Shelby Volunteer Fire Company installs officers, recognizes top responders

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andy Benz presided at the installation of officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed officers of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary Saturday night.

Hunter Sturtevant, left, and Zach Petry presented David Moden with a chief’s hard hat for his years of service.
MEDINA – Shelby Volunteer Fire Company and Auxiliary welcomed members and guests to their 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night.
Jason Watts served as master of ceremonies, while his father Howard Watts and Auxiliary president Elaine Watts welcomed guests. The evening began with invocation and memorial service by chaplain Karl Haist Jr. Haist reported they had lost six members during 2025 – Tom Fuller, Jim Watts, Fred Filipowicz, Charles “Huck” Fuller, Edward Pray and Elroy Fuller.
The fire company also reported seven new members were added during 2025.
Andy Benz was the installing officer for the fire department. He said he considered the job as an honor.
“A few of the names stick out tonight,” Benz said. “In the past I had given out five chief’s awards and all five of them are still here tonight, and still dedicated.”
Fire company officers installed are president, Kirk Myhill; vice president, Howard Watts; treasurer, Tyler Root; assistant treasurer, Michael Saladeen; secretary, Kali Sturtevant; sergeant-at-arms, Dale Watts; chaplain, Karl Haist Jr.; assistant chaplain, Phil Keppler; and steward, Gary Watts.
Also, trustees – Nick DiCureia, for three years; Ron Smith, two years; and Bill Luckman, one year.
Firematic officers are chief, Zachary Petry; deputy chief, Hunter Sturtevant; assistant chief, Joe Kyle; firematic captain, Marcus Watts; firematic lieutenant, Alex Benz; EMS captain, Jake Quackenbush; and EMS lieutenant, Donnell Bennett.
County Clerk Nadine Hanlon installed Ladies Auxiliary members: president, Elaine Watts; vice president, Brianna Wheeler; secretary, Robyn Watts; treasurer, Lori Myhill; chaplain, Marian Fry; and trustees for one year, Sherry Wheatley; and two years, Mary Herbert.

Elaine Watts, left, president of the Shelby Ladies’ Auxiliary, presented flowers to dedicated members Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry.
The presentation of special awards began with Howard Watts recognizing David Moden for 34 years of active duty. Moden was also presented with a chief’s hard hat by Hunter Sturtevant and Zach Petry.
Andrea Benz received the President’s Award for stepping up to work on the bylaws and chairing the Christmas party, while completing her teaching degree and planning a fall wedding.
“I can see her being a future president,” Howard said.
The Chief’s Award was presented to Mark Reigle, for consistently leading with his willingness to step up and serve.
Elaine Watts, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said it was hard to single out one recipient for an award. Instead, she presented flowers to Lori Myhill, Robyn Watts and Marian Fry and announced she would take all the ladies out to eat.

(Left) Howard Watts, left, presents a certificate to Kirk Myhill for 50 years of membership to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. (Right) Jason Watts, left, and his father Howard Watts are ready to greet guests at Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s 57th annual installation of officers banquet Saturday night. Jason served as master of ceremonies, while Howard welcomed guests.
Moden recapped the fire company’s activity in 2025, announcing their 240 calls was fewer than in recent years. Fifty-one percent of the calls were EMS and 16 percent were mutual aid.
Moden also recognized the top 10 responders for 2025. They are Zach Petry, 75% or 181 calls; Moden, 75%; Howard Watts, 67%; Chris Stacewich, 63%; Jake Quackenbush, 52%; Hunter Sturtevant, 47%; Ed Quackenbush, 44%; John Rotoli, 43%; Alex Benz, 41% and Donnell Bennett, 36%.
For his efforts, Petry will receive an embroidered jacket.
“This level of commitment doesn’t happen by accident,” Moden said.
Moden also reported the fire company had received a $95,000 AFG grant last year which will be used to install vehicle exhaust stations. This year they plan to apply for a $300,000 grant to purchase new turnout gear.
Rounding out the evening was dinner catered by The Hilltop in Lockport and music by Beamin’ Sounds.

Members of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary take the oath of office that was administered by County Clerk Nadine Hanlon.












