by Bea Peterson
The Hoosick Falls Fire Department has served the community for 167 years. On Saturday, January 24, officers were installed at the Annual Banquet. A scrumptious dinner was served by Jean’s Place. Outgoing Chief Robert Bornt was Master of Ceremony. Rev. Dale Hall gave the Invocation that included a moment of silence for all deceased members, and the Benediction. Music was provided by Matt Shaw.
[private]Officers were installed by Battalion 5-0 Commander Cyril Grant. Fire Police were installed by Battalion 5-1 Commander Greg Morin. Appreciation awards were presented to Grant and Morin, the Hoosick Rescue Squad, several neighboring Fire Departments, the Hoosick Falls Police Department, the Hoosick Falls Highway Department, Riverside Laundromat & Car Wash and Gerry McAuliffe for their assistance and support throughout the year.
Officers For 2015
Firematic Officers are Chief Paul Aleksonis, First Assistant Chief Paul Davendonis, Engine Captain Robert Bornt, Engine Lieutenants John Parker, Ashley Bacon and Shaun Blair. Safety Officers are Jon Coon and Carl Coon. Training Officer is Don McCabe. Fire Police Captain is Brian Lampman, and Fire Police Lieutenant is Amy Parker.
Department Officers for 2015 are Chairman Brian Lampman, Treasurer Tim Hayes and Secretary Georgiana Parker.
Those serving on the Board of Directors are Cathy Aleksonis, Don McCabe, Amy Parker, Georgiana Parker and John Parker, Sr.
The Department Fire Commissioners are Chairman Brian Lampman, John Cross, Andy Kipp, John Parker and Niel Stowell.
Dan Cramer, Colby Davendonis and Charles Hodge have completed the Firefighter I class this year, while CJ Yavaniski is presently taking the class.
Top Five
Five members of the Department received awards for responding to the most calls and participating in the most drills in 2014. They were Paul Aleksonis, Ashley Bacon, Colby Davendonis, Brian Lampman and John Parker, Senior. Chief Bornt and First Assistant Chief Paul Davendonis were also included with high participation but exempted themselves from receiving awards.
Members of the Department not mentioned in other categories include Nathan Brown, Daniel Cramer, Linda Meron, Daniel Perlard, Brody Sargood, Jane Swan and Jeffrey Swan.
Each member of the Department received a bright red sweatshirt, while Bornt and Paul Davendonis received jackets.
143 Calls
During 2014 the Department responded to 143 calls. They included one Animal Rescue, 15 Mutual Aid/Stand By, nine Water Problems, five Lock Outs, six Structure Fires, 26 Fire Alarms, four Brush Fires, 12 Hazard Conditions, 10 Wires Down, 11 EMS Assistance, 13 Good Intent, 15 Motor Vehicle Accidents, five CO Detector/Furnace Problems and eight Service Calls.
Active members with long years of continuous service include Wayne Houghton – 57 years, Dave Hanselman – 47 years, Carlton Coon – 43 years, Don McCabe – 37 years and John Parker, Sr. – 31 years.
Gaillard Honored
Bill Gaillard was recognized by the Department with an appreciation plaque and clock for serving 22 years as a Fire Commissioner.
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