The Canastota Area Association of Churches presented the third of four $500 grants to the Wampsville Volunteer Fire Department Wednesday, April 6. On hand to receive the award from current CAAC President, Pastor Dave Allen of Believers Chapel-Canastota was Wampsville VFD’s company President Chris Carrier and current Fire Chief, Monte Colluci.
These “Canastota Volunteer First Responders Awards” are the replacement recognition for an appreciation dinner formerly held each January over the past 35 years.
The money for this year’s grant came from a special reserve fund left over from past years’ fundraising and earmarked exclusively for volunteer recognition.
The CAAC plans a letter campaign soon to raise funds to continue the awards beyond the reserve’s expected exhaustion in 2018. If public response is strong, and a new chairman is identified, the CAAC Board acknowledges the possibility that a dinner or similar recognition could return.