedication to the fire department and to [his] relentless pursuit of knowledge and training.” 

The evening’s ceremony also commemorated the newly instated officers and outgoing president Charlie McLeod and outgoing Treasurer Ed Puerschner.