The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Petersburgh

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Marking 78 Years Of Dedication to Petersburgh

By Doug La Rocque

The members of the Petersburgh Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary gathered Saturday, July 27 at the Berlin Rod and Gun Club for the annual Installation Banquet and Clam Steam, and to mark the Department’s 78th year, having been founded in 1941.

Mark Murray is taking over as the new chief from Mike Lindsey, who has served in that role for the past two years. This is Mark’s first term as chief.  He will be assisted by a group of line officers who have years of experience for him to draw on, including the new Assistant Chief Richard (Dickie) Snyder, who was chief himself from 2003 to 2006. Other officers installed for 2019-20 are Pat Adrion as Captain #1, Nathan Michaels as Captain # 2, and Shawn Babcock as Captain # 3.  Earl Brock is Safety Officer, along with Mike Harrison. Charlie Carr is Captain of the Fire Police, with Siegfried Krahforst as his Lieutenant.

The members of the Petersburgh Fire Department and Auxiliary take the oath of office on Saturday during the annual Installation Banquet (more photos on page 2). Photo by Doug La Rocque.

Katie Snyder is Secretary and Martin Conboy is Treasurer. The Fire Auxiliary President is Sue Bedford, Vice President is Nina Morgan, while Lisa Adrion is Secretary and Barb Nicpon is Treasurer.

Siegfried (Ziggy) Krahforst (center) is congratulated on his 50 years of service to the Department by Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin (right) and Jay Wilson, the Director of the Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety. Photo by Doug La Rocque.

Earl Brock is the longest serving member of the Department, having been with them for 53 year. He is also a past chief.  A number of plaques and certificates were also handed out, including a special presentation with County Executive Steve McLaughlin, marking Siegfried (Ziggy) Krahforst’s 50th year of active service.