by Alex Brooks
The Grafton Volunteer Fire Department held its Annual Installation Banquet, celebrating their 67th year of service. The program began with an invocation by Pastor Jason White of the Grafton Baptist Church, before a delicious dinner of chicken or prime rib.
Jim Goyer continues as Fire Chief, Rick Goyer as First Assistant Chief, and Jay Goyer as Second Assistant Chief. Adam Cerutti is Captain, Craig Southard Lieutenant and Rick Hebert Safety Officer.
Rich Reger serves as President and Treasurer with Bill Keenan as Vice President and Tyler Baldwin as Secretary.
The Ladies Auxiliary President is Noelle Goyer; Vice President is Brenda Insero, Secretary Jessica Crandall and Treasurer Sharon Crandall.
Fire Chief Jim Goyer served as master of ceremonies. He gave length of service awards to Rich Reger for 5 years of service and to Bill Keenan, Brenda Insero and Adam Cerutti for 15 years of service.
The fireman who attended the most calls was Harold Goyer, followed by Tyler Baldwin
with Adam Cerutti third. Tyler Baldwin attended the most drills, Craig Southard second most and Adam Cerutti third most.
Craig Southard and Tyler Baldwin were named Firemen of the Year.
Special mention was made of Rick Goyer, who has served 30 years as Assistant Chief, and Beula Baker, who is the longest serving member, having served on the Ladies Auxiliary since 1964.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Elsie Goyer.
A Standing Ovation
When all the ceremonies were concluded, Chief Goyer asked if anyone had anything else to say, and Lynne Forester stood up and said, “We want to recognize you, Jim Goyer, for all that you do for this Fire Company and this town.” This resulted in a standing ovation for Chief Goyer. He was briefly overwhelmed by the tribute but soon recovered himself and returned the compliment, saying he couldn’t do anything without the tremendous help and support of all the people in this room tonight, and he thanked them right back.
After a concluding Benediction by Pastor Jason White, the music and dancing began, to a live band called The Schmooze.
