Batavia City Firefighters - IAFF Local 896

10/22/2026

2026 Fire Prevention Coloring Contest Winners

The City of Batavia Fire Department is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Fire Prevention Coloring Contest. With more than 500 entries from Batavia schools, this year’s contest was highly competitive and showcased local students' creativity and enthusiasm.

The Fire Department sincerely thanks all participating students, teachers, and parents for supporting fire safety education and sharing such inspiring artwork.

Congratulations to the following winners:

Grades K–1:
First Place: Micaiah Marin – St. Paul Lutheran School, Mrs. Freeze – 1st Grade
Second Place: Stella Francis – St. Joseph Regional School, Mrs. Lutey – 1st Grade
Third Place: Henry Huang – St. Paul Lutheran School, Mrs. Porter – Kindergarten

Grades 2–3:
First Place: Gabe McMillan – St. Paul Lutheran School, Mrs. Freeze – 2nd Grade
Second Place: Morgan Morasco – John Kennedy School St., Mrs. Gominiak – 3rd Grade
Third Place: Harper Potwora – St. Joseph’s Regional School, Ms. Dumuhosky – 3rd Grade

Grades 4–5:
First Place: Gabriella Zucchiatti - John Kennedy School, Miss Salvador – 4th Grade
Second Place: Anthony Ficarella– John Kennedy School, Miss Ellis – 5th Grade
Third Place: Payton Sprague – John Kennedy School, Mrs. Consagra – 5th Grade

An Awards Luncheon will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the City of Batavia Fire Station, 18 Evans Street. All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and their families are invited to attend.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week activities or fire safety education, please contact Lt. Robert Tedford, Lieutenant/Fire Prevention Program Manager, at City of Batavia Fire Department at (585) 345-6375.

10/15/2026

COMMUNITY SUPPORT BREAST CANCER SHIRTS

If you missed earlier opportunities to show your support, shirts are still available to order.

City of Batavia Professional Firefighters are wearing special breast cancer t-shirts designed by Mytshirtsetc all month to show our support for breast cancer awareness month.

Support the City of Batavia Fire Department's annual campaign with our official breast cancer awareness t-shirt. $2 from every shirt sold directly benefits local families facing a diagnosis through Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The City of Batavia Firemen’s Benevolent Association are generously donating $1,000 to Genesee Cancer Assistance. Help raise additional funds, show your support and make a direct impact right here in our community!

Link to purchase:

"Discover a wide range of custom T-shirts at myTshirtsEtc.com! From personalized designs to wholesale options, our quality apparel caters to every style and occasion. Shop now for unique graphic tees, eco-friendly materials, and affordable prices. Create your perfect T-shirt today!"

10/14/2026

MUTUAL AID FIRE

5733 Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford. 0944hrs 10/14/26.

3rd Platoon

City Engine 12 and City Squad 19 dispatched to the confirmed garage fire as the FAST - Firefighter Assist and Search Team.

10/09/2026

Well done Capt. Gowanlock!

Congratulations to Captain Gowanlock on completion of Fire Officer III through NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

While Fire Officer I and II focus on supervising a company (like a captain or lieutenant on a single fire engine), a Fire Officer III acts as an Administrative or Chief Officer. Their primary responsibilities span across several major management categories:

• Administration & Finance: Preparing and managing divisional or departmental budgets, navigating budget systems, soliciting bids, planning for resource allocation, and maintaining information management platforms.

• Human Resource Management: Establishing formal procedures for hiring, assigning personnel for maximum efficiency, managing promotions, and driving the professional development of department members.

• Community and Government Relations: Developing community public safety plans, evaluating the effectiveness of local inspection programs, and building partnerships with the public.

• Emergency Service Delivery & Multi-Agency Operations: Managing the planning, deployment, and tactical operations of large-scale or multi-agency all-hazard responses.

• Health and Safety: Designing, managing, and evaluating overarching departmental safety programs to minimize injuries and long-term health risks (like cancer awareness and behavioral health initiatives).

This is a major accomplishment and we applaud Captain Gowanlock on his drive to better himself and his ability to serve the community.

10/08/2026

Fire prevention month continues on, thank you Richmond Memorial Library for having us!

10/07/2026

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2026

“Charge Into Fire Safety. Safe Charging Is a Superpower!"

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day from cell phones and laptops to e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools, and other electronics.

While these batteries are incredibly useful, improper charging, damaged batteries, and incompatible chargers can increase the risk of fire.

IAFF Local 896 and the City of Batavia Fire Department encourages everyone to make safe charging part of their everyday routine:

🔌 Use the right charger — Whenever possible, use the charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.

📖 Follow the manufacturer's instructions — Every device and battery is different.

🛋️ Charge on a hard, flat surface — Avoid charging devices on beds, couches, blankets, or other surfaces that can trap heat.

⚠️ Never charge a damaged or swollen battery — If a battery is swollen, damaged, or overheating, stop using it and follow the manufacturer's disposal instructions.

🔋 Unplug when fully charged - Unless the manufacturer specifically recommends otherwise, unplug devices when they're fully charged or not being used.

🔥 Keep charging areas clear - Keep batteries and chargers away from anything that can burn.

✅ Buy from reputable manufacturers— Look for recognized testing laboratory markings when applicable.

🚫 Never mix and match batteries and chargers — Only use a charger and battery designed for your specific device.

Small changes in our everyday habits can make a big difference in preventing fires.

Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

10/06/2026

During Monday's City of Batavia Professional Firefighter's bimonthly meeting Local 896 membership took a moment to recognize Deputy Chief Dan Herberger's career with Local 896.

This past June, after 24 years as a member of Local 896, Dan Herberger was promoted to Deputy Chief.

Local 896 presented DC Herberger with this commemorative plaque as a token of our appreciation for his professionalism and commitment to the City of Batavia.

Congratulations once again! L896 looks forward to continuing to work together in your new role!

10/04/2026

10/1/26

Capt. Fix pictured along with City Engine 12 on location thursday for the mutual aid barn fire at 10986 Marsh Rd, Bethany.

News coverage in the comments.

10/02/2026

City Fire Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

During the month of October, City of Batavia Professional Firefighters will be wearing special T-shirts on duty to show our support for breast cancer awareness month and all those affected by cancer in our community.

Thank you to Mytshirtsetc for this year's T-shirt design!

Genesee Cancer Assistance

New York State Professional Firefighters Association - NYSPFFA

10/01/2026

BARN FIRE

1416hrs 10/1/26 2nd Platoon

10986 Marsh Road, Bethany

City Fire Engine 12 and City Squad 13 dispatched as the FAST - Firefighter Assist and Search Team to the confirmed fully involved barn fire.