New York State Senator Pam Helming presented a New York State Senate Commendation Award to Darwin Welker, honoring his extraordinary 70 years of service with the West Walworth Volunteer Fire Department. The award was presented during the department’s annual banquet. 

Mr. Welker joined the West Walworth Volunteer Fire Department in October 1955 and completed seven decades of dedicated service as a volunteer firefighter. He held numerous leadership roles: Sergeant at Arms, member of the Board of Directors, 3rd Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, Chief, Captain of TA-9, and Captain of E-38 — often serving multiple terms. The Welker family has been part of the department since its founding.

The New York State Senate Commendation Award is one of the highest honors a Senator may bestow. Recognizing individuals whose significant community contributions, leadership, and sustained commitment have made a meaningful impact. Recipients exemplify public service through volunteerism and civic engagement.

“Darwin Welker embodies the very best of public service,” said Senator Helming. “This Commendation Award reflects our deep gratitude for his extraordinary seventy years of protecting his neighbors and strengthening the West Walworth Fire Department. His service is a powerful reminder of what it means to put community first. I am deeply grateful to all of our firefighters who sacrifice so much to keep us safe.”
The West Walworth Volunteer Fire Department continues as a cornerstone of community protection and civic pride. Honoring Mr. Welker reflects both his exceptional record and the gratitude of the community he safeguarded for generations.

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