Palermo Volunteer Fire Department

06/01/2026

In Loving Memory
John M. Rice
June 3, 1958 - May 26, 2026

PALERMO, NY - John M. Rice, 67 of Palermo, NY; passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2026.

John was a dairy farmer and owner of Rice Farms. He was a 20 year member of the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department and Highway Superintendent for the Town of Palermo for eight years. Upon retiring from milking cows, John helped his wife in the flower shop prepping “weeds” (that he spent his entire life trying to get rid of) and delivering flowers,

He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Tom and Jim.

John is survived by his wife Mary Mannise-Rice, his sons Michael and Marc, several brother and sisters-in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Per John’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are in care of Harter Funeral Home, Inc. Mexico, NY.

Please share memories and condolences at https://www.harterfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-M-Rice?obId=48549946

05/29/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the recent passing of Past Chief John Rice. John dedicated 20 years of service to our department and was a proud Life Member who served our organization and community with great dedication, pride, and commitment. Throughout his years with the department, John made a lasting impact on countless members and residents through his hard work and friendship. John climbed the ranks starting in 1980 as a Lieutenant, Captain in 1983, Assistant Chief from 1984 to 1989 and Fire Chief from 1994 to 1996.
John was more than just a member of our department, he was family to many. His dedication to the fire service and the community he cared so deeply about will never be forgotten. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time.
He will be truly and deeply missed.

04/27/2026

Saturday night we had our annual banquet and the installation of our officers for the 2026 year!
Here is this year’s lineup!

2026 Fire Line Officers:
Chief • Mark Joss
1st Assistant Chief • Andy Denery
2nd Assistant Chief • Matt Stephenson
Captain • Matt Herrington
Captain • Don Hough
Lieutenant • Joe Pawlikowski

2026 Executive Officers:
President • Michelle Lacey
Vice President • Bob Loomis
Treasure • Carl Petrie
Assistant Treasure • Don Hough
Secretary • Stacey Tarbell
Assistant Secretary • Liz Pachoud
Executive Board • Paul Falbo
Executive Board • Stacey Tarbell

03/16/2026

03/15/2026

03/05/2026

Motor Vehicle Collision - CO RT 4 and CO RT 45 please avoid the area.

Update -

Yesterday, at approximately 12:30 PM, Palermo Fire was dispatched to a serious motor vehicle accident at the intersection of CR 4 and CR 45 involving a tractor-trailer and a minivan.

Assistant Chief Denery (1902) responded along with Palermo’s Heavy Rescue 1921 and McFee Ambulance. Upon confirmation of entrapment, additional heavy rescue support was requested from the Mexico Fire Department.

It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the driver of the minivan succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

We would like to thank our mutual aid partners at Mexico Fire and the crew at McFee Ambulance for their swift response and assistance on scene.

03/03/2026

Another busy day for our members!

03/03/2026

Just before 17:30 Palermo was activated for a MVA at CO RT 4 and CO RT 45. Tractor trailer vs. pick up truck, pick up truck on fire. 1903 (Stephenson) arrived confirming pick up truck fully involved and blocking CO RT 45. 1921 arrived and crews went right to work extinguishing the fire and checking on injuries. We were assisted on scene by McFee ambulance and Hastings chief 1101.

02/22/2026

Thank you to all our mutual aid departments who assisted with this call!

01/22/2026

Palermo Fire units are currently operating at a structure fire on co rt 4 between co rt 35 and red schoolhouse rd. Please avoid the area.

Palermo Fire was alerted of a possible garage fire at 13:30. 1901(Joss) arrived shortly after dispatched confirming fire in a 20’ x 20’ shed. Palermo units 1911(Denery) quickly went to work extinguishing the fire. Thank you Mexico fire, New Haven fire and Volney fire for the assistance. Also thank you to Oswego county Sheriff’s for traffic control.