by Bea Peterson
Pharmacist Jim Monahan was made an Honorary Member of the Hoosick Rescue Squad at its Recognition Banquet on Sunday, February 23, and Squad member Rita Kittel was recipient of the first Joan Rogers Service Award.
[private]Monahan, owner of Thorpe’s Pharmacy, was recognized for his countless contributions and support to the Squad over the years, supplying whatever they needed, whenever they needed it. In accepting the Honorary Membership plaque he told those gathered at the Hoosick Falls Country Club that his support of the organization was nothing in comparison to the countless hours and training the members endure to keep the Squad going successfully.
The late Joan Rogers was a member of the Hoosick Rescue Squad for 40 years. Her boundless energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the Squad were an inspiration to many of the members. This year, in her honor, the Squad presented Rita Kittel with The Joan Rogers Service Award. Rita has been a member of the Rescue Squad for 33 years. She exemplifies all the qualities Joan showed throughout her life. Kittel was overwhelmed by the honor. She said, “Joan turned over some of her responsibilities to me and I continue to do them to this day.”
Other Recognitions
Rescue Squad President Bill Gaillard presented recognitions to the many Volunteer Fire Departments and Rescue Squads in attendance, to Bennington Hospital and to Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote who was also in attendance.
Service Awards
Nick Hunt, Cindy Mattison and Harold McClellan were recognized for five years of service to the Squad. Georgiana Parker was recognized for 15 years, John May for 25 years, Carol Hanselman for 30 years and Sue Eddy for 35 years.
The delicious dinner was followed with entertainment by magician Joey D.
588 Calls
The Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad responded to 588 calls this past year for a total of 3,041 man hours.
The following is a list of members and the number of calls they responded to through the year: Shaun Blair – 131, Auxiliary Driver Al Bornt – 2, Auxiliary Driver Robert Bornt – 26, Tanya Brock – 38, Squad Secretary Beth Cipperly – 83, Board Member Bernie Davock – 53, Missy Davock – 20, Junior Member Holliann Devereese – 32, Board Member Sue Eddy – 125, Jessica Fisher – 47, President Bill Gaillard – 216, College Student Brett Hanselman – 7, Board Member Carol Hanselman – 25, Junior Member Brandon Hodges – 63, College Student Nick Hunt – 60, Kyle Kelly – 18, Rita Kittel – 59, Auxiliary Driver John Lettre – 50, Vice President Deborah Lohnes – 133, Justin Matatt – 40, Accounts Payable Cindy Mattison – 128, Pam Mayhew – 25, Board Member Harold McClellan – 44, Accounts Receivable Roseann Miller – 61, Military Member Nathaniel Moseley – 25, Jason Paiko – 37, Board Member Georgi Parker – 68, Auxiliary Driver John Parker – 5, Captain Ron Sampath – 34, Jane Swan – 75. Other Squad members are Bryan Amidon, Board Member John May and Jeff Swan.[/private]