EAST OTTO, NY — May 2nd — At their annual Installation Banquet, members of the Otto Volunteer Fire Company and the East Otto Fire Company came together to honor top responders, service milestones, and new officers. The department's 2026 officers were sworn in at the occasion, which was held at the Little Valley VFW. Together with First Assistant Chief Tom Graser and Second Assistant Chief Chris Shattuck, Chief Bill McCabe will oversee the department.

A number of EMS personnel and firefighters received recognition for their five to sixty years of service. Rob Germain, the Ellicottville Fire Chief and District 5 Coordinator, was also honored for his leadership, mutual help, and ongoing support of the local emergency services community.