The O-AT-KA Hose Company, part of the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department, honored one of its longtime members. Robert Radley submitted these photos and the message below:
The O-AT-KA Hose Company Number 1 of LeRoy NY would like to congratulate one of their most respected members.
James A. Spear, 82, of LeRoy has been a member of the company since 1969. During his tenure he has held many positions within the company. He served as president from 1978-1982. He was elected secretary in 1985 and continues to hold the position today. He has done the financial work and record keeping for the company for many years. Much of the work that keeps the company in business is done by Jim and his wife, Florence. He is accurate to the penny and is upset if the books for the company are off by as little as nine cents.
At the annual Steak Roast at the company rooms on North Avenue on May 9, 2015 to the surprise of Jim, the meeting room was dedicated to him. As Jim was presented with a permanent plaque to take home, geniune surprise filled his face and for a short time he was speechless. A sign over the door now reads “James A. Spear Meeting room 2015."
The membership of the company thanks Jim for all of his dedicated work over the last 46 years. Much of what we do as a company cannot be done without Jim and at every function we have he can be found near the door cash box and raffle tickets in hand and making sure that tasks are done and things go smoothly.
