by Bea Peterson
The Grafton Volunteer Fire Department held its 69th Annual Installation Banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy on Saturday, May 18. The evening began with a delicious dinner, followed by presentations, awards and the swearing in of the 2013 Officers.
[private]After the ceremonies, music for dancing was provided by Cool Cat Entertainment. A special request was made in honor of Danny Tobin, who passed away in a tragic accident last year on May 25. Danny and his wife Jeanne, who was accompanied Saturday by Debbie and Ed Fredricks, hadn’t missed a GFD banquet in over 20 years. Danny loved to dance, and a song he and Debbie often danced to was “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. When this song was played Saturday evening everyone was encouraged to get on the dance floor in Danny’s remembrance and honor – and the dance floor was filled.
Before dinner Chief James Goyer welcomed everyone to the banquet. Pastor Jason White of the Grafton Baptist Church gave the Invocation and, later, the Benediction. After dinner Jay Goyer introduced guests, and he and Noelle Goyer presented acknowledgements and awards. Officers were installed by Battalion 5-0 Commander Cyril Grant.
Harold Goyer Honored
Harold Goyer was honored for 65 years of service to the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department. He was presented with a clock. Mark Murray was recognized for 15 years of service. Other members had service ranging from two years to over 11 years to over 40 years to 44 years.
Awards
Tyler Baldwin was first for responding to the most calls in 2012. Second was Justin Levsha, and third were Craig Southard and Harold Goyer.
Justin Levsha attended the most drills, followed second by Tyler Baldwin and third by Craig Southard and Mitchell Goyer.
Firefighter of the Year was Justin Levsha.
Ladies Auxiliary
Erika Sausville received the Appreciation Award. Auxiliary Member of the Year was Julie Dunteman. Melissa Rifenburg attended the most meetings and put in the most volunteer hours with 70. Samantha Crandall was second with 45 hours, and Julie Dunteman was third with 40 hours. The “Breakfast Volunteer Appreciation Award” was presented to Duane Rifenburg.
Amy Reger was recognized for the fine job she did on the program and gathering the information. The entire Banquet Committee was commended for doing an outstanding job.
Officers
Fire Department Officers are Chief – James Goyer, Car 2 – Rick Goyer, Car 3 – Jay Goyer, Captain – Craig Southard, Lieutenant – Tyler Baldwin, President – Justin Levsha, Vice-President and Treasurer – Rich Reger and Secretary – Tyler Baldwin.
Ladies Auxiliary Officers are President – Noelle Goyer, Vice-President – Brenda Insero, Secretary – Stacy Reinhard and Treasurer – Erika Sausville.
Fire District Commissioners are Sandy Hasbrouck, Bill Keenan, Jeff Paine and Rick Bly.
Recognized guests were Donna Baldwin of the Grafton Rescue Squad, County Fire Coordinator Ivan Wager, Berlin Fire Chief Steve Barber, Center Brunswick Fire Chief Elwood Dalaba, Glen Myers of the Eagle Mills Fire Dept., Nathan Michaels of the Petersburgh Fire Dept., Tom and Lynn Forster of the Grafton Town Store, Bill Pelton who maintains the Department’s trucks and Dave Buckley of Graftonondack Outfitters and Boat Livery.
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