by David Flint
Good food, music and camaraderie were enjoyed last Saturday evening at the Berlin Fire Company Annual Installation Banquet held at the Bridgeway Restaurant in Cherry Plain.
A large number of guests included State Senator Roy McDonald, County Executive Kathy Jimino, County Legislator Stan Brownell, Deputy Director of Public Safety Jack Thompson, County Fire Car-2 Bill Gummer and Battalion 5 and EMS Car 1 Coordinators Cyril Grant and Evan Eisenhandler, Berlin Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger and Highway Superintendent Jim Winn, Chaplain Matt Olson and Fire Chiefs and Assistant Fire Chiefs from neighboring towns. [private]John Sroka from Defreestville did the honors again this year as Master of Ceremonies.
Newly installed Fire Chief Steve Barber accepted from Senator McDonald a proclamation of thanks to the Company, its firefighters, EMS responders and their supportive families for their service to the community. McDonald said he had gotten to know well a couple of guys in Berlin named Billy and Wally. “It’s comforting to go to bed at night knowing that we have these dedicated people watching out for us,” he said. “Sooner or later everyone will make that 911 call, distraught, nervous, scared, and you folks turn out. You’re always there for us.”
County Executive Jimino also presented to the Company a Certificate of Congratulations and Appreciation. She noted that she had been coming out to these events for the past ten years and was seeing quite a few familiar faces. That’s comforting, she said, because she had heard that the average volunteer service for firefighters is only five years and for EMTs it’s only three years. But despite all the requirements imposed on the Fire Company by the different levels of government, “You still step up year after year after year. You deserve a lot of credit for continuing to be there for your community, whether it’s responding to calls, the drills, the training, the fundraising, all the time – time away from family – that you contribute.”
Corporate Chairman Alan Kennedy read a letter of greetings and commendation from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who regretted that she was unable to attend the Banquet.
Rescue Squad Captain Tammy Osterhout reported that the Company and the Squad had survived a year of trials and tribulations that included an earthquake and two hurricanes followed by what seemed like endless rain and flooding. The Squad answered a total of 105 calls, with 3,743 miles traveled and 409 person hours spent on calls. Two relatively new members, Jennifer Bates and Julie Morse, completed their EMT class. Joining these two and the other members of the Squad – Jen Burhans, Uriah Burhans, Nanci Bogovich, Matt Olson and Stan Pettibone – is the newest member of the Squad, Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger.
Osterhout singled out a number of people for special commendation, including Amanda Greiner and Joe Bogovich who have had to resign, Rik McClave of Stephentown who at times has called to volunteer his services as an EMT, Amy Manchester for her many years of service as EMS-201 Coordinator, Evan Eisenhandler running EMS Car-1 and the Fire Commissioners who have supported the Squad with a new ambulance, a power stretcher, a stair chair and a recent agreement with the Berlin School District regarding release time to answer calls. For her final recognition, Osterhout said she didn’t care if she got in trouble for it, but she needed to honor someone who has been her “right hand and sometimes my left – he also seems to have my back whenever needed,” ambulance driver and Tammy’s son, Charlie Osterhout. Charlie received a Rescue Squad insignia shirt in appreciation for always being ready to roll.
A new award, the Chief’s Award, for outstanding service throughout the year, was presented by Chief Billy Osterhout to Wilson Gates. He was not present to accept the award, but Osterhout said that anytime anything needed doing at the firehouse Gates was always there and he never asked for anything.
Steve Kellar received a 30-year service pin, Jay Estabrook a 10-year pin and Chuck Blair and David Morse received their 1-year pins.
The Commissioners Award, a new helmet, was given to outgoing Chief Billy Osterhout. Mark Primeau, in presenting the award, praised the work that Osterhout did during the hurricane emergencies in cooperation with Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger and Highway Superintendent Jim Winn.
The following officers were sworn in by Cyril Grant, Battalion 5 Coordinator and Stephentown Town Justice:
Corporate
President – Bruce Hake, Sr.
Vice President – Tena Harrington
Secretary – Tammy Osterhout
Treasurer – Shirley Wager
Chairman – Alan Kennedy
Directors: Peter von Schilgen, Tammy Osterhout, Nanci-Anne Bogovich, Tena Harrington and George Shuhart
Executive Committee
President – Charles Blair
Vice President – Leonard Clapp
Secretary – Bruce Hake, Jr.
Treasurer – Ivan Wager
Steward – Walter O’Neil
Firematic Officers
Chief – Steve Barber
Assistant Chief – William Osterhout, Jr.
2nd Assistant Chief – Stanley Pettibone II
Captain – Ivan Wager
Lieutenant – Alan Kennedy
Lieutenant – Charlie Osterhout
Lieutenant – Dave Shuhart
Lieutenant – Joe Sweener
Rescue Squad
President – Nanci-Anne Bogovich
Vice President – Jennifer Bates
Secretary – Jennifer Burhans
Treasurer – Matthew Olson
Captain – Tammy Osterhout
Lieutenant – Barbara Staples
Ladies Auxiliary
President – Dawn Hake
Vice President – Debby Maxon
Secretary – Sharon Clapp
Treasurer – Tena Harrington
Board of Commissioners
Chairman – Mark Primeau
Vice Chairman – Sandi Slattery
Secretary – Kathy Primeau
Treasurer – Donna Maxon
Commissioner – Bruce Hake, Jr.
Commissioner – Susan O’Neil
Commissioner – Joseph Sweener, Sr.
Following the awards, an evening of dancing followed with music provided by Gregg White of Infinity DJ Services.
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