Written and Submitted by Ann Kiely
On Wednesday, September 21, Grafton Fire Chief Jim Goyer presented a program on the Grafton Fire Department to the Grafton Historical Society. Chief Goyer is the longest serving Fire Chief in Rensselaer County, and has been a member of the fire company since he was sixteen years old, seeing many changes in the department over the years. One thing that has not changed is the commitment of his family to the fire company, as three generations have served.
According to Chief Goyer, the process for becoming a fire district commenced in 1941 and was finalized in 1950. Mentioning the names of the early members brought a knowing sigh from members of the audience. Chief Goyer recounted the history of the equipment used by the department and many of the changes used in fighting fires, one of which was the use of compressed foam to extinguish fires.
The company currently has thirty members, and new members are always welcomed. Like most of the volunteer companies in Rensselaer County, only a handful of members are available during daytime hours putting a strain on the few who are available.
