by Bea Peterson
The 2010 Hoosick Falls Fire Department Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers on Saturday, January 30, was dedicated to Jim Downey and Dennis Bornt, who passed away in 2009. The program stated, “These two men will always be remembered for their dedication and commitment to the community and the fire department. They will be greatly missed by all and will always be in our heart.”
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was William Webster. Webster received special congratulations and an award for 25 years of service with the Department. He was also made a lifetime active member. Webster recalled that as a youngster he followed his firefighter cousin on his bicycle to watch him fight fires. He joined the Department as soon as he could, and he said he learned to drive a fire truck before he learned to drive a car. He told his fellow firefighters, “There are a lot of good guys and a lot of talent here. Through the highs and lows, stay with it.”
Dinner was provided by Jean’s Place and music and entertainment was provided by Complete Music.
Officers were installed by Hoosick Falls Police Chief Robert Ashe. Fire Police were installed by Hoosick Town Clerk Susan Stradinger.
Firematic Officers for 2010 are Fire Chief Ted Senecal, Jr., First Assistant Chief Robert Bornt, Second Assistant Chief Carlton Coon, Truck Captain Paul Davendonis, Engine Captain Daniel Periard, Fire Police Captain Brian Lampman, Truck Lieutenant Francis Parker, Fire Police Lieutenant Bernard Guerard.
Department Officers for 2010 are Chairman Brian Lampman, Sr., Treasurer William Webster and Secretary Georgiana Parker.
Board of Directors for 2010 are Don McCabe, Jules Coleman, Georgiana Parker and John Park, Sr.. The Board of Fire Commissioners are Chairman Bill Gaillard, Paul Alecksonis, Paul Davendonis, Tom McMartin and Tom Chirasello.
2009 Top Ten In Points
Receiving certificates and points for the numbers of drills and alarms attended in 2009 were Dan Periard with 697 points, Francis Parker, 606, John Parker, Sr., 522, Ted Brooks, 493, Wayne Houghton, 454, Monica Laubacker, 443, Shaun Blair, 407, Georgiana Parker, 406, Bernard Guerard, 385, and Ted Senecal, Jr., 338. Chief Officers do not include themselves on this list.
Special guests receiving recognition included Alan Bornt, Chief of the North Hoosick Fire Department, Asst. Chief Carl Brownell – West Hoosick FD, Chief Bill Rifenburgh, Jr. – Hoosick FD, Asst. Chief Brooks Stradinger – Buskirk FD, Chief John Cross – White Creek FD, Chief Erin Maxon – Johnsonville FD, Asst. Chief Joe Hayes – Bennington Rural FD, Erin Maxon for the Millerton Garage, The Eastwick Press, EMS Trainer Rita Kittel, Rensselaer County Chief Fire Investigator Jack Currin, Rensselaer County Deputy Fire Coordinator Aaron Cook and Battalion Five Coordinators Cyril Grant and Greg Morin.
