by Bea Peterson
Volunteer fire fighters often have no idea what they will find when the respond to a call. This was well illustrated by North Hoosick Fire Department Chief Alan Bornt when he chose to give his annual report through a large screen presentation. The presentation showed cars on their sides, upside down, against trees and in buildings. There was even a trapped dog rescue. The scenes of accidents and fires clearly illustrated what the volunteers are up against time and again. In 2008 the NHFD responded to 84 alarms that included five structure fires, 24 traffic accidents, 29 Mutual Aid calls, 10 brush fires, four wires and trees down, one vehicle fire, four EMS assists, four fire alarm activations, one water emergency, one Hazardous Incident and one Service Call.
In addition to the alarms the NHFD holds kids dances during the school year. Bornt said almost 40,000 kids have attended the dances so far. The most amazing event, he said, was the dinner they held for the Hoag youngster. It was the largest turnout they ever had for an event. Another big project is the Department’s Christmas Bazaar. About 150 people came this year to pick out free toys for their children. Some told Bornt that the toys they received at the Bazaar were the only ones their children would receive.
Ira Fisk Honored
The 2009 Annual Banquet was dedicated to Ira Fisk, the one living Charter Member. When introduced, Ira,
age 92, said he appreciated being honored. He spoke briefly of his harrowing experiences riding in the trucks in the early days of the Department. The NHFD was founded May 1, 1947. He said the Department is being run in a good manner and he hopes it continues for many years to come.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Edward Bornt who opened the program recognizing Fisk and requesting a Moment of Silence in memory of all deceased Department and Ladies Auxiliary members. Rev. Michael Benoit did the Invocation and Benediction. Before the Benediction he gave a humorous large screen presentation which delighted everyone.
Fire Police were installed by Hoosick Town Clerk Sue Stradinger, 2009 Officers were installed by Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Davendonis.
Awards were presented by Chief Alan Bornt. John Lettre received the Howard J. Bornt Memorial Award. The award was instituted in 2007 and is given to a fire fighter with 25 years or more in the Department who has shown unselfish dedication to the fire service. Corey Kessler received the Fireman of the Year Award.
2009 Department Officers
President – Corey Kessler, Vice-President – Michael Higgins, Treasurer – Eric Amidon, Social Treasurer – Robert Cook, Secretary – Michael Cottrell.
2009 Line Officers
Fire Chief – Alan Bornt, First Assistant Chief – Edward Bornt, Second Assistant Chief – Eric Amidon, Third Assistant Chief – John Lettre, Fourth Assistant Chief – Steve Gorman, Operations Coordinator – Paul Baker, Safety Coordinator – Michael Cottrell, Safety Officer – Michael Higgins.
2009 Board Of Directors
2009 – Edward Bornt, Butch Conway, Thomas Sullivan,
Sr.
2010 – Alan Bornt, John Lettre, Mitch Whalen
2011 – Corey Kessler, Robert Cook, Steve Gorman
2009 Ladies Auxiliary Officers
President – Kathy Amidon, Vice President – Lori Higgins, Secretary – Tammy Hudson, Treasurer – Missy Cottrell
