• Michael R. Schwartz

The Salvation Army responds to large Thanksgiving Day Fire in Upstate New York

Batavia, NY - The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team based in Batavia, NY (Genesee County) was requested and responded to a large food processing plant fire in the Village of Elba, New York on Thanksgiving morning. The team provided canteen and hydration services to firefighters who were involved in fighting the fire at the largest onion processing facility in New York State.  Due to the size of the fire, over 100 firefighters from across three counties responded and spent their Thanksgiving battling the stubborn fire.   

At the request of the Genesee County Fire Coordinator’s Office, The Salvation Army EDS team and Officers from the Batavia Corps were on scene throughout the day offering donuts, coffee and even turkey sandwiches to the first responders.

"It was a privilege to do that for them," said Volunteer EDS Coordinator, Joan Stevens. "We wanted to make sure they got some turkey."

"Our goal is to get out here and serve the first responders especially on Thanksgiving Day to make their jobs a little easier, give them something to drink, something to eat," said Lt. Bradley Moore of The Salvation Army Batavia Corps.

“We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our team in Genesee County, giving up their own Thanksgiving to bring a little comfort to the first responders in harm’s way during this large fire.  It brings into perspective the many things we are truly thankful for on this holiday.” said Michael R. Schwartz, Divisional Disaster Director for the Empire State Division of The Salvation Army.

For more information on The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services, please contact Michael Schwartz at (315) 434-1367 or michael.schwartz@use.salvationarmy.org