by Bea Peterson
The Grafton Volunteer Fire Company held its 68th Annual Installation Dinner on Saturday evening, May 12. Master of Ceremonies and Fire Chief Jim Goyer welcomed everyone to the event. [private]He thanked the Auxiliary for organizing the banquet, which was catered by Giuliano’s Premier Party Rental & Catering of Troy. He welcomed Rensselaer County Fire Coordinator Ivan Wager, Rensselaer County Fire Battalion 5-0 Commander Cyril Grant, Petersburgh Fire Chief Bill Seel, Berlin Fire Chief Steve Barber, Eagle Mills Fire Chief Tommy Martin, Center Brunswick Fire Chief Bill Miller, Stephentown Fire Chief Joey Zwack, Frank Zwack of Zwack, Inc., and Dona Baldwin and Sharon Leece of the Grafton Rescue Squad.
Ivan Wager addressed the group and thanked them for the invitation. He said for a small department, not only do they do a great job, they hold an incredible number of fund raising events as well. Wager said he has known Chief Goyer for many years. Wager said the two have often agreed to disagree. But that has never stopped them from working well together.
Pastor Jason White of the Grafton Baptist Church gave the Invocation and Benediction.
Officers
The following officers were installed by Commander Cyril Grant – Chief – James Goyer, First Assistant Chief – Richard Goyer, Second Assistant Chief – Jay Goyer, Captain – Bill Keenan, Lieutenant – Craig Southard, President and Treasurer – Rich Reger, Vice-President and Secretary – Tyler Baldwin. The Commissioners are Sandy Hasbrouck, Frank Higgens, William Keenan, Jeff Paine and Craig Southard.
Awards
Tyler Baldwin and Harold Goyer both received Fireman of the Year awards.
Justin Levsha and Mitchell Goyer both received Rookie of the Year awards.
Highest Responder was Tyler Baldwin who responded to 46 calls. Harold Goyer responded to 44 calls, and Craig Southard responded to 35 calls.
Tyler Baldwin and Craig Southard both attended the most drills, 23. Justin Levsha attended 16 drills and Mitchell Goyer was third highest, attending 15 drills.
Years Of Service
Rick Goyer and Herb Hasbrouck were both recognized for 40 years of service to the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department. Jon Hasbrouck and Nate Wagar were recognized for five years and Ricky Dickinson, Mitchell Goyer and Justin Levsha were recognized for one year of service.
Ladies Auxiliary
Ladies Auxiliary officers were installed by Cyril Grant at the same time as the Fire Department officers. They are President – Noelle Goyer, Vice President – Brenda Insero, Secretary – Stacy Reinhard and Treasurer – Sharon Crandall. Melissa Rifenburg and Julie Dunteman were recognized for one year of service in the Auxiliary. President Noelle Goyer recognized Dale Goyer and Amy Reger for their “behind the scenes” support of the Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary.
After dinner Chief Goyer thanked Battalion Commander Grant for installing the officers. He reminded everyone that the monthly All You Can Eat Buffet Breakfast on Saturday, May 26, will benefit the Bly family which recently lost their home to fire.
The evening continued with dancing to music by “The Schmooze.”
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