Siblings with deep ties to the Auburn Fire Department will remember the department’s stories and heroes in an upcoming presentation at Cayuga Community College.
Kathy DeJoy-Genkos and Scott DeJoy, the authors of “Hometown Heroes: The History of the Auburn Fire Department,” will discuss the department’s founding, its evolution over more than 120 years and stories of fearless firefighters in Cayuga’s Cultural Speaker Series. The presentation is 4-5 p.m. on March 9, 2020, in the student lounge on the College’s Auburn Campus.
Emily Cameron, Cayuga’s Assistant Director of Community Education and Workforce Development, said recognizing the department’s history fits perfectly with the College’s locally-focused speaker series.
“Our series is devoted to casting a spotlight on local history, and the Auburn Fire Department’s history is filled with innovation, bravery and great stories,” said Cameron. “Kathy and Scott have deep roots with the department and an appreciation for its role in our community. We’re excited to have them join us and to remember all the contributions of our local firefighters.”
Kathy and Scott’s ties to the department started with their father, Frank DeJoy, a line firefighter who served more than three decades. After his passing in 2013, Kathy and Scott realized the stories of their father and other firefighters from previous generations were disappearing.
It was a problem they couldn’t accept, said Kathy.
“After he passed, people told us stories about him we’d never heard. We were stunned, but at the same time we realized other people must have stories about their family members who were firefighters as well. We thought we should compile something that delved into the department’s history and appreciated all the great things they did as people,” she said. “We wanted to make sure the department’s history didn’t die as the older members passed away.”
Working together over the course of a year, they wrote “Hometown Heroes.” Published in 2016, the book starts with the department’s founding and collects stories and photos as the department grew from using horse-drawn equipment to the present day.
The book is both a history of the department and a tribute to its members, they said.
“We love this department. The more you read about it, the more you can’t help but be amazed at what they accomplished and how innovative they were,” said Scott, himself a retired assistant chief after 21 years with the department. “It’s an incredible story that shows their commitment to Auburn.”
Along with tracing the department’s history, the presentation will include stories and opportunities for audience members to share their own remembrances.
The admission fee for the presentation, which includes refreshments, is $5. There is no admission fee for Cayuga students. Questions can be directed to the Cayuga Office of Community Education and Workforce Development at 315-294-8841.
To register for the presentation, visit https://registration.xenegrade.com/Cayuga/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=7187.