Erich Schepp & Wayne Konseck

At a ceremony on February 24, 2025, the Minoa Fire Department had the distinct honor of presenting two major awards to men whose unwavering dedication has shaped the department’s success and upheld its proud traditions. Though these awards were first announced at the Annual Banquet on January 25, 2025, they could not be given in person at that time. This special occasion allowed us to celebrate these remarkable individuals face to face.

Erich Schepp was recognized for his 20 years of dedicated service with a commemorative plaque. Since joining in 2005, Erich has served as a firefighter and as Chief from 2014 to 2017, leading with skill, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the department’s mission.

Wayne Konseck, a pillar of our department, was an assistant chief in the 1980s and held the C4 position. He was honored for an extraordinary 50 years of service with the prestigious Britt Van Auker Award, bestowed upon the department’s oldest living member. Having joined in 1975, Wayne’s half-century of dedication stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of volunteer fire service.

Longevity awards are among the department’s most cherished honors—not just for those who receive them, but for the entire Minoa Fire Department. They represent more than years of service; they embody tradition, sacrifice, and an unshakable commitment to protecting our community.

To further underscore the profound impact of those who came before us, Wayne shared reflections on the past—tales of triumphs and challenges, of camaraderie and perseverance. The room fell silent as younger members listened intently, reminded that while every era brings its trials, the spirit of the Minoa Fire Department remains steadfast. Just as past generations met their challenges with resilience and dedication, so too will today’s members carry that torch forward.

It is through the strength of our history and the service of our longest-standing members that the Minoa Fire Department continues to provide unwavering protection to our community.

Reflections on My Time in the Fire Department

By Wayne Konseck, February 24, 2025

When I first joined the fire department, we already had a great team. Jack Robie and I joined just a month apart, and we worked closely together throughout our time in the department. We rose through the ranks, serving as lieutenants, captains, and deputy chiefs.

Jack and I became very close. I’ll give you an example: after we made lieutenant, we would often arrive at the firehouse at the same time. One of us would call out, "You want the rescue or the fire?" That was just how we operated in those early days.

Later, when I got involved in the executive side of things, I learned about a New York State environmental camp for kids. It was an excellent program, possibly through the New York State Chiefs Association, where kids could attend camp for two weeks. My son went, and it was a fantastic experience. If there's still an opportunity for kids in the department to attend, it would be worth looking into.

When we first joined, we didn’t have much equipment. Dave Van Meyer, who worked for Jerome Equipment, helped us out. We were among the first departments in the county to use tools like the Hurst tool and the Kidman tool. Some of the equipment was very expensive, but we made it work. I remember the first night we put one of those tools into service—just ten hours later, we got a mutual aid call to Kirkville for a girl who had crashed into a culvert near the railroad signals. That was our first time using the tool, and it worked incredibly well.

Dave Vanmarter and John Jeremac were instrumental in getting us new equipment. Eventually, we had better gear—proper turnout coats, gloves, and boots. It took time, as everything had to go through the village and the executive board, but the money was there; it just needed to be spent wisely.

We had some great fires over the years. One that stands out was in Kirkville. We arrived on the scene, and before the first truck even rolled out, we already had water on the fire. I’ll never forget that one.

Another memorable call was in Manlius at a car dealership on Route 173. It was about 3 a.m., and Fayetteville got the call while we were put on standby. We were a little disappointed not to be called in, but by 10 a.m., their first pumper broke down, and we were called to move up. Suddenly, all the other departments started leaving, and we found ourselves the last ones on the scene.

Then there was the fire in East Syracuse, a three-story building with a flower shop on the ground floor. We were called to assist, and our ladder company was sent to the back of the building while East Syracuse handled the front. As I was on the ladder running the hose, I saw that East Syracuse’s hose team was pushing the fire toward our interior crew. I had no radio to warn them, so I had to run down the ladder, into the building, and up three floors to get them out just in time. When we went back in later, we found our equipment was completely burned up—but we got the fire under control.

We also had our share of train fires. One of the most memorable was a boxcar fire full of rubber. It was so hot inside that you could see layers of burning rubber. Pat Behan took some great photos of that fire. I’m not sure how he got them, but they captured the moment well.

One thing I always appreciated about this department was the camaraderie. Jack Robie and I became very close—he was someone I could always count on. That kind of trust and friendship is invaluable in this line of work.

Beyond fires, we had other unique experiences. The guide path for the airport is just past the golf course, and back then, the Air National Guard flew A-10 Warthogs. Those planes were dangerous to work around, so they came down to demonstrate what to do in case of an accident. We never had to respond to one, but it was an important training opportunity.

I also worked with Nancy Duffy on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We were the only department in the county with green fire trucks, so we supplied a rescue truck, a pumper, and another vehicle. One year, I was working a late shift and couldn’t attend, but I watched the parade on TV. As Minoa’s trucks passed the reviewing stand, John Reagan was on the speaker singing "Danny Boy." Nancy Duffy joked over the loudspeaker, "I wonder if that’s Wayne singing?" I thought that was pretty funny.

Looking back, I’ve got so many stories from my years in the department. I didn’t write them all down; I just shared the ones that came to mind. I’m proud of my service, both in the fire department and in the Navy. My time in the military shaped me, and while Vietnam veterans didn’t always get the warmest welcome home, I never stopped being proud of my service.

One of my best memories after retiring was a trip to Hawaii in 2002. My brother took me there, and a good friend—who was a retired Navy lieutenant commander—had a two-mast schooner. We sailed around the Hawaiian Islands, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. If you ever get the chance to visit Hawaii, go. It’s a beautiful place.

As I wrap this up, I want to thank everyone for the memories, the friendships, and the experiences. I’m 86 now—87 in May—and I still cherish everything this department has given me. You’ll never forget the people you serve with, and I never have. Thank you all.