Pictured, are the 2015 Tournament winners Dave Brink, Scott Sanyshyn, Josh Robinson and Tim Rose.
The Owego Fire Department (OFD) hosted its 3rd Annual Owego Fallen Firefighters Memorial Golf Tournament last Saturday at the Links at Hiawatha Landing. Sixty-five teams and 260 golfers played in the tournament supported by over 100 sponsors, making the charity tournament one of the largest in the Southern Tier. The monies raised from the tournament support two important causes that include scholarships for graduating Owego Free Academy (OFA) seniors pursing further education in a first responder field and building/operating costs for the OFD Training Facility.
A $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Owego Firefighter and Emergency Squad Member Cara Jones this year. Jones, a Wave Hose Company #2 member, plans on pursuing a career in nursing while attending Elmira College. She is a certified first responder and currently enrolled in the New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. Jones has logged nearly 100 EMS calls this year. A total of $6,000 in scholarships from tournament funds has been awarded the past three years.
Also, due in part to contributions from the golf tournament, the department was able to complete the majority of Phase I of its training facility, opening the classroom building that includes a kitchen and fitness area, last October. Phase II of the project includes a “live burn” building.
Tioga County currently does not have such a facility that makes fire simulation and attacks as realistic as possible. Departments must travel to Broome County for this training capability. The Owego Fire Department promised from the onset and has stayed committed to not having the training facility project impact taxes instead funding it through charitable events like the golf tournament and Monte Carlo nights.
The winning team of Scott Sanyshyn, Dave Brink, Tim Rose, and Josh Robinson shot a 54 or 18 under. The winners had back to back eagle holes and numerous tap in birdies. They were sponsored by corporate donor BlueLine Associates owned by Owego native Rocky Silvestri, who grew up on the Flats. BlueLine Associates, a Raleigh, N.C. based firm, is a leading business process management services provider and was named by Consulting Magazine as one of the “Seven Small Jewels: Seven to Watch” as part of their March 2015 issue. Consulting Magazine’s annual recognition of consulting firms places BlueLine in an exclusive group acknowledged for being a “hidden gem” in the industry. Silvestri is a former Village of Owego Trustee and past Fire Commissioner. he tournament trophy is on display in the Links’ clubhouse.
The tournament honors Owego Fallen Firefighters Matt Porcari (LODD 2013), Steve Gavin (LODD 2003), Richard Beck (LODD 1993), Winfield Knapp (1965) and Roy Wiltse (LODD 1938). Additional information is available at www.OwegoFireGolf.com.
