Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association

06/02/2026

🚶‍♂️🧠 FREE COMMUNITY HEALTH EVENT 🧠🚶‍♀️

Join Upstate Medical University for the next Walk With A Doc program and enjoy a morning of walking, learning, and conversation focused on improving your overall well-being.

📖 Topic: “Exercising Your Brain to Boost Mental Fitness”

👨‍⚕️ Walk led by Dr. Robert Corona, DO, MBA, CEO of Upstate University Hospital and a board-certified physician specializing in pathology and neuropathology.

📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Onondaga Lake Park (across from Heid’s)
6700 Onondaga Lake Parkway
Liverpool, NY

🥤 Fruit and water will be provided.

This event is free and open to the public, and walkers of all ages are welcome to participate. Take advantage of this opportunity to get some exercise, meet healthcare professionals, and learn practical ways to keep your brain healthy and active.

We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Onondaga Lake Park, and take a step toward better physical and mental health.

06/02/2026

🎂 Happy Birthday Mark 🎂

On behalf of the Officers, Board of Directors, and membership of the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association , we extend our best wishes to Director Mark Swing on his birthday.

Mark’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to the fire service have made a positive impact throughout Onondaga County. His continued service and support of the Association are greatly appreciated, and we are thankful for all that he does on behalf of the fire service community.

Please join us in wishing Mark a very Happy Birthday and a year filled with health, happiness, and continued success.

06/01/2026

⚾️ FIRST RESPONDER NIGHT CLARIFICATION ⚾️

Emergency Service Partners and Friends,

We wanted to provide clarification that the First Responder Night game at the Syracuse Mets is a separate event from the Onondaga County Fire Coalition First Responder Day at the Syracuse Mets .

The event shared in this post is being presented by IBEW Local 43 and is a great opportunity to attend, taking place on Friday, July 17, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 PM.

If you would like to attend this event, tickets can be purchased at:
https://www.gofevo.com/event/MetsFirstResponders26

We also hope everyone will be interested in attending the Onondaga County Fire Coalition First Responder Day at the Syracuse Mets as That event includes the pre-game tailgate and additional items.

We look forward to seeing members of the emergency services community at both great events this summer!

7/17/26 @ 6:35 PM - First Responders Night

05/29/2026

🎂 Happy Birthday President Bouvia! 🎂

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association, we would like to wish President Tom Bouvia, a Happy Birthday!

Tom’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to the fire service have made a positive impact on countless firefighters, departments, and communities throughout Onondaga County.

His passion for serving others and advancing the fire service continues to strengthen our association and the members we represent.

Today, we celebrate not only a respected leader, but also a valued friend and colleague. We hope you enjoy your special day surrounded by family, friends, and those who mean the most to you.

Please join us in wishing President Tom Bouvia a Happy Birthday and a year filled with health, happiness, and continued success!

05/28/2026

⚾️ SAVE THE DATE ⚾️

The Onondaga County Fire Coalition is excited to once again partner with ESIP and Fire Districts Mutual Insurance for the “Coalition” First Responder Day at the ballpark.

Join us on Sunday, July 19, 2026 as the Syracuse Mets take on the Buffalo Bisons with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 PM.

The pre-game tailgate will start at 11:00 am and be located in the north end of the parking lot (look for the tents).

This special day is an opportunity for firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement, dispatchers, auxiliary members, family and friends from across Central New York to come together for a great afternoon of baseball, camaraderie and appreciation for those who serve our communities every day.

🎟 Tickets are $35 each and include:• Game Ticket• Parking• Event Tee Shirt• Tailgate Access

📍 Seating Sections: 217 & 218

⚠️ IMPORTANT DEADLINE ⚠️The deadline for tickets and shirt sizes is Monday, June 29th - NO EXCEPTIONS as orders must be finalized by this date to guarantee seating and apparel.

For additional information or to reserve your tickets, contact:

Jon Barrett - (315) 952-4631 or [email protected]

Tom Bouvia - (315) 727-3050 or [email protected]

We look forward to another outstanding First Responder Day with our partners at ESIP and Fire Districts Mutual Insurance.

05/27/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday Past President Ray Dill 🎉

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association, we would like to wish Past President Ray Dill a Happy Birthday!

Ray’s dedication, leadership, and years of service to the fire service community have made a lasting impact throughout Onondaga County and beyond. His commitment to supporting firefighters, mentoring leaders, and strengthening the brotherhood of the fire service continues to be appreciated by all who have had the privilege to work alongside him.

We thank Ray for his continued service and friendship and hope he enjoys a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day, the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association joins communities across our nation in honoring and remembering the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Today is more than the beginning of summer or a long weekend. It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who gave their lives defending the freedoms we enjoy every day and for the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

As Firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement officers, and first responders, we understand the meaning of service, sacrifice, and commitment to something greater than ourselves. We pause today to reflect upon the courage of those who never made it home and to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

We encourage everyone to take a moment today to honor our fallen heroes, attend a local memorial service or parade, and remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

❤️🤍 AMERICAN RED CROSS DAY 🤍❤️

Observed annually on May 21st, American Red Cross Day recognizes the incredible humanitarian work and lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross and the dedicated volunteers and staff who serve communities across our nation every day.

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, a pioneering nurse who became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” for her work caring for wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Inspired by the International Red Cross Movement, Barton worked tirelessly to establish the American chapter, creating an organization dedicated to disaster relief, emergency assistance, blood services, military family support, and lifesaving education.

For more than 140 years, the American Red Cross has continued to answer the call during fires, floods, hurricanes, severe weather incidents, and countless emergencies affecting families and communities nationwide.

Today, we recognize and thank the men and women who continue that mission through their compassion, professionalism, and commitment to helping others during their greatest times of need.

On behalf of the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association, we extend our sincere appreciation to all American Red Cross volunteers, employees, and supporters for your continued partnership, dedication, and service to our communities.

05/14/2026

The Amber Fire Department is asking the fire service community, friends, and supporters to come together in support of one of our own - Past Chief William “Mel” Simmons.

Chief Simmons has dedicated an incredible 65 years of service to the Onondaga County fire service community, always answering the call to help others. Following a recent serious injury that has left him unable to work, the department is now asking the community to rally behind Mel and his family during this difficult time.

A benefit will be held on:

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Lakeside Fire Department Recreation Hall

The event will feature:
🍽️ Buffet Meal
🎟️ Raffles
🎶 Live Music

The Amber Fire Department is currently seeking support through donations, raffle baskets, sponsorships, and attendance at the event.

Checks for donations or ticket purchases should be made payable to William Simmons and mailed c/o Dawn Simmons, P.O. Box 225, Marcellus, NY 13108.

For those planning to purchase tickets at the door, please RSVP with the number of tickets requested no later than June 5, 2026.

Anyone wishing to donate raffle items, assist, or obtain additional information can contact the Amber Fire Department at (315) 636-7741 or by email at [email protected].

Let’s show Mel the same dedication, brotherhood, and support that he has shown the fire service community for decades. 🚒❤️

05/14/2026

🇺🇸 SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVE 🇺🇸

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has officially launched registration and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Central New York 5K Run & Walk, taking place on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 9:11 AM in Utica.

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a day that forever changed our nation and inspired the creation of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Since its founding, the organization has remained committed to honoring the sacrifice of our nation’s first responders, military members and their families.

One of the many reasons Tunnel to Towers continues to make such an incredible impact is that over 93% of all funds raised go directly back into programs and services supporting those in need.

Here in New York State alone, the Foundation has recently:

🇺🇸 Provided mortgage-free homes for the families of:

• Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
• Binghamton Firefighter Johnathan Gaudet
• Army Sgt. Sean Ahearn of Skaneateles and the Endicott Police Department

🇺🇸 Constructed a brand-new veteran housing facility in Cheektowaga

🇺🇸 Built numerous smart homes for severely injured veterans and paid off mortgages for first responders who succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses

The success of this event and the Foundation’s mission is made possible through the continued generosity of sponsors, organizations and community supporters.

Please consider becoming a sponsor for the 2026 event and helping ensure that when tragedy strikes those who protect us, Tunnel to Towers is ready to respond with meaningful support for the families left behind and those severely injured in the line of duty.

We thank everyone for your continued support and consideration. 🇺🇸