Marcy, NY – This morning, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) joined the members and leadership of the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department for a press conference, as the Department gathered to dedicate their new 100-foot Sutphen Tower Ladder to the late Firefighter & Commissioner Thomas P. Phelps, honor the leadership and dedication of out-going Chief Jared Pearl, and to extend their gratitude to Assemblywoman Buttenschon for a $50,000 state grant she secured to facilitate the purchase of a new 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe EMS 1 vehicle.

With funding secured by Assemblywoman Buttenschon, upon its service entry the new 2026 Tahoe will replace the Department’s currently operating 2013 Rescue 1 Suburban, providing enhanced reliability and durability to the Department’s emergency medical response capabilities.

“The new Tahoe EMS 1 will provide our department more versatility when responding to emergency medical incidents.” said Randall Caldwell, Chief of the Maynard Fire Department.

Beyond the new EMS vehicle, today’s conference held special meaning for the Department as it paused to pay tribute to one of their own. The Department dedicated its new 100-foot Sutphen Tower ladder in memory of the late Thomas P. Phelps, a cherished Commissioner and devoted Firefighter who was the driving force behind the apparatus’s purchase. The tower ladder will maximize the department’s fire suppression capabilities while providing a safe working environment for its firefighters, a lasting tribute to both his commitment to his fellow members and to all those who serve. Phelps passed away on August 1st, 2022, from a line-of-duty related illness.

“Tower One was a dream Tom and I shared when many thought it would never happen,” said Past Chief Jared Pearl. “Tom believed in the vision and helped make it a reality. Although he never got to see Tower One arrive, his legacy will ride with our firefighters every time it answers a call.” ~~Jared Pearl, Former Chief of the Maynard Fire Department.

The occasion also gave the Assemblywoman and the Department the opportunity to recognize Past Chief Jared A. Pearl, whose 34 years of service have helped shape the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department and strengthen emergency services throughout the region. In recognition of his leadership, service, and dedication to the fire service, Assemblywoman Buttenschon presented Chief Pearl with a New York State Assembly Proclamation honoring his longstanding commitment to the Department and the communities it serves. A 34-year member of the Department, Pearl rose through the ranks to serve in several leadership roles, including President, and Fire Chief, a position he held for 12 years before stepping down at the end of August, 2026. Throughout his career, Pearl has served as an Advanced EMT, EMS Certified Instructor Coordinator, State Fire Instructor, Certified New York State Arson Investigator, and President of the Oneida County Fire Chiefs’ Association. During his tenure, Chief Pearl was instrumental in establishing Oneida County’s first bunk-in program at Maynard, the implementation of a first responders wellness app catered to the needs of Maynard’s and Oneida County’s first responders, and the expansion of Department staffing and training through the Company E-5. Under his leadership, Chief Pearl and the Maynard Department also played integral roles in shaping safety and fire protection measures at Wolfspeed, further reflecting the lasting impact of his tenure and expertise in emergency preparedness and fire safety throughout the Mohawk Valley.

“Chief Pearl’s dedicated service will leave a lasting impact on the Maynard Fire Department and Oneida County for years to come. His leadership, mentorship, and friendship provides an incredible legacy which has shaped the culture here at Maynard,” said Chief Randal Caldwell.

“Answering calls at all hours 365-days a year, volunteer firefighters are the backbone of emergency responses throughout New York State, and they deserve not only our utmost support but the best equipment available to do it safely. The new EMS 1 Tahoe will serve to enhance and provide further versatility to Maynard’s emergency medical response capabilities,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. It was further an honor to recognize today the life and legacy of Commissioner Thomas P. Phelps, whose vision and dedication helped make the new tower ladder a reality, and to formally extend gratitude to Chief Jared Pearl for his 12 years of leadership and 34 years of service to the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department. Both men have left a lasting legacy of service, leadership, dedication which has strengthened the Maynard and Greater Mohawk Valley communities, and I am proud to help recognize them both here today.” ~~Assemblywoman Buttenschon

With a lifelong connection to emergency services, championing the needs of first responders is an integral part of her legislative work, as the Assemblywoman remains focused and committed to enhancing the safety, training, equipment, funding and protections for first responders both locally and statewide.