Chief Frank "Skip" Sylvester Takes Office as NYSAFC President

Chief Frank J. "Skip" Sylvester of the Ossining Fire Department was sworn in as president of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs during the 105th Annual Conference Installation Ceremony on June 18, 2011 at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY. He will serve a one-year term leading the organization.

President Sylvester has been a member of the Ossining Fire Department since 1967 and served as chief from 1991-1992. He previously held all company offices within his department and is currently serving as a deputy chief. Sylvester is past president of the Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs and is a member of FASNY, Southern New York Volunteer Firemen's Association, Westchester County Volunteer Firemen's Association, and the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association. Sylvester joined NYSAFC in 1987 and was a member of numerous committees including Life Safety, Fire Sprinkler, Codes, Volunteer Chiefs, and the Conference Committee before his election to the board of directors in 2001.

Also during the Installation Ceremony, Chief Richard A. Messina of the Bellmore Fire Department was sworn in as 1st vice president and Chief John M. Tighe of the City of Corning Fire Department was sworn in as 2nd vice president. Both will serve one-year terms.

EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy of Saratoga County was sworn in as the EMS director and will serve a three-year term.

Chief Donald J. Corkery of the Sayville Fire Department and Chief George A. Rivers of the Rouses Point Fire Department were sworn in for three-year terms as directors. Chief Julius J. Leone Jr. of the Fredonia Fire Department, director of emergency services/fire coordinator for Chautauqua County, joined the board of directors and will also serve a three-year term as a director.

Pictured: Skip Sylvester, his wife Sue, and NYSAFC Past President John Cullen during the Installation Ceremony. Photo by Ron Dahulich.