A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crew successfully tested the state’s Firehawk fire fighting system on Wednesday, August 4, in the Mohawk River near the Colonie Town Park.
The Firehawk system consists of a 1,000 gallon tank and spray apparatus that fits beneath a Blackhawk helicopter and can be filled with a pump system and hose from a river or lake in 60 seconds. It is able to drop all or just part of its water payload. It can also be filled with other types of fire retardant material such as foam. The landing gear of the Blackhawk must be modified to accommodate the system.
[Read more…] about New York Army National Guard Aviators Train On Firehawk System
Rensselaer County
The Official Municipal Seals Of New York
by David Flint
The official seals of the Towns of Hoosick, Stephentown, Petersburgh and Grafton, among others, could be seen in one of the displays presented by Marvin Bubie in his illustrated talk to the Stephentown Historical Society on Monday. Americans, according to Bubie, having thrown out the King also largely abandoned the ancient tradition of regal and noble heraldry on state seals. Seals of American states, counties, cities and towns often depict historic events and many are just scenic. Some have retained heraldic imagery such as Stephentown’s use of the Van Rensselaer coat of arms borrowed by permission from the family.
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Hall Of Heroes
by Kieron Kramer
On Monday, July 12, a ceremony was held in the entrance foyer of the Rensselaer County Legislative Chambers unveiling a memorial to Lt. Col. William J. O’Brien and Sgt. Thomas A. Baker; both made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and both are recipients of this nation’s highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. The memorial is part of the Hall Of Heroes to be located permanently in the Rensselaer County Office Building. [Read more…] about Hall Of Heroes
Native Of Averill Park Promoted To Brigadier General
Scott Jansson’s family from Averill Park was able to watch the Air Force officer’s promotion to Brigadier General on May 17 live via a video hookup between Baghdad and the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham, NY. Jansson’s parents, Wes and Eileen Jansson, sister and brother-in-law Susan and Neil Gardner, brother, Randy Jansson, sisters, Deanna Harrington and Aimee Dodge and Aunt Edie Beach watched the ceremony on a television monitor.
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Rensselaer County Legislature – June Meeting
by Kieron Kramer
Not a jot, not a whit of business relating directly to the Eastwick coverage area occurred at the Rensselaer County Legislature’s meeting on Tuesday, June 8, unless you count the presentations made to the families of Robert “Bob” Pollock of Brunswick and Rev. Harold “Hap” Carrier of Troy. [Read more…] about Rensselaer County Legislature – June Meeting
Rensselaer County Legislature Meeting – May 2010
by Kieron Kramer
An Inspiration
The family of Sylvester “Si” Close appeared in the well of the Rensselaer County Legislature during the presentation period on Tuesday to receive copies of the resolution passed last month honoring his memory. Close died on March 9 at the age of 84 after a life filled with community service. [Read more…] about Rensselaer County Legislature Meeting – May 2010
Women On A Mission
by Alex Brooks
The women of the Cancer Services Program of Rensselaer County are on a mission – to detect cancer early and get treatment for those who need it. Program Manager Aimee Pachucki said they have been driving all over Rensselaer County and discovering the back roads in the Eastern part of the County, meeting lots of people and trying to get the word out that cancer screening is easy and free and it saves lives.
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April Is The Cruelest Month
Rensselaer Plateau Forums
by David Flint
About 60 people attended a Community Forum on the future of the Rensselaer Plateau held Monday evening at the Stephentown Fire Hall. The Forum was sponsored by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, the Capital District Chapter of the New York Forest Owners Association, the Home Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Black River Raiders Snowmobile Club.
[Read more…] about Rensselaer Plateau Forums
Two From Eastern Rensselaer County Honored
by Kieron Kramer
At its meeting on Tuesday evening, the Rensselaer County Legislature passed two resolutions focussing on residents of Eastern Rensselaer County. One honored a girl from Grafton just starting on the road of life, whose future is full of possibilities. One remembered a Stephentown man whose travels have ended, who lived a life well spent, full of accomplishments and service for his community.
[Read more…] about Two From Eastern Rensselaer County Honored