Firefighter honored for years of service
by KIMBERLY M. KARCHER Clarence Editor

Paul M. Fiegl

The number 50.

It marks a milestone in the lives of many with events such as the 50th birthday and/or the 50th wedding anniversary.

For Paul M. Fiegl another milestone was marked this year with the number 50 as he was recently honored for his 50 years of service as a member of the Swormville Fire Company.

Fiegl has logged 41 years of active duty and 9 exempt years of service.

He joined the company back in 1957 as a way to serve the community.

"I just wanted to help out my neighbors and , volunteer my services," he said. "I wanted to help the members of the community in any way I could and I thought this was a good way, plus I had the time so what better way to spend it then by volunteering for your community."

When deciding to step down as an active member, Fiegl said he knew it was time.

"There's a lot of new, young guys coming in," he said. "It was time to step aside. There a bunch of great guys over there."

Looking back on his years of service, Fiegl recalled a number of incidents which stand out in his memory including one very infamous storm.

"The Blizzard of 77,'" he said. "Now that was a big thing. It was scary when we were out there trying to help those who were stranded and there was just so much snow."

Fiegl's blizzard expertise came in handy during the 2006 surprise October storm.

"I was able to help out the best I could," he said. "I plowed and did what I could around the area."

Fiegl's town involvement doesn't end with his service as a firefighter, he also served the Town of Clarence for 33 years as a foreman with the town's highway department.

Fiegl retired from the town in 1995 and said he enjoys spending his free time with his family.

"I have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild," he said. "That keeps me pretty busy."

Fiegl added that he and his wife of 49 years, Betty, also enjoy going to the casino.

"I also really like hunting," he said. "It's nice because some of the children and grandchildren are into hunting so its another way to spend time together."

Fiegl said he likes to stay active in the community and with the fire company by making his favorite dish - and fire company staple - chowder.

"I love making chowder," Fiegl said adding that he's learned to perfect his recipe through the help of those at St. Mary's Church because he also volunteers his time there as well. "I've been helping out there a while now and we always make chowder. I even make it for family events now. In fact we've got one coming up and I'm looking at making around 25 gallons this time."

Fiegl was honored for his 50 years during the annual installation banquet held in February of this year.