Installation Celebrates Members’ Longevity
By Doug La Rocque
Outgoing Stephentown Fire Department President Henry Zwack put into words what is in the heart of every volunteer firefighter. “To be a volunteer requires no exceptional or heroic qualities. There is no magic formula or combination of talents that define us. We are no braver than our neighbor-but perhaps braver for a few minutes more- but everyday we meet the challenge of having the courage to respond to a call for help.” If you are looking for examples of that courage and strength, look no further than the length of service roster for this department.
Member 65 years or more: Paul Sykes and Carter Griswold.
Member 60 years of more: Frank Zwack Sr.
Member 55 years of more: Wesley Edwards Jr., Frank Mohos and Lawrence Sweener.
Member 50 years or more: Douglas Griswold, Roland McClave III and Alan Sicely.
Member 45 years or more: Kirk Atwater, Fr. John Close, David Cornell, Patrick Curtin, Danny Hoffman, Patricia Spaniol and William Spaniol.
Member 40 years or more: Neil Gardner, David Goodermote, Cathylne Lawless, John Meekins, Frank Zwack and Henry Zwack.
Member 35 years or more: Robert Adler, Cyril Grant, Donald Hoffman, Jonathan Koepp, and Paul McMillan
Member 30 years or more: Jean Kosche, Tammy Madden, James Spaniol and Stephen Whitman
Member 25 years or more: David Whitehouse and Jeff Brokalis
Member 20 years or more: Mickey Atwater, David Corlew, Charles Riccardi, Janet Whitehouse, Tammy Whitman, Debbie Zwack, F. Joseph Zwack.
Member 15 years or more: James Bonesteel, Richard Burgess and Patricia Goodermote.
Member 10 years or more: Alex Haley, Julie Joyner, Patrick Whitman, John Zwack, Mark Zwack and Michael Zwack.
Installed by Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo as Chief of the Department was Jonathan Angley, Assistant Chief – Fire Jeffrey Brokalis, Captain – Fire Stephen Whitman, Captain – Fire Police Alex Haley, President Brett Chmura and Vice President Jonathan Koepp.
The Town is known as The Only Stephentown on Earth. It may well be home to some of the longest serving volunteer fighters on earth as well.