December 2008

On behalf of the members of the Odessa Fire Department we thank all of the members of the community for your support during 2008 and wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season.

November 2008

We would like to extend a huge Thank You to everyone who came out for our Chicken Bar-B-Que! It was a huge success and we sold 300 halves in 45 minutes! We are so sorry for anyone who was unable to get chicken, but we, as well as Bobby and Becky, are very appreciative of your support. Don't forget the Benefit on November 22 at the Montour Falls Fire Department.

October 2008

There will be 2 opportunities in November for everyone to come show support for past Chief Bobby Franklin and his family. The Odessa Fire Department will be holding a Chicken Bar-B-Que with our standard Drive-Thru service on November 8, 2008 11am until gone. The cost will be $7 for the meal and $4 for a child's portion or 1/2 chicken. On November 22, 2008 the members of the Odessa community will hold a benefit at the Montour Falls Fire Department starting at 11 am. This benefit will include a pig roast/roast beef dinner, live music, raffles, a cake wheel, chinese auction, and more. For more information visit Bobby's Benefit.

Unfortunately this month brought the passing of another well known emeritus member of our department. William "Hoss" Leonard passed away on October 6. Hoss was very active in many communities in Schuyler County and was a current member of the Watkins Glen Fire Department. If you attended virtually any fundraising event Hoss could be found there showing his support. He will be deeply missed by many.

August 2008

It is with deep regret that we must report the unexpected passing of one of our past Chiefs. Floyd Goodrich was fatally injured in an accident August 18 while working at a local gravel bank. Floyd was a wonderful and dedicated member of our department and our community. We hope that you will keep the Goodrich family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of need.

Thank you to all of the members of our wonderful community who came out and showed us their support for our chicken barbecue and our Hit The Boot fundraisers. We had another very successful year thanks to your generosity.

July 2008

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of emeritus member Layton Reynolds. Layton was a firefighter here for over 60 years and was very well known in the Odessa community. His presence will be greatly missed.

June 2008

A couple of weeks after several of our members completed the Relay For Life in celebration, honor, and memory of loved ones touched by cancer, we received some devastating news: past Chief Robert J Franklin has been diagnosed with metastatic colo-rectal cancer. He will be undergoing chemotherapy for several months before receiving radiation treatments and surgery. We hope that you will keep the Franklin family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. His wife Rebecca has posted a few blog updates on her Myspace page: Myspace.

March 2008

Saturday March 8 will be a large fundraising Benefit for Jeremy Hoffman, our Second Assistant Chief who suffered a spinal injury in a car accident in October, 2007, to be held at the Watkins Glen Community Center. Jeremy has been making great strides and is walking with the assistance of arm crutches. For those who may not be aware, Jeremy's father Ron was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and has been undergoing treatment for that as well. He has been making great progress, and the family appreciates all of the wonderful support they continue to receive from the community. The family is also continuing to update Jeremy's website. Members of many area emergency service agencies, as well as members of our community have given graciously of their time and energy to assist with the organization and preparation for this fundraiser. On behalf of the Odessa Fire Department and the members of the Hoffman family we would like to thank all involved. We invite everyone to come enjoy the fruits of our planning and show your support for a family who has been volunteering their time and energy for others for years.

Events as follows: 12 noon until 5:30 p.m. DJ, Live Auction, Silent Auction, Raffles Every 1- 1 1/2 hrs. Chicken Barbecue, other food items, Bake Sale, Pictures of the kids, fun for the family.
6:00 - 11:30p.m ($10 cover charge--includes beverages) Games of Chance, Bands, raffles and the Big 50/50 raffle (tickets available from Odessa Firefighters and many others).

December 2007

It is with deep regret that we report the passing on Thursday December 6 of Paul Rounds, one of our dedicated emeritus members. You can view Paul's full obituary here.

In a week of sorrow, we have one very exciting piece of news to report: Jeremy was released from the hospital on Friday and was even able to attend the benefit being held in his honor at Buisch's Bullpen. He will undergo physical therapy locally and work to continue his incredible recovery. Thanks again to everyone for your support.

November 2007

We would like to thank everyone for your continued support as Jeremy and Zach continue to improve and prove that their spirit is truly unbreakable. Our events page will be updated regularly with fundraising events for Jeremy as plans are solidified.
We would like to thank everyone in our wonderful community for making our Breakfast fundraiser at the Moose Lodge a wonderful success. Many donations were received on Jeremy's behalf and our membership voted to donate the entire proceeds of the Breakfast to Jeremy and family. Our department, along with the entire Hoffman family, are humbled by and truly grateful for your support.

October 19, 2007

It is with heavy, but hopeful hearts that we announce injuries to two of our dedicated members. Second Assistant Chief Jeremy Hoffman and Firefighter/EMT Zach Williams were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident last night. Zach suffered arm injuries and was transported via ambulance to Arnot Ogden where he was treated and later released. Jeremy suffered pelvic and spinal injuries, and after being flown to Arnot Ogden via helicopter, was flown today to Upstate Medical for treatment. We ask that you keep both them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
The Hoffman family has created a blog to provide updates on Jeremy's condition: Jeremy's Updates .

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the members of the Montour Falls Fire Department and Schuyler Ambulance for their assistance with this difficult call.

September 2007

Press Release regarding unsolicited fundraising phone calls. Please be aware that while we do not solicit funds over the phone, there are other legitimate organizations that do. If you should ever question the legitimacy of a phone solicitation, please contact your local authorities before releasing any information.

August 2007

We would like to thank our community as well as those who passed through on NASCAR weekend for their assistance and support in making our fundraising events a major success. Through their generosity we were able to raise approximately $1000 for our Chicken BBQ and about $4229 for Hit The Boot. We would be unable to provide the level of protection that we do without the solid support of our community. Thank you.

July 2007

It is with a great deal of pride that we recognize the accomplishments of our very own Firefighter/EMT and Treasurer, Rebecca Franklin as she becomes the first female president of the Central New York Fireman's Association. We hope you will join us in offering her congratulations and support as she begins her exciting new role in this organization.