South Hornell Fire Company

06/04/2026

The Canisteo Fire Department mourns the loss of one of our greats, Don Merring.
Don dedicated countless years of service to our community as a Past Chief of the Canisteo Fire Department and as former Director of Steuben County Emergency Services. His leadership, knowledge, and commitment to public safety left a lasting impact on generations of firefighters, emergency responders, and community members throughout Steuben County.
Beyond his titles and accomplishments, Don was a trusted friend, mentor, and role model to so many. He freely shared his experience, guided others with wisdom and helped shape the future of emergency services in our region.
His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the service he inspired in others.
Please keep Don's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Our condolences to the Canisteo Fire Department and everyone whose lives Don influenced.

03/15/2026

🚫 NEW YORK STATE BURN BAN IN EFFECT 🚫
The annual burn ban is in effect across New York March 16 – May 14 to help prevent wildfires and protect our communities.
Spring conditions with dry leaves, brush, and wind make fires spread quickly. Please follow the guidelines below.
✅ WHAT YOU CAN DO
• Use small contained campfires (less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in diameter)
• Burn clean, untreated firewood only
• Use charcoal or propane grills for cooking
• Always keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby
• Completely extinguish fires before leaving them unattended
❌ WHAT YOU CANNOT DO
• Burn brush, leaves, or yard debris
• Start large bonfires or open debris piles
• Burn construction debris, garbage, or treated wood
• Leave any fire unattended
• Burn during dry or windy conditions
🔥 Why this matters:
Wildfires can start easily this time of year and spread quickly through dry vegetation. The burn ban helps protect homes, forests, and emergency responders.
⚠️ If you see smoke or an uncontrolled fire, call 911 immediately.

01/25/2026

12/11/2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Firefighter Matt Merring, who bravely served our community since joining the department 13 years ago. Matt was more than a dedicated firefighter—he was a loving husband, a devoted father, a friend, and a mentor. His courage, kindness, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.

Our hearts go out to Matt’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his service. We will honor his memory and continue to carry forward the legacy of selflessness and dedication he exemplified every day.

Rest in peace, Matt. Your light will always burn bright in the lives you’ve touched.

Matthew David Merring, 29, died unexpectedly from heart complications on December 7th, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Matt was born on March 3rd, 1996 in Hornell, NY to Lynda and Dana Merring. He became so much more than a son, He was a loving father, husband and brother. He was everybody’s best friend.
Matt was a force of nature that you could always hear coming. He lived his life exactly the way he wanted, he said what he thought freely, openly, and often, but was never hurtful. He wanted to know what you thought, and he cared about what mattered to you. Matt had this ability to see people. He loved his friends and family completely. He saw their flaws, knew they were ridiculous, and loved them anyway. He overcame so much in his life and never let it define him. He worked hard at everything he did, was always up to something, and LOVED telling you all about it.
Matt’s family was everything to him. He met Stephanie in 2018, and they were off to the races building a life together. He loved his kids, Olivia, Ryder, and McKinlee, and the big, loud, messy, perfect life they built together in their home in the woods in South Hornell. It was just them, 2dogs, 2 cats, 48 chickens, and 9 ducks, taking on the world together.
Matt belonged outside. He studied Conservation Law Enforcement at Finger Lakes Community College, graduating in 2017. He went on to work for DN Tanks, Meyers RV, and eventually built his career as a Wind Turbine Technician at Siemens Energy. In his personal time, Matt was a volunteer firefighter with the South Hornell Fire Company, serving with them for 13 years. He loved spending time with his family, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and drinking a beer at Keuka lake. He just wanted to be outside, goofing around with everyone he loved.
Matt is survived by his loving wife Stephanie, and his three children Olivia, Ryder, and McKinlee, who he loved fiercely; his parents Lynda and Dana Merring; his sister Amanda, brother-in-law Cody, and their children Rylie, Blake, Spencer and Theodore Gray; his grandparents Katharine and David Holsopple; his grandfather Donald Merring and his wife Betty; his in-laws Christina and James Rawleigh, and brother-in-law Ty; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. Matt was preceded in death by his grandmother Marcia Merring.
Please join us in celebrating Matt’s life. Arrangements have been made by Bender- Brown & and Powers Funeral Home on Canisteo St. Hornell. Calling hours are scheduled for Saturday December 13th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm with the funeral immediately following.
To send a remembrance please www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.