by Bea Peterson
The Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad held its annual Recognition Banquet on Sunday, February 17, at the Hoosick Falls Country Club where a delicious dinner was served by Jeff Babson.
[private]For a group that often deals with horrendous situations, they were extremely lighthearted that evening. Master of Ceremonies Beth Cipperly and Rescue Squad President Bill Gaillard had several jokes to share. During their presentations, other members recounted funny events that had occurred in the course of their travels. The Junior members added levity of their own with a contest for members who had to guess television program theme songs. Gaillard also gave an enlightening talk on the history of the car radio. All in all, it was a fun evening and many worthy people and fire companies received the recognition they so richly deserve.
The Rescue Squad recognized all the surrounding Fire Companies, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and the Bennington Rescue Squad for their support throughout the year.
In turn, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino and County Legislators Lester Goodermote and Stan Brownell presented Gaillard with a Certificate of Appreciation from the County. Jimino commended the Squad. “You are always there for the community,” she said. “You make large sacrifices and spend much time away from your families. Please know that you are appreciated for what you do.”
Hoosick Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly asked the Rescue Squad members to come forward for his presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation from the Town. “I don’t think you know how important you are to the Town of Hoosick,” he said. “We appreciate all the work you do. You choose to do this and we appreciate that, and your dedication to the community.”
Beth Cipperly Recognized
Cindy Mattison had the honor of recognizing Beth Cipperly for her 30 years on the Squad. Beth was a Junior member for two years as well. Cindy said she has worked on the same shift with Beth for the four years she has been on the Squad. “Beth has taught me so much,” said Mattison. “She is patient, kind, intelligent, soft spoken. She is a wonderful teacher, a wonderful leader and, I’m proud to say, a good friend.” Mattison and Squad President Bill Gaillard presented Beth with a plaque commending her for her 30 years of dedication to the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad.
Members And Calls
Responder Sue Eddy reported that the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad has 19 members, six firefighter drivers and three Junior members. In 2012 the Squad responded to 704 calls; 373 calls occurred in the daytime and 331 calls were in the nighttime. Squad members traveled 14,860 miles and volunteered 2,877.8 man hours responding to these calls.
The following is a list of Rescue Squad members, the number of years they have served (-) and the number of calls they each covered in 2012. Gaillard noted that the average longevity of New York State Rescue personnel is 3.2 years. The Town of Hoosick is fortunate to have members that have dedicated a good portion of their lives to serving their community.
EMTs
Bill Gaillard (46) 249
Sue Eddy (34) 174
Rita Kittel (32) 68
Beth Cipperly (30) 76
Roseann Miller (26) 74
John May (24) 0
Deb Lohnes (18) 188
Ron Sampath (17) 66
Bernie Davock (10) 14
Nick Hunt (4) 196
Cindy Mattison (4) 126
Pam Mayhew (3) 71
Nathaniel Moseley (2) 90
Riding Members
Carol Hanselman (29) 15
Tanya Brock (6) 111
Harold McClellan (4) 65
Brett Hanselman (2) 15
Jessica Fisher (1) 5
Jane Swan (1) 7
Auxiliary Drivers On Teams
Shaun Blair (2) 50
John Lettre (7) 67
Auxiliary Members
Alan Bornt (7) 0
Robert Bornt (4) 12
John Parker (4) 1
Junior Members
Hollyann Devereese (1) 4
Justin Mattat (1) 22
Brandon Hodges (1) 6
Members Brett Hanselman, Nicholas Hunt and Nathaniel Mosely are either attending college or in the Armed Service.
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