Hoosick Grange News

On July 25 we were very fortunate to have Mr. Paul Davendonis, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Deputy. Mr. Davendonis is in the canine division. The Program Chairman was Marion Brenenstuhl. She was unable to be there, so the Lecturer introduced him.
Mr. Davendonis is a former policeman of Hoosick Falls. He is a graduate of the New York State Training Academy at Watkins Glen. He is a fire investigator in accelerants. His dog Inferno, a female, yellow Labrador retriever, is Paul’s partner. She has lived with him since she was a puppy. He is her instructor and trainer. Paul left Inferno in the car until he told us what he was going to do. He put one drop of gasoline on a Popsicle stick and hid it and another drop of a bomb accelerant on a stick and hid it. He went and brought Inferno into the hall. She was very excited and barked and jumped until Paul said in a high voice, “Search-show me.” Inferno is trained to find eight different accelerants. She ran around the room a couple of times and then found the first accelerant and sat looking at her handler. Paul praised her and took out a toy she loves and played with her, tugging and pulling. This is her reward for finding it. Paul said show me, and she did it again and found it. Paul played and praised her again. They call this praise and play. That’s how they train them.
Someone asked if he ever was bitten. He said yes, and he had stitches. Whatever they do the safety of the dog comes first. They have done one thousand and sixty-six successful searches. They have searched burned down buildings and found the accelerant. Paul told us that both he and the dog have picture ID badges. They are now Level 2 Fire Investigators. After answering questions, the Lecturer thanked Paul and Inferno.
We had a short business meeting. We discussed the price of oil, draped the Charter in loving memory of Mrs. Pearl Betts and reported the sick. The Lecturer announced Rensselaer County Pomona Grange will meet on August 1, at Center Brunswick Grange, with a covered dish supper at 7 pm. Hoosick Grange’s next meeting is August 8, at 7 pm with a hot dog roast and covered dish supper. It’s game night. Bring some wrapped prizes and invite guests.