At a recent ceremony held at the Rushford Fire Department, Donna Gilchrist was presented with Rushford’s first Lifetime Membership. Donna first joined the department in June of 1978. Since that time, she has obtained over 500 hours of state sponsored fire fighter training including Essentials of Firemanship, Pump Operator, Fire Behavior/Arson Awareness, Initial Fire Attack, and Preparation for Command. She has held the office of secretary since 1989 - keeping the books in immaculate shape. Donna has also been active in the Allegany County Fireman’s Association, was a Trustee for the Western New York Volunteer Fireman’s Association and served as a delegate to the Western Association’s conventions, the Southwestern Association’s conventions, and the FASNY conventions. She was also active in the Allegany County Fire Police organization. She also held the position of Fire Commissioner for the Rushford Fire District for many years.
Donna is moving from the area to be closer to her family. Fire Chief Charles Bliss said that Donna was a valuable asset to the department and she will be greatly missed. As a lifetime member, she will always be a member of the department and will always be welcome.
For more information about the Rushford Fire Department log onto the web site at
www.charliebliss.com/rushford_vol.html