BAINBRIDGE – Members of the volunteer fire service and other emergency responders gathered in Bainbridge this weekend for the Chenango County Fire Convention. The event, now in its 89th year, is sponsored by the Chenango County Firefighter’s Association. This was the second consecutive year it was hosted by the all-volunteer Bainbridge Fire and EMS Department.

The three-day long event began Friday with a memorial service at the First Methodist Church of Bainbridge. Dinner followed at the Bainbridge Fire Station, where two prestigious awards were presented: The Chenango County Training Award and Chenango County Firefighter of the Year.

“There are many friends to be made and life lessons to be learned in this room,” said Bainbridge Fire Captain Matt Sherman, as he welcomed those in attendance from departments across Chenango and surrounding areas.

Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matt Beckwith commended all those present for their service and dedication to their departments and their communities.

“We’re here to help, to make every community safer,” he said. “Neighbors helping neighbors.”

Beckwith addressed some of the challenges faced by the fire service as volunteer departments strive to keep up with societal changes, the latest technology and recruit new members.

“These are the things that keep me up at night,” he said.