by David Flint
The Berlin Fire Company held its Installation Banquet this year at the Poestenkill Fire Hall. “We thought we’d try something a little different this year,” explained Berlin Fire Chief Billy Osterhout. Although the trip across the Plank Road with on and off snow squalls may have reduced attendance slightly at the event held on February 27, most agreed that the change of venue to Poestenkill’s spacious and sparkling hall, along with a splendid roast beef dinner served up hot and tasty by members of the Poestenkill Fire Company, was a very pleasant variation.
Chief Osterhout introduced the many honored guests that included County Executive Kathy Jimino, County Legislator Lester Goodermote, Public Safety Director Kelly Paslow, a number of Rensselaer County Fire Safety personnel, emergency services representatives from surrounding towns and the family of deceased Rescue Squad Captain Wilma Anderson.
John Sroka, a Director of the NYS Fire Chiefs Association, then took charge as Master of Ceremonies.
Fire Department mugs and plaques recognizing the years of outstanding service that Wilma Anderson rendered to the Town of Berlin were presented to four of her daughters, Patty, Susan, Sheila and Karen.
Doug Goodermote was recognized as the oldest living member of the Department.
Service pins were awarded to Firefighters Susan O’Neil (25 years), Joe Sweener (20 years), Leonard Clapp (15 years), Alan Kennedy (5 years) and Tyler Hake (1 year) and to Rescue Squad member Nanci-Anne Bogovich (5 years).
Certificates for exceptional service went to Stanley Pettibone II, Sharon Clapp, Billy Osterhout, Alan Kennedy, Tammy Osterhout, Nanci-Anne Bogovich, Shirley Wager and Tena Harrington.
Another group from the Rescue Squad received a special award of “Stork Pins”. This group, comprising Tammy Osterhout, Steve Kellar, Barb Staples, Sharon Clapp and Stanley Pettibone II, successfully and safely delivered a baby in less than ideal circumstances – in the back seat of a car – last September up on the Plank Road by Dutch Church Road.
There is not a whole lot of change this year among officers of the Company. Ivan Wager replaces Leonard Clapp as Fire Captain Co. 4 and is replaced in turn by Bruce Hake, Jr. as Lieutenant Co. 3. Steve Barber replaces Annette Legg as Lieutenant Co. 4 and Wally O’Neil replaces Joe Rechen as Safety Officer.
On the Rescue Squad, Tammy Osterhout replaces Wilma Anderson as Captain and Cindy Calderwood and Sharon Clapp take over as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
On the Board of Commissioners, Kathy Primeau as Secretary and Donna Maxon as Treasurer replace Wilma Anderson who held both titles. Nanci-Anne Bogovich replaces Wilma Anderson as Corporate Secretary and Steve Kellar replaces Joseph Sweener, Sr. as Vice President on the Executive Committee.
The following officers were sworn in by Cyril Grant, Battalion 5-0 Coordinator and Stephentown Town Justice:
Corporate
President – Bruce Hake, Sr.
Vice President – Tena Harrington
Secretary – Nanci-Anne Bogovich
Treasurer – Shirley Wager
Chairman – Alan Kennedy
Directors: George Shuhart, Tena Harrington, Peter Von Schilgen, Nanci-Anne Bogovich and Tammy Osterhout
Firematic Officers
Chief – William Osterhout, Jr.
Assistant Chief – Bruce Hake, Sr.
Captain Co. 1 – Peter Von Schilgen
Captain Co. 2 – Stanley Pettibone II
Captain Co. 3 – Alan Kennedy
Captain Co. 4 – Ivan Wager
Lieutenant Co. 1 – Jay Estabrooks
Lieutenant Co. 2 – Edward Legg
Lieutenant Co. 3 – Bruce Hake, Jr.
Lieutenant Co. 4 – Steve Barber
Safety Officer – Wally O’Neil
Safety Officer – George Shuhart
Fire Department
President – Stanley Pettibone II
Vice President – Steve Kellar
Secretary – Bruce Hake, Jr.
Treasurer – Ivan Wager
Steward – Joseph Sweener
Rescue Squad
President – Stanley Pettibone II
Vice President – Nanci-Anne Bogovich
Secretary – Cindy Calderwood
Treasurer – Sharon Clapp
Captain – Tammy Osterhout
Lieutenant – Barbara Staples
Ladies Auxiliary
President – Nanci-Anne Bogovich
Vice President – Shirley Wager
Secretary – Tena Harrington
Treasurer – Debby Maxon
Board of Commissioners
Chairman – Mark Primeau
Vice Chairman – Bruce Hake, Jr.
Secretary – Kathy Primeau
Treasurer – Donna Maxon
Directors – Joseph Sweener, Susan O’Neil
Following the awards, an evening of dancing followed with music provided by DJ Old Gold.
