09/13/2026
Tonight, the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department gathered for our annual banquet to honor the incredible dedication, selflessness, and bravery of all our firefighters. It was an evening filled with deep reflection, powerful stories, and well-deserved recognition for the men and women who keep our community safe day in and day out.
Here are the highlights from this special evening:
🌟 Honoring Past Chief Randy Apperson
The banquet provided a wonderful opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Past Chief Randy Apperson, who recently concluded an outstanding six-year tenure leading our department.
A Legacy of Modernization: With over 40 years of total fire service experience, Randy’s leadership was defined by modernization. He was instrumental in securing major state grants, expanding our infrastructure with Station 2, and acquiring critical new vehicles.
Guardian of Chautauqua Lake: Because of Randy’s vision, our department successfully secured a state-of-the-art rescue boat and a new 114-foot aluminum dock in the village, vastly upgrading our water rescue capabilities across the entire lake.
Continued Service: While he has passed the chief's helmet, Randy continues to serve our community right on the front lines as an active interior firefighter and Scene Safety Officer. Thank you, Chief Apperson, for your incredible six years at the helm!
🖤 Remembering 9/11 on the 25th Anniversary
As we marked the poignant 25th anniversary of September 11th, the department observed a solemn moment of silence to honor the fallen heroes and civilians.
Keynote Speaker Julius Leone delivered a moving address reflecting on the lasting impact of that day and the evolution of the fire service.
Fluvanna Fire Chief Jerry Raab shared his powerful, firsthand perspective as a firefighter who stepped up to respond to the aftermath of 9/11, reminding every one of the true meaning of brotherhood and duty.
🏆 Firefighter of the Year: Jon Stahley
The most anticipated moment of the night was the presentation of the Firefighter of the Year award. This award carries immense weight because it is completely peer-voted. Every member of the department casts a ballot to recognize the individual who has shown the highest level of leadership, reliability, and heart throughout the year.
This year, the department proudly presented the honor to Fire Police Captain and Past Chief Jon Stahley.
Jon Stahley’s Backstory & Legacy of Leadership:
A Lifetime of Fire Service Leadership: Jon’s impact spans decades. As a highly respected Past Chief of Bemus Point, he guided our department through critical years of growth, laying the groundwork for the generations of volunteers serving today.
Chautauqua County Fire Involvement: Jon's leadership extends far beyond our local station. He has served the broader region with distinction as a long-time member and coordinator figure within the Chautauqua County Fire Advisory Board. In this role, he has helped coordinate mutual aid, training, and strategic communication across all county fire services.
Military Veteran & Dedicated Leader: Beyond his active regional role, Jon is a proud veteran, bringing the same discipline and patriotism to the fire department that he gave to our nation. Today, he continues to protect our crews at emergency scenes as Fire Police Captain and serves on our Board of Directors.
Thank you to Jon, our guest speakers, and every single member of the Bemus Point Volunteer Fire Department for your unwavering commitment to our community! 🚒🇺🇸
🍽️ A Special Thank You to Andriaccio's Restaurant . An event this wonderful wouldn't be complete without an incredible meal. A huge shoutout and thank you to the team at Andriaccio's Restaurant for catering tonight's banquet! As always, the food was absolutely spectacular and the service was top-notch, making a special evening even more memorable for our members and guests. We are incredibly fortunate to have such amazing local business support.
