by Bea Peterson
On Saturday, February 28, the Hoosick Falls Fire Department held its Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers at the firehouse. Master of Ceremonies was William Webster. The Invocation and Benediction were given by Larry Foster. During the Invocation a moment of silence was observed for all deceased members, particularly David Meron who died in the line of duty in July 2008. The Banquet was dedicated in his loving memory.
Fire Police were installed by Town Clerk Sue Stradinger. Officers were installed by Richard Daus from the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control. He was also guest speaker. Daus has been a part of the fire service for 30 years. He spoke humorously of his varied experiences, including being part of the team on hand for emergencies at Lake Placid when former President Bill Clinton and senatorial candidate Hillary Clinton were in town and again when the Pope was in New York City. On a more serious note he spoke of being at the World Trade Center for several days following 9/11. He spoke of first responders who put their lives at risk daily. He said the fire service is one big brotherhood and sisterhood across the country and he’s proud to be a part of it.
Special Award
Ted Senecal, Chief in 2008, made a special presentation of a plaque and pin to Linda Meron, widow of Dave Meron who was a member of the HFFD Fire Police. She and his memory were honored with a standing ovation.
Senecal reported the Department responded to 167 calls last year. He commended the Department and all the Departments that responded to the structure fire on Second St. in January. One house was destroyed, but two other homes were saved.
Awards
Colby Waytkus and Jeffrey Waytkus were recognized for five years of service to the Hoosick Falls Fire Department. Robert Bornt and Ted Senecal each have 10 years, Jonathan Coon has 15 years and John Parker, Sr. was recognized for 25 years of service and lifetime active status.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to the North Hoosick, White Creek, Buskirk, Pittstown, West Hoosick, Hoosick, Cambridge and Bennington Rural Fire Departments as well as the Town of Hoosick and Johnsonville Rescue Squads, the Hoosick Falls Police Department, the Village of Hoosick Falls, the Village Highway Department, the Town of Hoosick, Fire Coordinator Jack Burns, the Eastwick Press and the Riverside Laundromat.
2009 Officers
Firematic Officers for 2009 are Chief Jonathan Coon, First Assistant Chief Robert Bornt, Second Assistant Chief Carl Coon, Truck Captain Paul Davendonis, Engine Captain John Park, Sr., Fire Police Captain Georgiana Parker, Engine Lieutenant Dan Periard, Truck Lieutenant Fran Parker and Fire Police Lieutenant Bernard Guerard. Department Officers are Chairman Bonnie Senecal for two years, Treasurer William Webster and Secretary Georgiana Parker.
On the Board of Directors for three years is Don McCabe. Dan and Jules Coleman are serving two year terms, and Georgiana Parker is serving a one year term.
Chief Coon gave special recognition to the 2009 HFFD Commissioners for their tireless work behind the scene. They are Chairman Bill Gaillard and members Paul Aleksonis, Dennis Bornt, Paul Davendonis and Jim Downey.
Points System
The point system total for 2008 was 887. The three chiefs are not eligible for awards. An average of 11 members respond to each call and an average of 12 members attend drills.
HFFD members are awarded points and receive awards for the number of volunteer hours they put in. The top ten point leaders for 2008 were Fran Parker, 732 points, Dan Periard 719, John Parker, Sr. 632, John Parker, Jr. 549, 51 year member Wayne Houghton 483, Robert Bornt 462, Bernie Guerard 429, Georgiana Parker 405, Paul Davendonis 352 and Jay Palitsch 329 points.