Owego Hose Team Company #3 team, affectionately known as the Flat Rats, won the coveted Central New York firematic hose racing title at the 126th Annual Central New York Firemen’s Association (CNYFA) convention held in Homer, N.Y. last weekend. Company #3 knocked off Owego Hose Team Company #1.
Sporting new uniforms replicating the purple and gold worn by the hose teams in the 1970s, four Owego teams participated in the firefighter events.
The Company #1 team was leading the competition where firefighters test their skills, scoring first place in both the ladder and wye races. Company #3 battled back in water ball with a third-place finish tying Company #1 with 11 points overall.
The #3 team members of Nick Jerzak, Mike MacNaughton, Joe Morabito, Jimmy Morris, and Hank Thomas were declared the tournament winners in a tiebreaker. Six teams participated in the firematic events with four teams from Owego, Sennett and LaFayette Fire Departments. Hose races improve basic firefighting skills.
It was also announced Owego Hose Teams, in partnership with the Owego Fire Department, will host the 2020 Central convention July 9-12. Events will include fire service meetings, firefighter memorial service, block party, firefighter parade, and hose races. Hundred of firefighters from Central New York are expected to attend the convention last held in Owego in 2010.
CNYFA was founded by Owego’s own Frank M. Baker in 1893, a former Owego Fire Chief. Baker also was a prominent member of the Fireman’s Association of New York (FASNY) and served in the Owego Fire Department with his son George Hobart Baker who tragically died in an automobile accident in 1913. The Baker Fireman’s Fountain is dedicated in his memory.
The hose team now gears up for the Baker Fireman’s Fountain rededication events taking place on Aug. 23 and 24 in Owego. On Friday night, Aug. 23 and in celebration of the fountain’s return and birthday, a dinner will be held at VFW Post #1371 that includes an old-fashioned Italian menu catered by Mario’s Pizza with beer, wine, and soda. Commemorative items provided to each attendee include a stainless-steel beer mug, wooden nickel, and memorial lanyard.
Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner and presentations at 7 p.m. The Beatles Band will play from 9 p.m. to midnight. Rededication events planned for Saturday, Aug. 24, include a ceremony at the fountain site in the Courthouse Square at 9 a.m.; a grand firefighter’s parade downtown is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.; a firematic hose race will take place on lower Front Street starting at noon; and the day’s events conclude at the Rainbow Trail with music by The Gents starting at 5 p.m.
The public is invited to all events and tickets for the dinner are on sale at the hose team website, www.OwegoHoseTeams.com.
Race Results (Times in seconds):
In Ladder, Owego #1A (15.85), Owego #3A (18.78), Owego #3B (22.00), Sennett (DNP), LaFayette (DNP), and Owego 1A (DNP).
In Wye, Owego #1A (23.00), Owego #3A (33.62), Owego #3B (37.56), Sennett (DNP), LaFayette (DNP), and Owego #1A (DNP).
In Water Ball, Sennett, LaFayette, Owego #3A, Owego #3B, Owego #1A, and Owego #1B.
Race Results Overall Points: 1st Place Overall – Owego Hose Teams, Inc. Team #3A – 11 Points; 2nd Place Overall – Owego Hose Teams, Inc. Team #1A – 11 Points; 3rd Place Overall – Owego Hose Teams, Inc. Team 3B – 8 Points; 4th Place Overall – Sennett Fire Department – 5 Points; 5th Place Overall – LaFayette Fire Department – 4 Points; and 6th Place Overall – Owego Hose Teams, Inc. Team #1B.
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