THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER

HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
THETHEHUDSON
VALLEY
FIREFIGHTER
Page 1
OCTOBER 2011
Vol. LXII No. 2
OCTOBER 2011
ISSUE No. 468
CONGRATULATIONS ARE EXTENDED
TO MR. JAMES A. BURNS
At the FASNY Convention which was held in Alexandria Bay, NY
Mr. James A. Burns was elected to fill the vacant position as the new
st
1 Vice President. This term will run until August of 2012, at that time
Mr. Burns will run for the seat of President of FASNY. Mr. Burns fills
the vacancy created by the untimely passing of Mr. Joseph Kelly earlier
this year. Congratulations are extended to Jim, and I know he will do an
outstanding job. Jim retired as the State of New York Fire Administrator
a few years ago, thus is very familiar with the fire service.
JJB/ HV Firefighter
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THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
Albany county reports
By Albany county v.p.
Kathie wood
I want to thank McKownville Chief Russ Becker and Commissioner Lori Becker for getting me this information. I was
moved upon reading this and I hope you are as well.
Remember each day to keep our brothers and sisters in the
military in prayer and may we all go home.
The Members of the McKownville Volunteer Fire Department announced a Memorial Dedication and Service was
held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. It is called
the The Shawn E. Bowman, Jr. Memorial Dedication in
honor of a special person in their department.
Shawn Bowman attended college at the State University of
New York at Albany. Despite having a very full course load,
he decided to volunteer his time by joining the McKownville
Fire Department. At the time, I served as Captain of the department and was responsible for training and leadership of
those firefighters in the department. My job was to train
Shawn and make sure that he stayed safe while being involved in firematic activities. I had the pleasure of riding on
many fire calls with Shawn during the weekdays and weekends. During the weekdays, it was often Shawn, me and a
couple of our 60 and 70 year old members. When Shawn
wasn’t in class, he always made an effort to come to the firehouse for weekly drill, monthly meetings and the many fire
calls we had. I remember Shawn being a well-educated guy
who really wanted to learn and be a part of the fire service. Shawn’s contributions were many, and he served the
Town of Guilderland and the McKownville community well
with his time and efforts.
The day I learned about Shawn’s death in the World Trade
Center attacks, I remember feeling sad and angry all at the
same time. Like so many other people who died in those
cowardly attacks, I wondered how such a good guy was taken
from this world so early and in such a manner. I later came
to find out that Shawn was married, had a young son at home
and that his wife was pregnant with their second child when
he died. At that time, my heart sunk even further. I remember including him and his family in my prayers with the
hopes that some higher authority would watch over his young
family. To this day, I really can’t imagine going through
what his wife Jennifer and his two young sons have experienced, but I realize they must have a network of great friends
and close family who helped them through this tragedy. I do
know that if his sons have the same kindness, smarts and
willingness to help others that Shawn had, then they will
grow up to be very successful and well liked people. And
there is no doubt in my mind that Shawn continues to smile
down on his sons and his wife.
I felt compelled to spearhead this effort to build a September 11, 2001 Memorial in Shawn’s name because we have a
personal reason to do this, we lost one of our friends, a former member and we need to honor Shawn and thank him for
OCTOBER 2011
Vails Gate Fire Department
Receives SAFER Grant
Vails Gate Fire Department received nearly $1 Million
in SAFER Grant Funds For Recruitment and Retention
through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program. The SAFER Grant
program was started in 2005 and has provided similar
grants to over 2,700 all volunteer departments in addition to paid and combination (paid and volunteer) departments throughout the country. They recently received the news that the money is coming. According to
Sal Gigante, Chairman, Board of Fire Commissioners,
“We are just overwhelmed with the news awarding the
VGFD with $986,086 in SAFER Grant Funds to support
our program. This grant will provide us the opportunity
to recruit new members and to retain our highly trained
existing members. “The end result is that the community
will receive emergency response from a 100% volunteer
organization that is trained, skilled and motivated to remain a part of the all volunteer association”.
Stephen Bedetti, President of the VGFD stated, “We
want to encourage high school and college age community members to volunteer and join the ranks of the
VGFD.” That encouragement and incentive for younger
members to join and make a commitment now translates
into higher education tuition assistance funds. The hope
is to recruit new members using this benefit coupled with
the many benefits of volunteering. To attract younger
members to volunteer their time and talents, the VGFD
knew they had to be creative and offer a benefit in return
for the commitment to firefighting. For more information about becoming a volunteer with the Vails Gate Fire
Department and taking advantage of the SAFER Grant
Funds email us at VGFD-tap@vailsgatefd.com
Submitted by:
Fran Galu
his service while remembering everybody else who died on
that tragic day. We will never forget that saddest of days, we
will never forget Shawn Bowman, and I ask that g-d bless all
of them and their families. Thank you to FF Howard Altschule of Mckownville Fire Department.
October 1, 2011 Albany County will present the Walter W
Eck Fire Police Seminar. Registration is at 8am at Fuller
Road Fire Department. For more information contact Tom
With at 518-438-7486.
On November 3 2011 Shaker Road Loudonville FD will be
host to Effective Fire Department Officer Part II for more
information and registration go to FASNY.com.
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THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
ORANGE COUNTY REPORTS:
We have enjoyed a very busy summer and look forward to an
even busier fall here in Orange County!
The OCVFA will hold their convention in September, hosted by Salisbury Mills Fire Co, check out all of the events/plans on
our website www.ocvfa.us
Barry Marshall from the New Windsor Fire Dept was the proud recipient of the Chief’s Award at their annual dinner, congratulations Barry, keep up the great work.
Orange County has a fantastic Firefighter’s Museum, located in Montgomery, NY. They recently dedicated the Fire Safety
Education Center, and awarded the first Firefighter Educator of the Year award to Amy Connor, a member of the Good Will
Fire Department. Full story is available on their website www.ocfm.us
Our biggest plans are those supporting Rick Penney for 2nd Vice President of HVVFA. We are gathering support and paving
the way to a successful election in 2012! Everyone is invited to check out our FACEBOOK page – Elect Rick Penney – 2nd VP,
Hudson Valley Vol. Firemen’s Association - 2012, and join the cause!
We have experienced a few losses to our OCVFA family, most recently - it is with deep regret that we share the passing of
OCVFA Past President Bart Bryan, (Bart recently resided in Florida enjoying the sunshine) and Life Member Gregory Kaufmann from Fleet H&L in Montgomery. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends.
On August 7th, we celebrated Orange County Day at the Firemen’s Home; we enjoyed a wonderful BBQ lunch prepared by
the OCVFA LA, even with a little grill fire! The food was great; we spent time with OC resident Mary Pimento as she came
out to watch the horseshoe contest, once again I was somehow convinced that I should play this wonderful game! I was on a
mixed team, we did pretty good, winning our first game, and then coming in 2 nd to the Master Horseshoe players – Matt Gayton
and Vicky Gibson from Winona Lake. Next year I think I will ―be in the museum‖ during horseshoes!! The Men’s teams
finished with Matt Gayton and Charlie Woznick 1st; Barry Marshall and Robert Brown 2nd. Once again a very success fund
drive for Operation Small Change, OC donated $2850 to the cause and continues to strive to increase that each year.
Fran Galu, Orange County Vice President
The picture says it ALL!!
The Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Association
supports Rick for 2nd Vice
President HVVFA in 2012.
Join the cause, spread the word,
email secretary@ocvfa.us for more
information, check us out on
Facebook at:
Elect Rick Penney
Make plans to attend the convention now,
hotel rooms are available, hospitality tent
plans are in full swing!
Paid for by ―Friends to Elect Rick‖
Page 4
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
The Hudson Valley Firefighter
Published six times a year by the publications committee of the
Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association in the interest of the
volunteer fire service throughout the Hudson Valley.
All communications to do with news articles and issue content,
other than address changes, should be mailed to the Editor at
1041 Blue Mountain Road, Saugerties, NY 12477
fax to 1-208-246-3911
Home--845-246-7805
Or email me at john@bmfe.net
Paul M. Fisher—Founding Editor—Hudson Valley Fireman
John J Balling Editor—Hudson Valley Firefighter
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
President, Delbe Spath; Vice President, Marilyn Schrader; 2nd Vice President,
Joe Mellan; Recording Secretary, June Gunza;
Financial Secretary, George Hill; Treasurer, Mike Karashay;
Past President,.Vincent Galvin.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James Coons, George Stacey, Duncan Wilson, Tom Totten
Fred Pettingell, Robert Boddie, Charles Eberhart, George Woolsey
and Vincent Galvin
.
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
John J. Balling, Chairman,
Liaison Director, Tom Totten
Committee Members:
Michael Cesare,
Michael Whelan,
John Mulligan,
*Nancy Ferretti ,
*special assistant from LAHVVFA,
William C.‖Scoop‖ Rosenhagen, Jr., CC&BW,
correspondent from LAHVVFA Liz Chapman,
All County Vice Presidents
Stuart Gates, member emeritus
OCTOBER 2011
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR:
***NOTICE***
To all readers, if you come across any omissions,
typos, or just downright mistakes I can blame it all
on a torrent called Irene. It seems she blew into town
last weekend and left her calling card where-ever
she visited; that includes my home. She stopped by
to visit on Sunday and left me without power, cable,
internet service or telephone service all week. This
coincided with my getting this newsletter set up; I
couldn’t even access my emails because most were
―unread‖. We finally got internet/phone service
back LATE THURSDAY NIGHT (9/1/11), however,
I am still on generator power. Diana and I will
proofread what we can, but, it has to be in the hands
of the printer by next weekend the latest. There is no
way I could finish composing it and get it out to one
of my regular proofers.
Past President, Robert Darling
Celebrates 90th Birthday
HV Past President, Robert
Darling celebrated his 90th
birthday with a party at the
Catskill Fire Company’s
quarters on August 9, 2011.
Many ―old time friends‖
and firefighters as well as a
http://www.hvvfa.com
ADVERTISING RATES (per issue)
Business Card $25—Quarter Page $40—Half Page $65
Full Page $125
5% discount for a year’s advertising.
Memorial / Sponsor Page Donations $100
DEADLINES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
June 20 for August issue (issue #1)
August 20 for October (issue #2)
October 20 for December (issue #3)
December 20 for February (issue #4)
February 20 for April ( issue #5)
April 20 for June-Convention Issue (issue #6)
For all news items - ads - and photos
BULLETIN BOARD
ALL HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR-2012
Applications go to
Chairman Edward V. Butler, Jr.
139 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY 10509
Applications must be received by February 15, 2012
ALL HUDSON VALLEY FIRE POLICEMAN OF THE YEAR-2012
Applications go to Chairman Robert Ruston
8 Arrow Head Court, Newburgh NY 12550
& must be received by March 1, 2012
large number of the
younger generation firefighters (and friends )
showed up to help Bob
celebrate this event. A number
of HVVFA members as well as
LAHVVFA members were
also in attendance.
Bob and Roberta would like
to thank Catskill Fire Co. and
Auxiliary for their assistance
with the arrangements and to
all those who stopped in to help Bob in celebrating this
birthday.
Page 5
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
DATES WE HOPE TO SEE YOU
October
1
11
12
14
14 & 15
16
18
22
23
26
November 3
9
11
15
28
29
December
9
14
17
Walter W. Eck Sr. Bi-Annual Fire Police Seminar
Fuller Road Fire Dept – Albany County
8:00 AM
Sullivan County VFA Bi-Monthly Meeting
Beaverkill Valley Fire Company
8:00 PM
Columbia County VFA Quarterly Meeting
Lafayette Chemical Company - Valatie
7:30 PM
Rockland County VFA Monthly Meeting
Volunteer Hose Co. No. 2 – W. Haverstraw 8:00 PM
VFPASNY Fall Meeting
Spencerport Fire Districts Station No. 1
Monroe County
Hudson Valley VFA Fall Meeting
Wallkill Hook, Ladder & Hose Company 1:00 PM
Dutchess County VFA Quarterly Meeting
8:00 PM
Ulster County VFA Monthly Meeting
Cedar Grove Fire Company
8:00 PM
Region 3 Fire Police Fall Meeting
Galway Fire Department
9:00 PM
Royal Order of the Blue Vests Fall Meeting
Wayne Hose Co. No. 1 – Stony Point
Noontime
Washington Cty. VFPA Monthly Meeting 7:30 PM
Greene County VFA Fall Meeting
Cornell Hook & Ladder Co. New Baltimore
Saratoga County VFA Annual Meeting
Stillwater Fire Department
Rockland County VFA Monthly Meeting
Wayne Hose Co. No. 1 – Stony Point
Ulster County VFA Monthly Meeting
Milton Fire Company No. 2
Putnam County VFA Quarterly Meeting
Lake Carmel Fire Department
Orange County VFA Bi-Monthly Meeting
Storm King Engine Company No. 2
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
Rockland County VFA Meeting
Nanuet Fire Engine Company – Nanuet
8:00 PM
Albany County VFA Quarterly Meeting
7:30 PM
Sullivan County VFA Bi-Monthly Meeting
Bloomington Fire Company No. 1
8:00 PM
Royal Order of the Blue Vests Christmas Party
Firemen’s Home – Hudson
Noontime
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Submitted by Mike Cesare. Locations of various meetings not available at press time.
If you have information, please email to: cidmazur32@aol.com
Convention Site Committee Report:
The South Glens Falls Fire Company will be hosting the
2012 Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association convention. Plans are under way to give everyone a great convention. The registration for the auxiliary and their meetings
will be held at the Fort Edward Firehouse. Lunch will be held
there also. The association meetings will be held at the South
Glens Falls Firehouse on Route #197 just up from exit #17 of
the Northway. There will be a Hudson Valley Convention
meeting on September 18th at 1:00 P.M. at the South
Glens Falls Firehouse on Route #197. There will be more
information coming out soon. Any questions, call Tom Tracy
at 518-792-0510 or e-mail safety1sgf@hot mail.com.
Submitted by:
Tom Tracy
safety1sgf@hot
Annual Home Day
The Royal Order of the Blue Vests hosted their
Annual Home Day at the Firemen’s Home, in Hudson, on
June 25, 2011. The Officers and Members of the Royal Order of the Blue Vests started arriving about 7:30 am. It was
time for the corn to be husked and the shrimp to be prepared.
Firemen’s Home resident, Mr. William ―Billy‖ (aka Scoop)
Rosenhagen was available to supervise the preparations and
to offer several helpful comments when appropriate.
The Annual Home Day was officially started with
the arrival of several members of the staff around 11:00 am.
From then on, it was almost non-stop in the serving of the
refreshments. The refreshments were served to the
staff and to the residents.
This year, the refreshments
included salad, coleslaw,
macaroni salad, corn on the
cob, sliced roast beef, gravy,
rolls, watermelon, raw
clams, and huge three bite
shrimp. The residents who arrived at noontime were served
and the remaining residents that decided to remain inside
were served in the Home. A special ―Thank You‖‖ to Mr.
Paul Beaumont and his staff from the Firemen’s Home
kitchen for the delicious meal and for the excellent service
they provided, to George Stacey for coordinating the Annual
Home Day, and to George Harp and James Coons for the
many hours (& years) that they spend making sure that everything runs smoothly at the Annual Home Day.
There are almost eighty residents (male & female)
in the Firemen’s Home. They enjoy the festivities. The residents enjoy the feeling that their brother & sister firefighter’s
care year round. It is
the spirit of friendship that we share
with the residents.
There were
many officers and
members of the
Royal Order of the
Blue Vests in attendance. There also are
many members who
contribute throughout the year that were unable to attend.
These people make the Annual Home Day a huge success.
Thank you for your support and for all that the Royal Order
of the Blue Vests members do throughout the year for the
residents in the Firemen’s Home in Hudson.
Article by: Mike Cesare;
Pics by John Balling
Page 6
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
Page 7
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
Application for Membership
Hudson Valley
Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Inc.
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY
Last Name__________ ____________Name ______________________ M.I.___
Fire Dept./Co._________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
City__________________________________ State______________ Zip___________
County of _______________________________ Phone No. _________________
E-Mail Address_________________________________________________________
Hereby makes an application for membership in the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Organization dues are $ 10.00 and individual dues are $8.00 per year.
Date________________________
Proposed by____________________________________________________
(signature of Presiding Officer or Secretary of Organization
Or signature of an Individual Member and HVVFA Member)
Make checks payable to Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Inc.
ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP
Any volunteer fire company, volunteer fire department, association of volunteer or exempt volunteer firemen or any active or
exempt volunteer fireman
who is serving or has served in any such organization the territory in which the Hudson Valley Firemen’s Association is authorized to
conduct business.
Each member organization annually chooses one delegate to represent it at the convention of the Association.
Delegates so chosen may continue as individual members by payment of annual dues of $8.00.
Send application with remittance, to the Financial Secretary of the Association, at address shown below.
George H. Hill
Financial Secretary
Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Assn.
854 Berkshire Rd.
Wingdale, NY 12594
WEBSITE:
www.hvvfa.com
Page 8
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
President, George Hillman
1st Vice President, Timothy Boel
OCTOBER 2011
2nd Vice President, Gerry Galu
THIS PAGE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
THE ROYAL ORDER OF THE RED VESts
8/2010 6x
Financial Secretary, John Bootz
Treasurer, Frank Malloy
Congratulations to the newly elected Hudson Valley officers
President , Delbe Spath ; 1st Vice President, Marilyn
Schrader; 2nd Vice President, Joe Mellan ; Secretary, June
Gunza ; Treasure, Mike Karashay; Directors, Tom Totten and
George Stacey. Note, all are members of the ROYAL ORDER of the RED VESTS. Let’s us not forget to congratulate
our Blue Vest good friend reelected Financial Secretary
George Hill.
Thanks to the RED VEST members for the large turnout for
the Friday night Mardi Gras in Lake George . Also congratulations to the Blue Vests on winning a trophy at this parade.
We had a large turnout for our outing and a great meal
thanks to our caterer Brian Engel and his family of helpers
especially his two excellent CHEFS, Bob and Tom McKinney.
Jim Ryan was presented with his RED VEST past President’s Badge at the outing.
Thanks to the East Greenbush Fire Co. for the supplying us
with the emergency supply of liquid refreshment.
Four 50 year members who were not chartered (we were
established in 1959) were granted LIFE MEMBERSHIP.
They joined in 1960, they are:
John Morabito
Sleepy Hollow
Ralph Lauber Sr. Cronomer Valley
Richard Abbott
Cronomer Valley
Robert Welsh
New Windsor
Also voted LIFE MEMBERSHIP was Chester Dazell of
Pawling.
The RED VEST will continue to sponsor a page in the
Hudson Valley paper for 2011.
Our raffle lottery winners for the month of July were:
Fred Emery
Livingston Manor
Ed McDaniel
New Windsor
Darlene Smith Livingston Manor
George Hillman Winona Lake
George Eason New Paltz
June Gunza
Highland Falls
TAKE NOTE
TAKE NOTE
The Fall RED VEST meeting will be held at the Winona
Lake Firehouse on Rt. 52 Town of Newburgh, Sunday, November 6th 1:00 PM this also is the Sunday of day light savings time. Turn your clocks back Saturday night.
Submitted by
Ken Kruehne,
via Ed Babcock
Recording Secretary, Ed Babcock
News from East Greenbush
by
Peter Lehmann
Barbara J. Lehmann Memorial
Scholarship Program for 2011
: Barbara J. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship Recipients for 2011.
East Greenbush Fire Company President Jeffrey
Tooker announced on August 16, 2011 the recipients of the Barbara J. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship Program for 2011. Through the Memorial
Scholarship Program, the East Greenbush Fire
Company provides scholarship grants to qualified
applicants seeking to advance their education in
their chosen field of study. The 2011 recipients are
Catheryne Boel, Makenzie Edberg, Katie Schmidt,
Kayla Williams, Patrick Forgea, Thomas Gullo, III
and Jeffrey Snyder. Each recipient received a
Scholarship of $500.00 which was presented during the Fire Company’s August meeting. The East
Greenbush Fire Company commends the recipients
for their academic achievements and pursuit of
higher education.
Page 9
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
A. KADIN & M. CHECCO WIN SCHOLARSHIPS
Andrea R. Kadin and Melissa Checco are congratulated as
the winners of the 2011 RCVFA Stuart L. Gates Scholarships. Both young ladies are recent graduates from North
Rockland High School. Each received a $1,250check from
Rockland County Volunteer Firemen’s Assn. Treas. Michael
Kramar. Andrea will attend Iona College with plans to be a
Science/Biology Teacher. She’s both a golfer and tennis
player, being Captain of the NRHS Varsity Girls Golf. In
several Honor Societies, Andrea also studied Italian grades 812. Besides her academic achievements Andrea was 13 years
in Girl Scouts, active in the Stony Point Youth Council
&Good Sam Hosp Volunteer, while working as a Counselor
at Crickettown Camp, being an excellent role model. Melissa,
a future Fashion Designer was in the top 3% of her class, was
in seven Honor Societies plus having her artwork recognized
and exhibited. She had 5 consecutive years of perfect attendance too, while doing both JV and Varsity Cheerleading for
football, basketball and competitions. Besides her scholarship
quality studies, Melissa earned the Girl Scouts Bronze Medal
doing Holiday Baskets for our armed forces, needy children,
visiting nursing homes and helping at blood drives. For 4
years Melissa has been a Pop Warner Cheerleading Trainer.
She’s very busy at both Thiells and Willow Grove Schools,
volunteering at the book fairs and PTA Family Fun. RCVFA
wishes continued success to all the 15 applicants that submitted this year, noted RCVFA Pres. Frank Voce.
OCTOBER 2011
HILLCREST VOL. AWARDED VALOR MEDAL
PFC James Morrison, a volunteer member of the Hillcrest Fire Co.
now on active military duty in Afghanistan, was awarded the US
Army Commendation Medal with Valor. The July 7 ceremony was
among the last acts by General David H. Petraeus, retiring as Commander of US Troops in Afghanistan. Congratulations! James, age
23, and his father, Richard Morrison are both members of Hillcrest.
RJ Morrison joined the RCVFA in 2006, the same year James
graduated from Ramapo High School. The honor award was for
heroism by PFC Morrison during a May fire fight against Taliban
rebels in Afghanistan. James is with the 2nd Battalion, 101st Airborne
Division. By the time you read this, the infantryman may be stationed at Fort Campbell, KY and was expected home on leave in
September. Thanks for your bravery James !
MOST SR. RCVFA MEMBER, JAMES GURRERE, DIES
James Gurrere, the most senior member of the RCVFA in membership, died Sun., July 17 at age 88. Jimmy joined in 1940, while an
officer- member of Jackson Engine Co. 3 in Nyack. During WWII,
he served in the US Navy and belonged to both the American Legion Post 310 as Sgt-at-Arms and the VFW Post 9215. With over 72
years in the Nyack Fire Dept., he was currently active in Orangetown Fire Co. since June 1952. Gurrere also was an RCVFA Town
VP in the early 1970’s. When employed by Gair Cartons, later Federal Paper Board in Piermont, Jimmy was on of the company fire
brigade and often shared memories of the historic fires at the plant.
RIP Brother. Our condolences to his family.
Three Rockland County articles submitted by:
John Kryger
Corresponding Secretary, RCVFA
Hudson Valley County Vice Presidents
June 2011 – June 2012
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
Albany County
Columbia County
Dutchess County
Essex County
Greene County
Orange County
Putnam County
Rensselaer County
Rockland County
Saratoga County
Schenectady County
Sullivan County
Ulster County
Warren County
Washington County
Westchester County
Kathie Wood,
Mark Sheline,
Joanne Shafer
William P. Elliott
Yale Frank Jr.
Fran Galu,
Jeffrey Bergstrom
Michael Bensen Jr.
John W. Coyle IV
Gerald Mehan
Kenneth C. Askew
Ralph Lavecchia
Eric Orr
Christopher Kilmartin
Alvon Macauley
Jeanne O’Brien
518 869-5312
518 794-7723
518 523-4378
845 446-5107
845 279-9449
518 368-1070
845 634-1365
518 664-6272
518 355-6229
845 796-8820
845 895-3579
518 677-8264
514 737-5464
CHAIRMAN – Gerald Mehan
County Vice Presidents, please contact Chairman, Gerald Mehan with correct mailing address, phone number and email address
as soon as possible at:
jeri590@nycap.rr.com
List provided by June Gunza, HV Secretary
Page 10
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
This page is proudly sponsored by
Past president William s. buckmaster, jr.
6/2011-6X=2
H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2 Holds Annual
Meeting and Election of Officers at the Home
The H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2 of the City of Hudson, NY
held their 217th Annual Meeting and Election of Officers
for 2011/2012 at the Firemen’s Home. President James
Coons, Vice President Angela Page, Secretary Chuck Huffman, Treasurer Christopher Degraff were all elected to table
offices; Chris was also elected to the Captain’s slot, James
Moore won the 1st Lt. title as well as the Trustee slot, Mick
McCready took 2nd Lt. title to fill vacant line offices.. Mr.
Paul Beaumont, of the Home staff served a steak dinner that
was ―out of this world‖.
Washington Engine Co./ Tower Ladder 78
Offer Training Seminar
Washington Engine Company Tower Ladder 78 presents the
2nd Annual Training Seminar to benefit the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society.
Where: 157 White Plains Road (TL-78 Quarters)
When: Saturday, 10/22/11, 0900-1300 hrs.
Topic: First Due Operations @ Private Dwelling Fires
Speaker: Lt. Tim Klett, Engine Company 88, FDNY
$25 pre-registration and $30 at the door.
Refreshments and door prizes.
RSVP: mcoffey@tarrytownfd.org
Submitted by:
Bill Duggan
Submitted by:
George Harp CCVP
GCVFA FIRE PREVENTION YOUTH FAIR
COMMITTEE JULY 21-24, 2011
The committee would like to thank the Cairo Fire Department for their demonstrations on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s demo was a burn building showing various ways to put
out a fire, from Indian tanks to a regular hose line. Saturday,
Cairo Fire demonstrated the jaws-of-life and how to put out
car fires.
Several other fire companies brought fire trucks and showed
off their equipment. On Thursday, Oak Hill-Durham Fire Co.
brought their miscellaneous truck and displayed everything
from traffic control items, Scott packs, hand tools and jaws
equipment. Friday, Greenville Fire Co. displayed their ladder
truck and let the children sit in the cab. On Saturday, New
Baltimore Fire displayed their engine/tanker and its equipment
along with Catskill Fire Dept and their ladder truck. Hensonville Hose Co also brought its brush truck every day. We also
had demonstrations from the County Hazmat Team and the
GIFIT Team. Command One (County RV) was also on display
during the four days of the youth fair.
This year the committee held a party for Sparky’s 60 th birthday on Saturday with a visit from Sparky himself to share cupcakes with all the children. Sparky had so much fun he returned on Sunday to visit with children around the fair grounds
and deliver more cupcakes.
In the fire prevention tent during the four days of the fair
there were various give a ways for the children, handouts, coloring books, informational brochures, games to play, and the
children always seem to like the hands on Indian tank house.
A special thank you goes out to all the committee members who
made this four day event a huge success, along with all the volunteers
who came from various departments and auxiliaries and gave of their
time at the fair. We could not have done this without you.
Submitted by;
Kevin Sattler [cabin_fellow@yahoo.com]
Nanuet Fire Department
HALLOWEEN WING NIGHT
OCTOBER 29, 2011 @ 7:00 PM
7 PROSPECT ST. NANUET (use front entrance)
Costumes are welcomed, but not required.
Costumes will be judged after 50/50 raffle.
$15.00
FIREMATIC ID IS REQUIRED
Congresswoman Nan Hayworth Visits
Rombout Fire Company Monthly Breakfast
(Fishkill,
Dutchess
County)
Congresswoman Nan
Hayworth
paid a visit
to Rombout
Fire Company
monthly
pancake
breakfast on
Sunday. The
congresswoman shown here talking with people about the federal
budget and getting their views about what the government to
should do.
Photo and article submitted by :
Kevin Barry, PIO R. F. Co.
Page 11
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
Page 12
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
News from
The Home
Billy “Scoop” Rosenhagen
Correspondent
John B. and I were asked to do a little article by Mr.
―Steve‖, Augustus, Buttafuoco about the ―Model Railroad
Club‖ for the members of the Firemen’s Home in Hudson,
NY. It seems that this club functioned well in the ―Old Home‖ but
just fell to the wayside in the new
Home; there was no space designated for it to function. For the last
few years, it has been out of sight,
out of mind. Consequently, any
funding was also way laid; then
came budget cuts, so naturally this
was lost. Word has it that some funding was assigned to the
club for next year’s budget, but Steve and others concerned
would like to see some headway a little earlier. This could be
accomplished in part by a donation, on behalf of this club,
from anyone who would care to help. Anyone who cares to
make a contribution to this fund can make their check payable
to ―Firemen’s Home—Occ. Therapy Fund‖; then earmark it
for the model train club. The Home residents appreciate all the
assistance you send (our) their way.
We had a busy summer this year, almost every weekend
there was some event going on. Once again I had the chore of
checking to make sure all the food presented was fit for consumption. It is a ―boring‖ job, but, someone has to do it. Since
I’m still around, I guess it was all good, and I don’t recall
hearing of anyone being ill because of the food served. Once
again I had, as did Bobby Hicks, Steve Buttafuoco, and even
Ed Barnett, the Home Nurse who accompanied us on our outings, had a great time at the Hudson Valley VFA Convention
and also at the FASNY Convention. As much as we love being residents of the Home, we do enjoy getting out for an extended period of time also.
This year we saw
a good ―friend‖ to
the residents of the
Home retire as
President of the
Board of Trustees
and as a member of
the Board. Mr. John
Montrose ―done his
time‖ and now he
can take it easy for
a while, IF he
knows how. John and his ―better half‖, Elaine spent many
hours and days over the years tending to the ―needs and
desires‖ of the Residents AND the Staff of the Firemen’s
OCTOBER 2011
Home. John and Elaine, we all appreciate what you have tried
to do, and succeeded in doing, for us. I also had the honor of
presenting John with
a token of my appreciation for being
such a good friend
over the past years.
John, you will not be
forgotten; and please
continue to stop in
for a visit. Mr. John
P. Farrell, Jr. now fills the position as President of the Board
of Trustees. Mr. Ted Rosko, Jr. now fills the Vice Presidents
seat, and Mr. Steven Klein now occupies the seat as Secretary
of the Board. Past President of the Board of Trustees, Mr.
Gunner Nielsen, administered the Oath of Office to these
gentlemen at the FASNY Convention, which was held in
Alexandria Bay, NY.
Another annual event that I have taken ―under my wing‖ is
the annual softball tournament. Once again I found myself
sitting and waiting for my
―buddy‖, Norm Eberle, to
show up so I could teach
him how to register the
campers and to which field
the players were assigned
to for their games. Well, we
succeeded; another great year
of games and nice bunch of
guys (and gals). Helping
Norm and the other Trustees
with their tasks helps pass the
time. Thanks guys, you’re all the greatest, and I enjoy working with you all. I hope you all had as much fun as I did, I’m
patiently waiting for 2012 to roll around.
On a serious note, we have just survived Hurricane Irene. We are lucky. Not everybody fared as
well. Some lost their power for extended periods of
time. Some others got flooded out, or worse yet, had
their homes destroyed/demolished by the flooding.
I’ve heard of a few fire departments that have suffered as well; Kiskatom Vol. Fire Dept., in Greene
County had over three feet of water in their firehouse and the personnel had to gut the entire place.
With the flooding and destruction that occurred on
the mountain top (in Greene County and elsewhere
I’m sure) this is probably a familiar story. Please
remember these people when and if they seek assistance of any kind.
Page 13
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
Putnam County News:
President, Delbe Spath has
Something to say:
P.O. Box 342
Wallkill, NY 12589
Sept. 5, 2011
Times Herald Record
40 Mulberry Street
Middletown, NY 10940-6302
Letter to Editor.
As president of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association, which is a 16 county association of volunteer firemen, I noticed there were a lot of stories in your
paper about the storm and flooding in the Hudson Valley.
Only the town supervisor from Gardiner, Joseph Katz,
thanked the volunteer firemen for the job they did. The volunteer firemen were at firehouses standing by on Saturday
into Sunday and longer. They were out closing roads, pumping cellars and removing downed trees in the roadway or
whatever else needed to be done at the time, as well as a water rescue in the Wallkill River and elsewhere throughout the
HVVFA area. All we heard was what a good job the police
and the town highway departments did, but they get paid for
that and the volunteers do not. I am taking this time to
THANK ALL THE VOLUNTEER FIREMEN for the great
job they did and for all the time they put in to help their
neighbors in the Hudson Valley..
Firematically
Delbe Spath
Delbe Spath, President.
(845) 895-2303
An editor’s note and opinion:
I agree with the statement made above by President Spath.
However, this letter does not cover the entire HVVFA area of
sixteen counties. Maybe we should monitor our own local
newspaper and do the same. It wouldn’t hurt the newspaper
to give the volunteer fire service a little pat on the back, WE
DESERVE IT! It wouldn’t hurt any to voice your discontent
with your local police agency and highway departments. After all, we’re doing their work at no cost to them or the taxpayer. You will notice that I have not said anything too much
about your local utility companies. They, in my opinion, fall
into a class ALL BY THEMSELVES. They, as a rule wont
give you an ETA to get you off the road; and has any fire
department ever gotten a ―Thank you‖ from their local electric company. They will however point out that we are a business and thus administer us with commercial rates for our
usage of their commodity.
John Balling
Greetings from Putnam County, we have been busy, A very
special Thank You from everyone that attended our 60th Anniversary Dinner it was a great success. June was our awards
meeting at Brewster FD where we proudly awarded four
scholarships and honored our Firefighters of the Year from
Mahopac FD Chief Brain Lena and Capt Billy Bahr for their
heroic efforts saving a couple from a fire in there home with
no way to get out, they were also awarded at the HVVFA
Convention this year at Lake George and will also be honored with awards at the FASNY Convention this year, Congrats and job well done. Also in June FASNY came to Brewster to present the Teacher of the Year to Daria Pascale from
the Brewster School District for her fire safety lessons she
teaches every year and her fire prevention poster contest,
congrats to her as well, great to see Putnam getting honored
with great awards. Our next meeting will be September 26 at
Continental Village FD with our 9/11 remembrance service
too.
Here are some photos from our Putnam 10th Annual Explorers Weekend, Aug 6 & 7 at
our Training Center, and of the
Cold Spring Fire JR Fire Academy week of July 24 to 30.
Both great events for junior
firefighters that are always
packed. Explorers Weekend we
host
explorers from Putnam, Westchester,
Rockland, Dutchess, and FDNY
NYC and this year had Shaker
Road / Albany come for 2 days of
training, and games hosted by the
Lake Carmel FD Explorers Post
and Advisor Erin Scott, which this
group got the National Fire Council
award this year in Washington DC. The Cold Spring Fire
Academy gets bigger
every year. It is run
by Cold Spring FD
and Town Recreation
Dept. 50 kids sign up
and go through a
week long fire academy and go to Hudson museum and get
visit from instructors
from OFPC and this
year the Manilius Fire
Dept (near Syracuse) came to partake and learn how to start a
program of there own. Next year will be the 10th annual
academy week.
Jeff Bergstrom, VP Putnam County
Page 14
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association
Annual Past President’s Dinner
Honoring Past President Vincent Galvin
Saturday January 21, 2012
At the Holiday Inn Kingston
Kingston, NY 12401
DINNER CHOICES:
Prime Rib, Salmon, Vegetarian, Chicken Marsalis
Cocktail hour: 6 to 7 pm open bar
Dinner: 7 pm open bar till 9:00pm
Tickets: $54/person
Call Linda Galvin 845-226-7732 for tickets,
Checks payable to: HVVFA
c/o Linda Galvin
8506 Chelsea Cove Drive North, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
DINNER DEADLINE: JANUARY 7, 2012
Journal ads available: $50-full page;
$25-½ page; $15-¼ page
Send artwork to: cpcman79@aol.com
Checks payable to: HVVFA
c/o Vinny Galvin (address above)
DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 18, 2011
Rooms are held under Hudson Valley
$129/per night, includes 2 breakfast tickets per night
Contact Hotel directly: 845-338-1299 (Fax 845-340-1908)
Page 15
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
OCTOBER 2011
50 YEARS OF SERVICE (or more) and
ANNIVERSARY CERTIFICATES
As most of you are aware, the HVVFA is proud and honored to create and have presented at your Annual Installation/Inspection Dinner or at any special event of your
Fire Department/Fire Company’s choosing, certificates to
congratulate individuals who have attained 50 or more
years of service with their fire company/
department. The same goes for your Fire Company or
Department celebrating a milestone anniversary (25, 50,
75, etc.).
All we ask is to give us at least 2 – 3 weeks notice (f possible) so that the certificates can be made up and arrangements to be made for either President Spath or his
representative to attend the event and present the certificate(s). We can mail the certificates directly to the
person requesting them.
As I write this, I have just returned from the FASNY
convention in Alexandria Bay. The weather was great
and everyone had a nice time. Congratulations to Rita
Demary from Albany County who was elected the new
LAFASNY 5 Year Director. HVVLFALA now has 5
members who are officers. They are Marilyn Farrell, 1st
VP; Diana Balling, Financial Secretary; Dianne Werner
and Liz Chapman are Directors along with Rita.
Our next meeting in September 18 in Blauvelt, Rockland County. We would love to see you there. Hudson
Valley Day at the Home is Sunday, September 25 at the
Firemen’s Home. If you can, try to attend . It is a fun
time and the residents always enjoy seeing you. Nancy
Ferretti is selling lottery tickets for November as one of
our fund raisers. Give her a call and she will send one to
you. Our November meeting is November 6 at Carmel in
Putnam County. See you there.
Submitted by:
Liz Chapman
If any Company or Department is interested in 100%
Membership in the HVVFA,
Please contact the Financial Secretary.
Thank you.
George H. Hill, HVVFA Fin. Sec.
854 Berkshire Road
Wingdale, NY 12594-1205
bluevests@optonline.net
(845) 832-7148 0r (845) 494-4975
Please send your request to me at mfdfireturtle@hvc.rr.com, and in the subject line indicate HVVFA
Certificate. Please include the person’s name, fire organization name, # of years in service with a copy to
President Spath (dspath@hvc.rr.com), so he can make
arrangements for HVVFA representation.
Any questions, please contact me at mfdfireturtle@hvc.rr.com
or
President
Spath
at
dspath@hvc.rr.com.
Thank you.
Robin K. Reynolds
ADVERTISING RATES (per issue)
Business Card $25—Quarter Page $40—Half Page $65
Full Page $125
5% discount for a year’s advertising.
Memorial / Sponsor Page Donations $100
IMPORTANT WEBSITES:
Hudson Valley VFA
www. hvvfa.com
FASNY
www.fasny.com
NYS Ass’n Fire Dist www.firedistnys.com/
Page 16
HUDSON
VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
THE HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTER
EDITOR:
1041 Blue Mountain
Road Saugerties,
NY 12477
THE HUDSON
VALLEY
FIREFIGHTER
EDITOR: 1041 Blue Mountain Road Saugerties, NY 12477
MEMBERSHIP: George Hill
854
Berkshire Rd. Wingdale,
NY 12594
MEMBERSHIP
: George Hill
854 Berkshire Rd. Wingdale, NY 12594
OCTOBER
2011
http://
Presort
Standard
assembly.state.ny.us/
US POSTAGE
Presort Standard
PAID
US POSTAGE
BUFFALO NY
PAID
PERMIT
No. 604
BUFFALO NY
PERMIT No. 230
TO:
From the Financial Secretary:
100 % Membership 2011:
Bay Ridge Fire Co., Centennial Hose Co. #4, Brewster Fire Dept., Catskill Fire Company, Coxsackie Hose Co. #3, Fearless H&L
Co., Highland Falls Fire Dept., Highland Lake Fire Dept., Hortonville Volunteer Fire Co., Kerhonkson Fire Co., Lake George Fire
Dept., Lake Placid Fire Dept., Mahopac Fire Dept., Napanoch Fire Company, Queensbury Central Vol. Fire Co., South Glens Fire
Co., South Queensbury Vol. Fire Co., Wallkill Hook, Ladder & Hose Co.,
We welcome the following new members:
Columbia County Fire Police
Orange County Firefighter’s Museum
Walden Fire Police Squad
Edward Tedla – Greeneville Vol. Fire Co.
Paul Stoveland – Pawling F.D.
Peter Karashay – R.A.Snyder Hose Co.
Michael Kinne – Loch Sheldrake F.D.
Joseph Mitchell – High Falls Fire Co.
Terry Quinn – Central Nyack
Luann Edele – Brewster F.D.
Kenneth Gordon – Orangeburg F.D.
Connie Wood – Shaker Road
Frank Voce – Congers F.D.
John Riccitelli – S.W. Pitts Hose Co.
Steven Smith – Liberty Joint F.D.
Nicholas Madore – East Greenbush Fire Co.
David Skrocki – Ocean Fire Co.
William Pfeister – Fort Montgomery F.D.
Thomas Farrell – Putnam Valley F.D.
Jack Schmidt – East Fishkill Fire Dist.
Queensbury Central Vol. Fire Co. – Richard Empett, Zach Hopkins & Jason Norton
Bay Ridge Fire Co. – Kristopher Abrahamsen, Steven Hammond, John Henel, Alex Johnston, Christina Mariani, Michael Palmer
& Isaac Stahl
Centennial Hose Co. # 4 – Pablo Antunez, Walter Becker, Michael Benson, Robert Casasanta, Brian Cunningham, Michael
Esposito, Howard Esterly, Daniel Fontanez, James Lepore Sr., Gary Lyles, George Male, Ronald martin, Joe Pagano Jr., Steven
Roberts & Pat Somma
Registered at Convention:
271 Members 56 Ladies
15 Guests
98 Delegates 12 Ladies Delegates
O C Chopper Winner: # 1715 Andy Terry – 600 Grand Avenue – Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
Firefighter’s Club Winners:1st Jim Pacenza – Montgomery, NY;2nd Peter Mutz – Portchester, NY;3rd Henry Conklin – Peekskill, NY
If any Company or Department is interested in 100% Membership
In the HVVFA
Please contact the Financial Secretary.
Thank you.
George H. Hill, HVVFA Fin. Sec.
854 Berkshire Road
Wingdale, NY 12594
(845) 832-7148 cell (845) 494-4975
Email bluevests@optonline.net