by Bea Peterson
In a time when the country is woefully lacking in volunteers, the Town of Hoosick Volunteer Rescue Squad managed to respond to 687 calls in 2011. That is 1.88 calls a day! With just two dozen members and extra volunteer drivers, they were called away on Sundays and holidays, at dinner time and in the middle of the night. [private]The Rescue Squad responded to medical emergencies, fires, auto accidents and the propane truck accident on Route 7 that lasted several days. They set up an emergency shelter during Hurricane Irene, and they put together a heartwarming 10th anniversary ceremony remembering 9/11. It included a candlelight walk through Hoosick Falls and music by the Hoosick Falls Community Band, directed by Bill Gaillard.
On Saturday evening, February 18, the Squad celebrated its 55th anniversary with a dinner and program at Barbecue Recreation. Joining in the celebration were Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino, Rensselaer County Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote and Hoosick Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly. Several area rescue volunteers and trainers also attended the event.
45 Years For Gaillard
The Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad has been in existence for 55 years. It has been reported that the longevity of a volunteer rescue squad individual is one certification period – three years. Saturday evening Bill Gaillard was honored by the Squad and by the County for 45 years of service. He started as a recruit, advanced to EMT and EMT instructor. For several years he has been Rescue Squad President. There is no one in the Squad more dedicated, though there are many individuals almost as dedicated. Rose Ann Miller, for example, was honored for 25 years of service. Many members have more than ten years of service.
In her remarks at the dinner Kathy Jimino said, “We never really thank you enough for your sacrifice.” She added that the Town of Hoosick is a loving and caring community.
Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad Officers for 2012 are President – Bill Gaillard, Vice President – Deborah Lohnes, Secretary – Cindy Mattison, Treasurer – Rose Ann Miller, Accounts Payable – Sue Eddy and Captain – Rita Kettel. The Board of Directors includes Harold McClellan, Nick Hunt, Sue Eddy, Carol Hanselman and John May.
The Banquet Committee was chaired by Cindy Mattison and included Harold McClellan, Carol Hanselman and Rose Ann Miller. Deb Lohnes put together a power point program highlighting events of the past year. Certificates for years of service and the number of calls responded to were presented by Bill Gaillard. Awards were
presented by Deb Lohnes, Rose Ann Miller and Carol Hanselman.
Responding To The Call
The following people were recognized for the number of calls to which they responded during 2011. Leading the way was Bill Gaillard with 289. He commented that it was a good thing he was retired! Nick Hunt followed with 191 calls, Deb Lohnes, 188, Sue Eddy, 156, Cindy Mattison, 122, Georgiana Parker, 96, Tanya Brock, 91, Beth Cipperly, 86, Rose Ann Miller, 78, Rita Kittel, 74, Nate Moseley, 74, Harold McClellan, 71, Pam Mayhew, 69, Ron Sampath, 65, John Lettre, 59, Mike Chapman, 49, Lisa Moseley, 36, John May, 28, Carol Hanselman, 26, Shaun Blair, 22, Robert Bornt, 11, John Parker, 9, Corey Kessler, 8, Brett Hanselman, 7, Sue Landry, 5, and Britany Grover, 4.
Several of these volunteers have full time jobs, some are students, some have part time jobs and a few are new members of the Squad. Some only drive the ambulance when needed. Whatever their positions, they never hesitate to respond to the call.
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