WURTSBORO — On the morning of the first day of May, loved ones, family and friends gathered at the new Wurtsboro Fire Department to dedicate a Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree that was planted in honor and memory of one of the founding charter members of the Wurtsboro Fire Department Auxiliary, Alverta "Tootie" Champagne, who passed away in November 2020.

Right behind the new Wurtsboro Fire Department firehouse and along Canal Street, the planted tree will grow and blossom every spring as a reminder of Tootie and what she has done for Wurtsboro, her family and the auxiliary.

A plaque now rests at the foot of the tree with Tootie's name and message that reads, "rooted in love, always in our heart."

Paul Champagne, Tootie's son and 40-plus year member of the Wurtsboro Fire Department himself, was on hand for the dedication and said, “It makes me feel really happy [that the tree is planted]. I'm glad because my family's been involved in the fire company for years.”

The Champagne family has a long history with the Wurtsboro Fire Department, with many of the family members volunteering for the department.

In the late 60s, Tootie saw that everyone including her husband, sons and brothers were part of the fire department. She felt, along with others, that the volunteer fire department needed some extra support, and the Wurtsboro Fire Department Auxiliary was born.

The auxiliary would get together and make food and drinks for the firefighters when they battle blazes or save lives. In 1974, Tootie was elected to be secretary of the Wurtsboro Fire Department and would take the minutes of the meeting with her typewriter.

The auxiliary participated in parades with beautiful uniforms and caps that were Navy Blue with white inside and red monogram. The group hosted game nights and held fundraisers to help support the fire department.

Tootie also worked as a bus driver for the Monticello Central School District for 26 years and remained active with the fire department until a few years ago.

At the memorial, the tree is a living tribute to her memory, and that cherry blossom represents the beauty of life and a symbol of renewal and good fortune.

Paul added that he felt glad that her memory would live on.

Paul said, "She's dearly missed."