by David Flint
Lynn Kane, 25 year Rensselaer County EMS and Fire Instructor, returned as guest speaker for the Stephentown Fire Department’s 2015 Installation Dinner held Saturday evening, January 10. [private]Recovering from a life threatening stroke suffered just recently on November 23, Kane said she had been humbled to find herself on the receiving end of emergency services and lucky to have loving friends who were also EMTs, including Fire Chiefs who also responded to help out. Kane’s message was basically that fire fighters and first responders who spend so much time serving their community should also remember to take time for self and for family and friends.
Thanks From The County Executive
Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino thanked the members for “being the ones who get up in the middle of the night when it’s 5 degrees out, the ones who push away from the Christmas table or hasten away from a birthday party to answer a call.”
Radio System Upgrade
More than words though, she said that the County this year will demonstrate its support for first responders by upgrading to an 800 megahertz digital radio system. The radio system, she said, was originally the brainchild of Henry Zwack, and the County will now take it to the next level – from analog to digital. With new towers added and new microwave equipment, the County’s total investment will come to about $12 million.
Henry Zwack, again serving aptly as master of ceremonies, welcomed Jimino and other guests who included Stephentown Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt, Stephentown Councilman Bill Jennings, County Public Safety Director Kelly Paslow, County Legislator from the City of Rensselaer Mike Stammel, EMS Zone Coordinators Amy Manchester and Rose Metchick and representatives of neighboring fire and ambulance departments including Billy and Tammy Osterhout from Berlin, Bill Seel from Petersburgh and Mitch Levinn and Joe Crandall from Hoags Corners.
Badges Awarded
Badges of the Year were awarded to Fire Captain John Angley, Fire Lieutenant Bryan Barnum, EMS Captain Lynda Lewis and Fire Police Tammy Whitman and Ian Lanier.
Active Service Awards
Active Service Awards went to Bryan Barnum, Katie Goodermote and Luis Rodriguez for five years, Alex Haley for ten years, Jim Bonesteel for 15 years, Dave Corlew for 20 Years and Henry Zwack and Frank Zwack, Jr. for 40 years.
Over 50
Members who responded to over 50 calls in 2014 included Bryan Barnum, Dan Ebbert, Bill Jennings, Lynda Lewis, Tammy Madden and Rik McClave.
2015 Officers
The following officers were sworn in by Cyril Grant, Stephentown Town Justice and Battalion 5-0 Coordinator:
Chief – Joseph Zwack
Assistant Chief – Fire – Donald Hoffman
Assistant Chief – EMS – Rowland McClave III
Captain-Fire – John Angley
Captain-EMS – Lynda Lewis
Captain-Fire Police – Alexander Haley
Lieutenant-Fire – Bryan Barnum
Lieutenant-Fire – Gary Joyner
Lieutenant-EMS – Justin Cameron
Safety Officer – Charles Riccardi
Safety Officer – Stephen Whitman
President – Christopher Headley
Vice President – John Linton
Secretary – Tammy Whitman
Treasurer – William Jennings
Director – Alexander Haley
Director – Robert Adler
Director – Frank Zwack, Sr.
Director – Charles Hoffman
Director – Dave Cornell
Fire District #1 Officers
Commissioner – Richard Burgess
Commissioner – Doug Griswold
Commissioner – Lewis Sharp
Commissioner – Frank Zwack, Sr.
Commissioner – John Linton
Treasurer – Andrew Maguire
Secretary – Patricia Goodermote
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