by Bea Peterson
On Saturday evening, May 2, the Grafton Volunteer Fire Company and the Ladies Auxiliary celebrated their 65th anniversary at the VFW/Fire Hall. Jason White of the Grafton Baptist Church offered the Invocation and Benediction for the event. A delicious buffet dinner was catered by Fresco’s Restaurant of New Lebanon. Dance music was provided by the Boot Hill Band.
Master of Ceremonies Chief Jim Goyer introduced firefighters from nearby towns who attended the event. Officers were installed by Battalion Five Commander Cyril Grant.
Fire Commissioners are Jay Goyer, Sandy Hasbrouck, Frank Higgens, Mark Murray, Jr., Jeff Paine and Jason Sawyer.
Fire Department Officers are Chief – James Goyer, 1st Assistant Chief – Richard Goyer, 2nd Assistant Chief – Fred Fischer, Captain – William Keenan, Lieutenant – Richard Reger, Safety Officer – Rick Hebert, Fire Police Captain – Adam Cerutti, President – Richard Reger, Vice President- Jon Hasbrouck, Secretary – Bill Keenan, Treasurer – James Goyer.
Ladies Auxiliary Officers are President – Jessica Crandall, Vice-President – Noelle Goyer, Secretary and Treasurer – Sharon Crandall, Sunshine Chairman – Mary Crandall.
Special Awards
Cyril Grant spoke about the ice storm that affected Grafton Friday, December 12. In Stephentown there was no ice, only rain. He was unaware of the problems in Grafton until he was notified of the crisis by Chief Goyer. Grafton Elementary School and many residents were without power. Grant told everyone how Goyer rounded up power company people and made them aware of the situation, particularly at the school as the concern was that in the cold, without power, water pipes might break. Soon everyone but the school had power. By Monday power was back on at the school. “Jim knew every place and person in Town,” said Grant. “What a wonderful thing to have someone like him in charge.” In appreciation for his efforts on behalf of the
school Grant and Berlin School District Board President Frank Zwack presented a special plaque to Jim. Goyer said that he was not the only one who worked hard that weekend. “Without others,” he said, “without the Fire Company, the Auxiliary and the Town there would be no ‘me.’” He thanked everyone for their support and their spouses for the sacrifices they make.
Stanton Burdick of the VFW presented Goyer with a plaque in appreciation for the care and attention the Fire District and the Fire Company gives to the building they share. Goyer told him it is as much their building as it is the District’s.
Rich Reger and Harold Goyer were selected as Firefighters of the Year. Members went back and forth trying to decide between the two and then agreed that both men had dedicated so much time to the Company they should both be recognized.
Noel Goyer was selected Auxiliary Member of the Year. Noel is a new member, but whenever needed, she stepped up to the plate to get the job done and for all those efforts she was recognized.
45 Years
Beulah Baker was honored for 45 years of service in the Ladies Auxiliary.
