Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firefighters Convention photos
Photos by Mary Pankow
 Bob Coudrey, Gowanda firefighter and president of the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firefighters, leads the parade on the last day of the SAVF Convention that ran from Aug. 4 to 7 in Gowanda. More than 40 fire companies set up dugouts throughout the village and surrounding area to enjoy the festivities. |
 Patriotic Display - Gowanda Fire Department, the convention’s hosting fire company, displays their patriotism and pride with their Red, White and Blue float. |
 Survivor Success - Jess, representing Westons Mills Fire Company, waves a $1,000 check in the air to celebrate his victory in the Firemen’s Survivor Island competition. The event, sponsored by Seneca Allegheny Casino, featured a series of challenges, immunity awards and Tribal Council, just like the popular reality TV show. Runner-up Mary Dankert, of Otto Fire Company, was awarded $200. |
 Special Award - At the conclusion of the four-day SAVF Convention, Bob Coudrey, center, is presented with a lifetime service award by Andy Burr, right, and Travis Grubbs, Gowanda Chamber of Commerce board of directors member and president, respectively. Burr, who along with Dr. Robert Heichberger nominated Coudrey for the award, noted the award winner’s “genuine degree of service: Faith, Family, Country and Community.” Coudrey, a firefighter for over 48 years, expressed his gratitude and said, “Having the convention in Gowanda was one of my dreams.” The last convention held in the village was in 1968. (Photo by Mary Pankow.) |
Convention Grotesque Parade sights!
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