It was a crowded Fire Hall the evening of Dec. 8, as family, coworkers, firefighters, friends and community members gathered to say their so-longs and thanks to Corning Fire Chief Martin Spannaus during his retirement dinner.
Spannaus started working for the city of Corning in the public works department in 1997. He became a volunteer with the town’s Volunteer Fire Department in 2002 and stepped up to the chief’s position in 2008 upon the retirement of Chief Bob Pryatel.
During his tenure, Spannaus and the volunteer firefighters were able to build a training center, which has greatly supplemented their fire training. In addition, all of the volunteer firefighters have received new turnouts.