The Kanona Volunteer Fire Department

06/11/2026

06/04/2026

Canisteo firefighter and former Director of Steuben County Emergency Services Don Merring passed away yesterday. Don was Chief of the Canisteo Fire Department from 1970 to 1977 and Director of Steuben Emergency Services from 1985 to 1995. After his retirement he worked as a dispatcher for the Steuben Sherrif's office and also for the Bath Village Police Department. Don was inducted into the Steuben County Hall of Fame on September 27, 2021.
He was known by many and a true role model for the fire service and anyone who knew him. We send our condolences to the Canisteo Fire Department and Don's family. Rest in peace Don, we will take it from here.

05/27/2026

Congratulations Janel!!

☀️ SUNSHINE DISPATCHER RECOGNITION ☀️

Some people become the heart of a 9-1-1 center.
For Steuben County Emergency Services… that person is Janel Lewis.

Janel has been with the Steuben County 911 Center in Bath, New York since 2005. Starting as a dispatcher, later becoming a supervisor, and now serving as Operations Manager, she has dedicated over two decades to serving both her team and her community.

But her impact goes far beyond a title.

She picks up overtime so others are not constantly mandated.
She celebrates birthdays and anniversaries so people feel appreciated.
She helps make Telecommunicators Week special every year.
She trains new dispatchers, supports her team after difficult calls, and reminds people why their work matters.

Earlier this year, after the unexpected passing of the center’s Deputy Director, Janel stepped up once again — taking on responsibilities she never expected, while continuing to support everyone around her.

Her nominator shared:

“Janel is the most amazing person, coworker and friend. She truly is Steuben County 911.”

Janel represents exactly what the Sunshine Dispatcher Recognition Program was created for — recognizing the voices behind the headset who quietly hold everything together.

💛 Thank you, Janel, for your leadership, compassion, and dedication to public safety communications.

Special thank you to GovWorx, proud sponsor of the Sunshine Dispatcher Recognition Program, for helping us recognize dispatchers across the country.

Before the lights. Before the sirens. There’s a voice.™

Rivian Steuben County, NY

05/25/2026

05/15/2026

Wise words from our friends from Schuyler County!

05/01/2026

NEWS FLASH!! Stop at the fire station and get some chicken!

04/10/2026

Rest in Peace Mark Fitzwater.

04/06/2026

Just a reminder!