Community impact noted at Follansbee dinner

FOLLANSBEE -- Several individuals were honored at this year's Follansbee Community Days dinner for the impact they have had on others, but each noted the positive influence the city has had on them.

Among them was Victor Ceglie Jr., who served as guest speaker for the event, which was held at St. Francis Centre on Wednesday.

A Follansbee native, Ceglie went on to a 40-year career in firefighting in which he served Washington, D.C., area fire and emergency medical departments and served as incident commander for many large-scale emergency responses, including the Pentagon following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and oversaw firefighting units on hand for five presidential inaugurations and other events attended by more than 1 million people.

In an interview soon after the attacks, Ceglie related how he and other firefighters entered the Pentagon's interior, sadly finding many staff there had been killed when the terrorist-piloted airliner struck it.

He said at one point they were being ordered to evacuate the building amid reports another aircraft may be bound for the site.

No one knew passengers aboard that plane, United Airlines Flight 93, had staged an attack on its terrorist pilots, ultimately leading to its crash near Shanksville, Pa.

Ceglie said despite their orders to get out, he and other firefighters remained inside for a time, hoping to rescue others.

After retiring as battalion chief for a district that included the White House and all federal offices, Ceglie served as emergency services branch director for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a position that involved working with state, tribal, local and other federal officials to plan responses to various potential disasters, and organizing COVID vaccination sites and procedures for Albany, Brooklyn and Buffalo, New York.

Ceglie told attendees the influence of his parents and all mothers and fathers in the community while he was growing up in Follansbee prepared him for the challenges he faced later in his life.

He said "The biggest influence was the moms," including his mother, Mimi and aunt, Francine Lewis, because while caring for the city's children, they also used discipline when needed and taught him and other youth to persevere in difficult times.

"What they taught us was invaluable to succeed," said Ceglie.

He said from his father, Victor Sr., and other fathers he learned the importance of working hard, "to do what's necessary to provide for your family."

"My dad also showed me what love was about," Ceglie added, noting his father openly hugged him following a football game at his alma mater, Weirton Madonna High School, and on many other occasions.

In addition to mentioning by name several local mothers and fathers who affected him as a youth, Ceglie cited several Follansbee firefighters who inspired him to become a professional firefighter.

In introducing Ceglie, Mayor David Velegol Jr. noted he had been the first firefighter to be voted into the department while still attending high school.

Reflecting on that, Ceglie said, "I wanted it so bad. It was probably one of the happiest days of my life."

Ceglie told attendees, "My success was Follansbee's success. The people I saved, you had a hand in."

"I will never, ever forget you, Follansbee. You made me who I am. Thank you."

A resident of Virginia, Ceglie is slated to return to Follansbee to serve as marshal for the Community Days Parade, one of many events to be held during the three-day festival from July 12-14.

Also honored were:

• Jim Oliveto, president of Alco Furniture and Appliances, who was presented the Lou Holtz Silver Spoon Award, given in honor of the famous college football coach who said having been born in Follansbee, he had a silver spoon in his mouth because he learned the importance of hard work at an early age.

Oliveto noted the 75-year-old Follansbee business opened as a radio repair shop run by his uncle, Al Cocco. He said he learned from his uncles the importance of good customer service.

"When you honor me, you honor our store," said Oliveto, who thanked the community for its support through the years.

• Mary Jo Guidi, former regional representative for U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., who was presented the Anthony Paesano Making a Difference Award in recognition of the assistance she has provided the city and proclamations she delivered on behalf of the senator for special occasions.

A former teacher from Wheeling, Guidi reflected on the drive of former mayor Paesano and his strong desire to see that posthumous military commendations were presented to the family of Navy Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Joseph Guio Jr.

She noted Guio had saved fellow sailors aboard a sinking Naval vessel during World War II, resulting in an injury that led to his own death.

• John Cox, who was presented the Major Benjamin Follansbee Award, named for a descendant of the Follansbee brothers who founded the steel mill from which the city sprung.

Velegol noted the honor is given for service, integrity, humility and courage.

After serving in Vietnam as a gunner in the Army's 12th Combat Aviation Group, Cox went on to a career of more than 40 years in the emergency medical field, working as a paramedic for the Wheeling Fire Department and Canonsburg, Pa. Emergency Medical Service and as a technician in the emergency room at Wheeling Hospital.

As chaplain for the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad, Cox said he's happy to be able to recognize local deceased veterans and bring some comfort to their families.

• Frank, Susan, Justin and Brian Slanchik, whom Velegol called "the first family of Follansbee Community Days" for their regular support and attendance at the annual festival.

"The community thinks the world of them," he said.

Frank Slanchik said his son, Justin, experienced a traumatic injury at birth, resulting in multiple neurological issues, but "We have lived each day at a time and thanked God for what we have."

He thanked the Community Days Committee and others in the community for the kindness they have shown him.

• Brenda Casey, owner of the Brenda Casey Dance Center, whose members are regular participants in the Community Days parade as well as other local events.

A long-time Follansbee resident, Casey said the city was an excellent place to raise her children, noting the values taught them by nuns at the former St. Anthony School.

She added since opening the dance school 65 years ago, she's tried to build the confidence of each of her many students through the years.

"This is a big honor in my life. I'm very grateful," said Casey.

The Slanchaks and Casey were presented the Thank You for Shining Award, which Velegol said was inspired by a comment by President John F. Kennedy during a visit to Charleston on June 20, 1963.

On that rainy day, Kennedy said, "The sun does not always shine in West Virginia, but the people always do."