By Doug La Rocque
Those who dedicate a good portion of their lives protecting the residents of Grafton, got a night off this past Saturday to install their new slate of officers, have a great dinner and a little party time. [private] Chief Jim Goyer took the oath of office for the 39th time, becoming Chief of the Department the first time way back in 1978. Chief Goyer is the longest tenured chief in the county. Joining him as Deputy Chiefs are his brother Richard and son Jay. Duane Rifenburg was installed as Captain and Adam Collen as Lieutenant.
Justin Levsha is President, Noelle Goyer is Vice President and Tyler Baldwin was sworn in as Secretary. Jim Goyer also serves as Treasurer and Bill Bott Fire Police Captain. Noelle Goyer remains as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, with Melissa Rifenburg Vice President, Lynne Weir Secretary and Erika Sausville Treasurer.
Duane Rifenburg was honored for answering the most calls in the past year, and the Auxiliary honored Beulah Baker, as well as Michael and Sharon Crandall as lifetime members.
Samantha Crandall has 18 years of service, Noelle Goyer and Erika Sausville have nine years of service, with Melissa Rifenburg and Lynne Weir each having spent seven years in the Auxiliary.
Three Generations Of Goyers Saluted By The County Legislature
At its most recent meeting, the Rensselaer County Legislature approved a resolution that honored Harold, Jim, Richard and Jay for a combined 185 years of service in the Grafton Fire Department. Harold, Chief Goyer’s father, is working on 70 years as a member, while Chief Goyer has 49 years. Brother Richard has been a member for more than 45 years as has Herb Hasbrouck. Jay Goyer has 23 years in the department, Richard Reger 11 years, Tyler Baldwin eight and Justin Levsha six.
The Legislature’s resolution, which will be presented to the Goyer family, calls them “truly dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of their community and have provided outstanding service to those who have been in dire need, thus contributing to the welfare of the Town of Grafton and Rensselaer County.”
The event was held at the Brunswick Greens Golf course and Tavern. Congratulations from The Eastwick Press to all the men and women of the Grafton Fire Department and Auxiliary. [/private]