Assistant chief Kevin Fleischman follows father, grandfather into leadership role
WELLSVILLE — The election of a fire chief and two assistant chiefs Thursday night at the Dyke Street Engine Company turned out to be historic, Wellsville Fire Department members say.
While children have followed their parents into service with the department and including as chiefs, Thursday night marked the first time a third-generation member has become a chief when Kevin Fleischman was elected second assistant chief. Both his grandfather, Richard, who passed away in 1990, and his father, John, were past department leaders.
“My grandfather started with the fire service, I believe, in the ’50s, belonged to the Dyke Street Engine Company, then my dad soon followed at 18. Back then, they had a waiting list, so as soon as he was able to get in, my dad followed in his footsteps and went in as well,” Kevin Fleischman said. “He grew up around it his whole life.
