HURLEYVILLE –– It was a night of celebration, with several dignitaries on hand, on Sunday, at the Center for Discovery’s Michael Ritchie Big Barn, for the Fallsburg Fire Department’s 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
The evening featured several presentations and proclamations, some awards, as well as Fallsburg firemen reminiscing on old times.

The Fallsburg FD was recognized by several of their peers in neighboring companies and departments, as well as by the Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Association.

They also received proclamations from the Town of Fallsburg, the Sullivan County Legislature, NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and NYS Senator Mike Martucci.

Additional highlights of the evening were Fallsburg FD President Bart Rasnick and Fire Commissioner Irving Kaplan being recognized for their 50 years of service to the department. Also, the prestigious 2021 Louis J. Levine Firefighter of the Year and 2020 ‘Harry Shapiro’ Fire Police Officer of the Year honors were awarded to Anthony Magie and the late Benjamin Santos respectively.

There was also a special presentation by Eileen “Sweetie” Minarsky, whose late husband Jim started his career in fire service with Fallsburg FD, before moving to Grahamsville. Jim’s grandfather Ed Teller was also one of the charter members of the Fallsburg FD.

She donated their Fallsburg FD hats and badges (see photo above) as well as Jim’s Fallsburg FD jacket.

Teller’s hat and badges are 100 years old.

“This is where they belong,” said Minarsky.