By Alex Brooks
The Graton Volunteer Fire Department held its Installation Banquet on Saturday, May 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. After a welcome from Master of Ceremonies Jim Goyer, the invocation was given by Paster Jason White of the Grafton Baptist Church, and a sumptuous dinner was provided by the hotel.
[private]After dinner, guests were introduced, and two of them spoke briefly to the Grafton firefighters. County Executive Kathy Jimino said Rensselaer County is undertaking a capital project to upgrade emergency radio communications at a cost of $12.5 million. She said in this way the County will step up to support the great work done by local volunteer Fire Companies.
County Fire Coordinator Ivan Wager also had a few words to say, calling everyone’s attention to a fire in Grafton at the Maxfield residence. He said when he arrived, the structure was “fully involved,” and there were only five or six firefighters on scene. He said those few firefighters did a great job putting out the fire, calling it one of the best stops he has seen. He asked the firefighters who fought that fire to stand and they were applauded.
Fire Department awards were then given, and just to keep everyone on their toes, Noelle Goyer and Jay Goyer switched it up, with Jay presenting the Ladies Auxiliary awards, and Noelle presenting the Fire Department awards.
The Ladies Auxiliary welcomed new members Julia Goyer, Sharon Lecce, and Lynne Weir, and gave pins in recognition of five years service to Melissa Rifenburg and Julie Dunteman.
In the past year, Melissa Rifenburg had the most hours, with 76 hours. Lynn Weir was second with 62 hours, and Samantha Crandall third with 50 hours.
The Fire Department welcomed new members Patrick Reger, Noelle Goyer, Julia Goyer, Bill Bott, and Don Raymond. Years of Service awards were presented to Bill Keenan for 20 years, and Richard Cerutti for 5 years.
Chief Jim Goyer attended the most drills and the most calls. He went to 41 drills, and 76 calls during the year. The second most drills was Tyler Baldwin with 38, and third was Duane Rifenburgh with 29. The firefighter with the second most calls attended was Jay Goyer with 51, and third was Rick Goyer with 49.
Patrick Reger was named Rookie of the Year, and Chief Jim Goyer was given the award for Firefighter of the Year.
After thanks were given to those who had organized the banquet and the raffle, and Jim Goyer thanked everyone who works on the monthly Fire Department breakfasts throughout the year, Pastor Jason White gave the Benediction, and the party moved on to the music and dancing phase in an adjoining room.
Fire Dept Officers are:
Chief: James Goyer
1st Assistant Chief: Richard Goyer
2nd Assistant Chief: Jay Goyer
Captain: Tyler Baldwin
Lieutenant: Justin Levsha
President: Justin Levsha
Vice President: Noelle Goyer
Secretary: Tyler Baldwin
Treasurer: Rich Reger
Fire Police: Bill Bott
Safety Officer: Don Raymond
Ladies Auxiliary Officers:
President: Noelle Goyer
Vice-President: Melissa Rifenburg
Secretary: Lynne Weir
Treasurer: Erika Sausville
Fire Commisioners:
William Keenan, Sandy Hasbrouck, Jeff Paine, Duane Rifenburgh, and Mike Smith.
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