Coast Guard Auxiliary Has Role for Most Any Interest

Sara Barden

The leaders of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26 are looking for a few good people to join the mission to promote boating safety and support Coast Guard search-and-rescue.

There are roles in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for almost anyone’s interests, according to Flotilla Commander Sara Barden and Flotilla Vice Commander Michelle Stoddard. 

“They range from safety patrols and search-and-rescue missions to boating safety classes, public affairs, food service and administrative duties,” Barden said.

2025 Leaders at the Helm

Sara Barden of Durhamville has been re-elected commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26, and Michelle Stoddard of East Syracuse has been elected vice flotilla commander. Their one-year terms run until December 31, 2025.
 

Flotilla Supports Canal Fest 2024

Flotilla members on the canal with Sheriff's marine patrol.

On Sunday Aug. 11, once again Flotilla 26 was requested to provide on-the-water support for the Sylvan Beach Canal Fest Water Ski Show. The event takes place in the navigation portion of the canal. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was tasked with looking out for traffic that may need to move through the area. 

Flotilla Hosts Paddlecraft Academy

Flotilla 26 hosted an Auxiliary Paddlecraft Academy July 19-21, led by flotilla members Michelle Stoddard and Holly Dillard, both certified paddlecraft instructors. The academy included classroom and on-the-water sessions, and featured, among other skills, how to self-rescue and re-enter a kayak while in the water as well as how to rescue a kayaker in distress. 

Flotilla Has New Commander

Sara Barden of Durhamville is the new commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26. Elected to a one-year term, Barden was previously vice flotilla commander. She also has served a recreational boating safety program visitor as well as a diversity officer for the flotilla and Central New York Division 2.

Raised in the St. Lawrence River area in Jefferson County, Barden said she has “always spent time on the water since I can remember,” helping her father work on his boat and becoming adept at sailing. “I relish my time on the water,” especially sailing “my 18-foot Oday”

Conroy, Barden Lead Flotilla in 2023

John Conroy

John Conroy of Cazenovia has been elected commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Sylvan Beach Flotilla 26, and Sara Barden of Durhamville has been elected vice flotilla commander. Their one-year terms run until December 31, 2023.

Conroy Is Interim Commander

John Conroy

Vice Commander John Conroy has taken over as interim flotilla commander since the passing of Flotilla Commander Mark Kimber on May 31. “We are all heartbroken from this loss,” Conroy said. “He fought a courageous fight and was optimistic throughout his ordeal.”

Kimber, of Williamstown, had been an Auxiliarist since 2011. He has served as a boat crewmember as well as in several staff positions, including vice commander and operations officer. Prior to transferring to Sylvan Beach Flotilla, Kimber served as a staff officer with Brewerton Flotilla 2-14.