Annual Banquet and Awards Presentation

On Saturday April 19, 2008 the members of Schuyler Hose hosted our annual banquet and awards presentation at the Old Saratoga American Legion Post 278 on Clancy St. in the village.  In attendance was the Schuyler Hose Auxiliary, local officials from the Village of Schuylerville and Town of Saratoga, local emergency service representatives from  Saratoga County, David Nevins Fire Company, Middle Falls Fire Department, Fort Edward Fire Department and the Gen. Schuyler Emergency Squad.

Just as the Master of Ceremonies Richard Behrens was to begin the evenings introductions, SHC was dispatched for a grass fire with exposures on Chestnut St. about one block from the festivities.  A dedicated crew left the banquet, responded to the station, extinguished the fire and was back in time for the start of dinner.  Everyone enjoyed a sit down family style dinner prepared by Brian Bailey and his staff.  

After dinner the company officers were sworn into office by Schuylerville Mayor John Sherman.  The 2008-09 company officers are:

CHIEF & LINE OFFICERS

• Fire Chief - Brian Myers
• Asst. Chief - Administration Richard Drew
• Asst. Chief - Operations Thomas Benton
• Captain - Michael Barron
• Captain - Edward Carr
• Lieutenant - Scott Maguire
• Lieutenant - Rob Decker
• Safety Officer - Richard Behrens
• Fire Investigator - Albin "Bud" Pendrak

Assistant Chief Benton was not able to be present as he is serving our country in Afghanistan as a Major in the Army National Guard.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

• President - Joseph Turcotte
• Vice President - Richard Behrens
• Treasurer - Whitney Colvin
• Secretary - Frank Merrill
• Trustee - Tom Temple
• Trustee - George Graham
• Trustee - Hugo Leone

Following the swearing in of officers the following awards were presented:

AUXILIARY AWARDS

Auxiliary President Ronalee Myers presented the following service awards:

• 15 years Jeanie Huber
• 15 years Denise Young
• 15 years Dawn Patrick
• 30 years Cathy Drew

The auxiliary also honored outgoing President Dot Leone with a flower bouquet in recognition of her service.

TOWN OF SARATOGA AWARD

Town of Saratoga Supervisor Thomas N. Wood III presented the Town of Saratoga Emergency Services Award to Assistant Fire Chief Richard Drew.  Assistant Chief Drew has been an active member of SHC for over 30 years, was first appointed Lieutenant in 1980 and has served as a Chief officer for the last 25 years.

SHC HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Ray Lockwood was recognized for his countless years of support in working on the firehouse and his support of our mission of fire safety.  He was given a plaque making him an honorary member of Schuyler Hose.

SHC SERVICE AWARDS

President Turcotte and Chief Myers presented the following service awards:

• 5 years Rob Decker
• 5 years Matt Derway
• 30 years Whitney Colvin
• 30 years James Harris

SHC ATTENDANCE AWARDS

The following attendance awards were presented by President Turcotte and Chief Myers

• Todd Comtois 208hrs
• Richard Behrens 209hrs
• Hugo Leone 216hrs
• George Graham 243hrs
• Scott Maguire 263hrs
• Matt Derway 267hrs
• Ray Zerwick 269hrs
• Ed Carr 298hrs
• Mike Benson 344hrs
• Shane Buhrmaster 350hrs
• Frank Merrill 359hrs
• Rob Decker 365hrs
• Rick Drew 378hrs
• Ray Carr 435hrs
• Brian Myers 538hrs

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Firefighter of the Year was awarded to the member showing dedication and support to all activities and functions of the company. The award was voted on by the company membership and given to Matt Derway.

CHIEF'S AWARD

The Chief's Award was awarded to the member with outstanding performance in fire ground operations, training, and any other company activities assisting the Fire Chief. The award was given to Ray Carr as voted by the Fire Officers of the company.

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

The President's Award was earned by Frank Merrill because of his outstanding performance in committee work, fund raising and any other company activities assisting the President. The award was voted on by the Executive Officers of the company.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

There was a very special presentation to conclude the awards ceremony honoring outgoing Vice President and 2nd Assistant Chief Chip Young.  Chip has been the Vice President for a total of 19 years including the last 14 and also served one year as President, elected in April 1992.  Chip has been appointed as the 2nd Asst. Chief for the last 14 years serving under Chief's Drew and Myers.  Chip was awarded a Vice Presidents badge and his Assistant Chief helmet for his many years of dedicated service.

Following the awards ceremony members and guests enjoyed dancing with music provided by Mike Genevic and Justin Grimes of Happy Days Again DJ service.