Fifty years, uncounted fires

Two Cataracts firefighters celebrate a milestone,By Vicki Botta Goshen — The Cataract Engine and Hose Company in Goshen recently honored two of its members, Elmer Budd and James “Jim” Felzcek, in a gala celebration. Between 135 and 150 members thumbed their noses at the pouring rain to attend. Former Mayor Steve Hopkins, another 50-year member, flew up from Florida to be there. He paid them tribute, his voice filled with emotion. Budd, a Vietnam War veteran and former title searcher, and Felzcek, who also served in the Air Force in Spain and worked as a salesman, both joined the fire department when they were 18. “They didn’t have programs for 16-year-olds like they do today,” said Budd. He explained that his dad was in the fire department and that it was one of the reasons he joined. Felzcek said that his dad was a Dikeman and that he joined the Cataracts because he was dating a girl at the time whose father was in the Cataracts. His dad let him know how he felt. Both men rose through the ranks and served as chief of the department. Budd is currently serving as second assistant chief of the Goshen Fire Department, and Felzcek is vice president of the company. Felzcek said one of his most vivid memories of being a firefighter was standing alongside former village Trustee Bob Jones in an old burning school building as smoke rose around them, and seeing Jones fall through the floor. His daughter Debbie remembered her dad and Budd fighting fires during the night, like the one that burned the old Occidental Hotel in the center of the village, and then getting up early for work the next day after little or no sleep. Felzcek’s wife, daughters, and brother attended the celebration in his honor. Budd, whose dad and brother are no longer alive, said he wished his 99-year-old mother could have been there with him and his sister to enjoy the evening. Budd’s sister got a laugh when she pointed out that he was her brother much longer than he was a Cataract — and that she was proud of him. Steve Hopkins and Ed Nob recalled good memories. The president of the company, Charles Norton, recited the firefighters’ many achievements. Honors were bestowed by state Senator William Larkin, state Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, and Orange County Executive Ed Diana, although they did not attend in person. Former Village Trustee Lynne Cione, the director of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, talked about their long-term commitment, dedication and service to the community. Both men are outstanding role models, she said. Goshen Town Supervisor Doug Bloomfield spoke fondly of his memories being with Budd in ninth grade, when they worked on the sets of the high school plays together. Village Mayor John Higgins, a volunteer firefighter himself, also spoke warmly of his friendships with both men. A bagpiper from the newly formed McPadden Pipes and Drums of the Goshen Emerald Society, played for the party, dressed in a traditional kilt. The group is named after firefighter Robert McPadden, who perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center. McPadden was the brother-in-law of Tom Burnham and worked in Tower Ladder 51 of the FDNY. The group will teach anyone wanting to learn how to play the bagpipes or drums. For more information, call Joe Aranson at 347-7846 or Bob Eustace at 321-4759.

A talk with Elmer and Jim
By Teddy Zaphiris
Teddy: When did you become a fireman?
Elmer: A few months after high school.
Teddy: What was your greatest achievement?
Elmer: Senior citizens housing. I was fire chief at the time and had to sign off on their plans to show there was enough water in case of a fire. I wouldn’t sign off until they installed sprinkers.
Teddy: What was your first call?
Elmer: A fire in the square where a child died.
Teddy: Why do you like your job?
Elmer: To help people or to try and make a difference.
Teddy: What made you want to be a fireman?
Elmer: My father belonged to the Goshen Dikeman’s.
Teddy: What would you say to someone who wanted to be a fireman?
Elmer: If you’re going to be one, be a good one.
Teddy: What was your childhood dream?
Jim: Being in the Air Force. I was in the Air Force from 1960 to 1964. I am very proud of my service.
eddy: What did you do before becoming a fireman?
Jim: I became a fireman right out of high school. Teddy: What is your greatest achievement?
Jim: Becoming a fire chief.
Teddy: What was your worst call?
Jim: An automobile accident that involved a family — mother, father, five children. Only three of the kids survived.
Teddy: What is the best part of being a fireman?
Jim: Being able to work with other firemen and to achieve things together.
Teddy: What made you want to be a fireman?
Jim: When I grew up there was a fire chief that lived close by, and I watched him run to calls to help people.
Teddy: What would you say to someone who wanted to be a fireman?
Jim: Learn as much as you can and never give up.