Firefighters thank Albion Village Board for support

ALBION – Albion Fire Chief Rocky Sidari and other leaders in the Fire Department gave what they said was a long-overdue message to the Village Board: “Thank you.”

Sidari and department officials attended last week’s board meeting to thank the village for its support of the department. Besides providing financial resources so firefighters have the needed equipment, Sidari said board members often go out of their way to help the department.

During a massive warehouse fire on Oct. 17, Trustee Eileen Banker was close to the scene, handing bottles of water to firefighters. Other members of the Auxiliary had food and snacks for firefighters, who were on scene for several hours of intense firefighting.

Some the firefighters were there all night.

At 4 in the morning the following day, Mayor Dean Theodorakos showed up with coffee for the firefighters.

“We wanted to thank you for your support,” Sidari told the board.

Sidari noted other village employees assisted the fire department in the aftermath of the blaze. Dale Brooks and the DPW delivered fuel in the middle of the night to keep the fire trucks going.

Trustee Kevin Sheehan praised Sidari and the department for their volunteer efforts in protecting the community’s property and often saving lives.

Banker called the fire department “the backbone of the community.”

“Thank you for thanking us, but right back at you,” the mayor said.