by Bea Peterson
The North Hoosick Fire Department held its Installation of Officers Banquet on Saturday, January 11. Master of Ceremonies was Leo Surdam III of the Hoosick Fire Department. Pastor Michael Benoit gave the Invocation and Benediction. The delicious meal was catered by Jean’s Place. Fire Police and Officers were sworn in by Rensselaer County Deputy Sheriff and Fire Investigator Paul Davendonis. [private]Special guests included representatives from the surrounding Fire Departments and Rensselaer County Fire Coordinator Ivan Wager, Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell and Hoosick Town Supervisor Mark Surdam and their wives.
A very special guest for the evening was Saratoga Magician Joey D (Joseph Didonna).
President Charles Starr welcomed everyone and, at the close of the event, read the Fireman’s Prayer.
Chief Alan Bornt and Third Assistant Chief John Lettre presented awards to members for their hours of service during the past year.
Bill Gaillard of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad received an award for providing EMS service to the North Hoosick Protection District.
Department Recognition Awards were presented to the following for serving consecutive years in a certain office:
• Steve Gorman – five years as an Assistant Chief;
• Eric Amidon – 22 years as an Assistant Chief and eight years as Treasurer;
• Edward Bornt – 22 years as an Assistant Chief and 16 years as a member of the Board of Directors;
• John Lettre – 11 years as an Assistant Chief and six years as a member of the Board of Directors;
• Robert Cook – 26 years as Social Treasurer and 20 years as a Board of Directors member;
• Thomas Sullivan – ten years as a member of the Board of Directors, and
• Mitch Whalen – 15 years as a member of the Board of Directors.
Anniversary service awards were presented to John Lettre for 40 years of service, Mitch Whalen for 25 years and Bryan Amidon for 10 years. In the Ladies Auxiliary, Pam Cuccuini was recognized for 15 years of service and Lanae Sprague for five years.
Bornt reminded everyone, “There are only two reasons why we are here – to save lives and to save property.” He told the audience the Department is “not about one person, it’s about community.” He highlighted some of the events of the past year including a complete renovation of the banquet hall and kitchen. Everything was repainted and cleaned, a new furnace and water system installed and the kitchen upgraded. New tables and chairs completed the change.
Several Department and Auxiliary members received awards for their participation in the Department’s Kids Dances which are held every other Friday night during the school year. Since December 4, 1998, the Department has held 334 dances with a total of 56,182 students attending during that time.
The NHFD has 39 members with anywhere from recently joined status to others with 40+ years experience. In several cases two generations serve the Department. In the case of the Bornts three have.
In 2013 the Department brought back the Explorer Post. Explorers recognized were Will Clifford, Stephen Surdam Jr., Thomas Holovach, Darrell Holovach, Zoelena Poore, Jakob Hohn, Timmy Kinney and Caleb Jones. Zaynah Poore was recognized for being in the Junior program.
Dedication
The Banquet was dedicated to NHFD firefighter and friend Michael Cottrell who passed away on March 7, 2013. In the Banquet program it states, “Michael’s dedication and commitment to our fire department, and the friendship he had with all the people who were involved in his life, is something we will all never forget. Michael spent 26 years in the fire department holding positions as Assistant Chief, Safety Officer, Secretary, Vice President, Board of Directors and President, a position he held at the time of his passing. He was part of several committees including the Halloween committee and the Dance committee. Mike always looked forward to the Kids Dances and having fun with all the kids. We all know he’s still a part of us and is still out there helping us perform our duties at alarms.” A moving tribute of video photos displayed on the wall, with voice and guitar accompaniment by Joe Stellar reminded everyone of just how special Michael was.
Officers And Directors
Department Officers – President Charles Starr, Vice President Steve Gorman, Treasurer Eric Amidon, Social Treasurer Robert Cook, Secretary Joseph Steller.
Line Officers – Fire Chief Alan Bornt, First Assistant Chief Edward Bornt, Second Assistant Chief Eric Amidon, Third Assistant Chief John Lettre, Fourth Assistant Chief Steve Gorman, Operations Coordinator Joseph Steller, Safety Coordinator Charles Starr, Safety Officer Thomas Sullivan Sr.
Board of Directors – 2014 – Dean Brownell, Robert Cook and Steve Gorman, 2015 – Edward Bornt, Chairman Thomas Sullivan, Charles Starr, 2016 – Alan Bornt, John Lettre, Mitch Whalen.
Ladies Auxiliary – President Kathy Amidon, Vice President Michele Gorman, Secretary Tammy Hudson and Treasurer Missy Cottrell.
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