VOLUME 41 Issue #7 Friday, September 11, 2009

“COMPLIMENTARY COPY”Editor: STUART L. GATES, Stony Point, NY 10980

12 New Life Members at this Convention

After paying their dues for 25 years 12 volunteers will be named RCVFA Life Members tonight and be dues exempt, according to RCVFA Financial Secretary Robert A. Capello. Applause to each for their loyalty to RCVFA.

The new Life Members include Adam C. Feuer, Thomas Crapanazano, Bruce L. MacRae, Robert S. Kadin and Kevin M. Huslinger all five from Stony Point, with Steve D. Walter in Spring Valley Hook & Ladder Co. and Charles H. Buxton Jr. of Brewer Engine Co., Monsey.

Also two from Empire Hose Co., Piermont: Alejandro Rivera and RCVFA Junior Past President Nicolas M. Gatti Sr. From Nanuet FD is Domenick V. Giovinazzo, with Raymond McBrien with Jackson Hose Co. 3, Nyack. Plus Jeffrey Cool in Volunteer Hose Co. 2, West Haverstraw.

They’ll receive a Life Member certificated and a metallic golden wallet inscribed card.

Ten Saluted for 50 Yrs in RCVFA Tonight

Ten veteran volunteers will be recognized for their attending 50 years membership in the Rockland County VFA at this 97th Annual Convention. Congratulations to each says Robert A. Capello, RCVFA Financial Secretary who keeps the membership records.

Receiving their certificates and 50 years golden wallet cards are: Joseph D. Hannigan from Wayne Hose Co., John Burkert Sr. of Haverstraw’s Cosgriff Hose, , Lawrence Goswick with Empire Hose Co., Piermont

and Harold R. Hill in Empire Hook & Ladder Co. 1, Upper Nyack.

Also RCVFA’s Senior Past President Howard F. Schweitzer Jr. in SW Johnson SFE Co. 1 Garnerville. Two from Alert H,L and Engine Co., Congers: Robert A. Kraft and Robert Mayo. Likewise William Venezia with Knickerbocker Eng. Co. of Rockland Lake. And two from Ramapo: Louis DeJoie of Suffern’s Vol. Hose and George P. McDonnell in Sloatsburg.

SWJ’s Great-Granddaughter is Here

After much online research on the Garner and Johnson families, Matthew Mann of SW Johnson Fire Company of Garnerville found a post on a Dutchess County website from a woman named Dorothy looking for information on her Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother. Her Great-Grandfather was a Samuel W. Johnson and Great-Grandmother was Mary Newlin Verplanck. It didn’t seem this was the same as our founder because we knew he was married to William T. Garner’s sister Caroline, said Mann. Dorothy and I emailed each other and tried to figure if this was the Samuel Johnson that the firehouse was named after. Research finally showed that Caroline died giving birth and that Mary was his second wife and this meant that my email pen pal was in fact the Great-Granddaughter of our founder. Through information she had on her Aunt Edith’s gravesite we discovered that Samuel W. Johnson was buried in Fishkill Rural Cemetery in the family plot. Both SW Johnson Co. 1 of Garnerville and Co. 2 of Wappingers Falls had services at the site on Dec 13, 2008, the 127th

anniversary of his death. SW Johnson Co. 1 has motioned to have Dorothy flown out to New York from her home in California and she has agreed to be a guest in the RCVFA Parade. She will be arriving on

Page 2 THE TRUMPET

Sept 8th and staying till Sept 14th. We will be visiting Fishkill Rural Cemetery, Wappingers Falls, Stratford, CT, where the Johnson family homestead was located and Verplanck.

Dorothy Johnson O’Donnell, Welcome! She will be guest of the Garnerville volunteers at the Bricktown Inn in Haverstraw and at a “Family Dinner” by “Butch” Babcock at SWJ’s firehouse.

SV Columbians Pump Their 1868 Hand Tub

Their antique 1868 Button Hand Pumper was in Spring Valley in mid July for members of the Columbian Fire Engine Co. 1 to actually man the brakes (side bars) and work their second piece of apparatus. 141 years later, fully restored and working by Vince Jarosz. Mr. Jarosz is a private collector, member of the Granite State Hand Tub Assoc in New Marked, NH.

The Columbians former rig was on display and operated at the Spring Valley High School using a portable water tank set up as a water supply. (Thanks to Mahwah NJ Co. 5 on Stag Hill for bringing their tanker.) The local volunteers used their muscle power needed to throw a stream of water. Ten men on each side of the tub going up and down at the call of Jarosz.

“We welcomed home the rig that Columbians used for 30 years as fire suppression before the village was formed and as the only company in the area,” noted Ex-Chief Robert A. Capello. This antique was replaced in 1898 by a horse-drawn steamer. Often men pulled the 1868 Button over unpaved streets.

Fire photographers like Brian Duddy and Thomas W. Bierds were “On Scene” snapping many historic shots. Ye Editor asks “Nozzleman” Chris Nau “Are you ready to buy it back for asking price $85,000?” It originally cost $1,200!

Congratulations to Tallman Fire Volunteers on your 100th Anniversary of protecting your neighbors. You can be proud of the two men from Tallman who led RCVFA as Presidents: William Brubaker 1951-52 and Robert Burton 1984-85. Tallman hosted the RCVFA Conventions three times before this annual event.

Thank you Dept 20 for your always support. From the RCVFA Officers & Members

Firemanic Facts:

Need a birthday cake with 25 candles at 107 Washington Ave, Albany NY? This is the 25th

anniversary of the FASNY office at the state capital.

The project of FASNY Pres William J. Hopmeier and his visionaries FASNY had its own headquarters building opened in 1984 within the shadows of the capitol and Alfred E. Smith office buildings. ***********Seen Stony Point Fire Chief “Extra Happy”? Adam Feuer’s larger smile shows his pride and joy as Wayne Hose Co. won 2nd Best Dress Uniform Trophy at Verplanck;s 80th Anniversary Parade July 17th. Hudson Home Trustee Paul O’Brien is Verplanck Fire Chief again, with wife Jeannie their company president. ***********Sept. 1 is the deadline cut-off to secure your tickets for the Testimonial Dinner Cruise honoring James A. Ryan for his 10 years as FASNY Director. Ticket cost is $50.00 per for dinner, cocktails and dancing. It is on Sat, Sept. 19th as an enjoyable cruise on Lake George.

Checks are payable to Hudson Valley VFA sent to Barbara McGuirk, 156 Jenni Jill Dr, Warrensburg, NY 12885 or 518-361-4496. Also her email Bi533@yahoo.com. Mr Ryan is from Walden, NY and the Treasurer of the Hudson Valley VFA. ***********NYS Governor David Paterson did sign the bill to allow Rockland Lake Fire District to be exempt from the non-residents membership percentage limit. Now Dept. 14 can recruit members from outside their mostly un-populated district, says Chief Chris S. Ryan. ***********12 Explorers participated in Putnam County's 9th annual super drill, on Aug 1- 2, hosted by Lake Carmel FD. All had a good time, surviving training in the heat of Saturday and competition in the rain on Sunday. Led by Post Captain Brian Caselli and 1st lieutenant Casey Cich, two teams took home four trophies. The success at the awards ceremony was due in part by the support of 12 adults made up of advisors and relatives to cheer them on. Excellent teamwork was exhibited by all. On top of that, no injuries worse than a bug bite and no tents washed down the hill! Congratulations!

Welcome Hamburg an Main Germany firefighters!

Hillcrest 87 Pierce Helps Whallonsburg

The Hillcrest Fire Co. 1 helped the Whallonsburg Fire Co. in Essex County upgrade its engine. Our Rockland County Hillcrest sold its 1987 Pierce Lance 1000 GPM pumper with 6000 gals. water to the West Fort Ann Fire Co. volunteers. Thus West Ford Ann could donate its 1984 Ford Sanford engine to

Page 3 THE TRUMPET

Whallonsburg, whose chief is Kyle Wrisley. It is a cab-enclosed to help during Essex County winter snows!

Red Knights Poker Run Sept .27 Aid Bades

To raise funds for the family of the late Dave Bade, a Sloatsburg FD volunteer, the Rockland Chapter (NY18) of the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club is sponsoring a Poker-Run on Sunday, Sept. 27. Bade died recently leaving is wife Stacey and two children (Chris and Kelly). Bade served as a line officer during his 15 years in the Sloatsburg FD.

This is the Red Knights 5th Annual Poker-Run. The ride starts at the Sloatsburg firehouse on Rt. 17. Register between 9 AM to 10:30 AM. The ride finishes at the American Legion Field on Station Road, Pomona. Outback Steakhouse is providing the food. Entry fee is $20 per person.

You do not need a motorcycle to support this and have a good time. Please write checks payable to the Red Knights, c/o Friends of Dave Bade, PO Box 793, West Nyack, NY 10994, says John Durkin and John Tobin. You can help alleviate some of the Bade family financial burden.

For more info: 845-222-7185 or www.RedKnightsNY18.org This chapter 18 is composed of firefighters who enjoy motorcycle riding was formed in 2003 notes Vice-Pres. Todd Blauvelt. They hope to raise $10,000 with your help.

66 Being Honored For Local Long Service

At tonight’s 97th Convention, 66 veteran volunteers will be recognized for their 50 or more years as active firemen in their local company or home fire dept in Rockland County. Thanks to the dozen secretaries who responded to the letter from RCVFA Corresponding Secretary John Kryger (44-11), their names were submitted and RCVFA Certificates prepared. These men have given a total of over 2,791 years to their communities! (An average of almost 56 years each involved helping their neighbors) The most senior tonight is Leo Weishaar Jr. of Nanuet 72 years, with Past-Chief John D’Ambrosio of Volunteer Hose Co. 2, West Haverstraw and William H. Brubaker of Tallman each saluted for 70 years.

Nyack Fd submitted 12 names with 10 from Nanuet FD and nine from SW Johnson, Garnerville as the top three sent. All the names will be in the convention minutes.

Page 4 THE TRUMPET

Page 5 THE TRUMPET

Page 6 THE TRUMPET

Thanks to Tallman FD Hosts for Work

The Tallman FD volunteers hosting this convention and their 100th anniversary parade have a hard-working committee with Robert Doremus Parade Chairman. Scott Meier is Co-Chairman wit John Hock their Committee Secretary. Stephen DeBoer handles the finances.

Among their other Chairmen are John Zarcone the Convention Site, Sven Renud-Judges, Doreen Zarcone for Trophies, Robert Gamble handling Beverages, with Darlene Rothaupt and Stephen Steinhardt on Fund Raising. History Committee and County Yearbook includes Roberta Doremus and Robert Doremus with Robert Stevens. Chris Stevens covers the show mobiles/Golf Carts/Garbage details. Nick Torrano leads the Shirts/Mugs/Jackets that Tallman is selling. Crissy Konior is liaison to the Ambulance Corps. Parade route: George Doremus and John Hock.

To all the ladies auxiliary and fire dept members (more names than we can print here) many thanks for your time and efforts for success again.

Alworth Named Grand Marshal of Parade

Thomas Alworth Sr., a 62 years active member of the Orangetown Fire Co. 1, has been named Honorary Grand Marshal of the South Nyack Company’s 175th

Anniversary Parade. Respectfully known as “Farmer” Mr. Alworth is still a driver, chairs the driver’s committee, served many terms as Co. Engineer and trained apparatus drivers for over a half-century. He is a life-long resident of South Nyack, well-known to enjoy fishing and a good cigar. His son is also a member of the company “Rockland’s Oldest Fire Co”, organized Oct. 4, 1834.

The Saturday, Oct. 3 parade in Nyack steps off at 2 PM, going the usual route: South on North Midland Ave, West on Main St and South on Broadway to Cedar Hill Ave. Post parade refreshments hosted by each of the eight Nyack FD Volunteer Cos. at their firehouse for their guests, notes NFD Chief Robert Booth.

175th Anniversary Chairman Past Chief Brian Knecht and Orangetown Co. 1 President Steve Dizzine happily announced the honor given veteran member “Farmer Alworth”.

The Westchester Parade Judges are doing the gala with trophies awared about 8 PM at the South Nyack firehouse on Depot Place.

PA. Uses Rocklanders Geary & Lopresti

Two RCVFA members trained in NYS were pressed into service to be Sgt-at-Arms for the Adams County, PA. convention at New Oxford, PA. “Rendering Mutual Aid by Appointment” were Edward P. Geary and Frank LoPresti, two past presidents from Wayne Hose Co., Stony Point. Ed and Frank helped keep decorum at the PA. Thursday evening session, August 13th. They noted that the meal was early, fed before the convention (like Ossining 2008 hosting the Westchester County VFA). Ed Geary was RCVFA Sgt-at-Arms “years ago”.

Westchester and Orange VFA Conventions

Our bordering neighbors in both Westchester and Orange Counties will be holding their volunteer firemanic conventions later this month. You are welcome to “sign-in” and attend.

The officers of Westchester will hold their 103rd

annual convention and meeting commencing Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 at the Teamster’s Hall, 160 Saw Mill River Rd. (Rt. 9A), Elmsford. This is in conjunction with the Live Oak Engine Co’s centennial. Registration opens 5:30 to 7 PM. The Educational Seminar begins at 7 PM. Their meeting will be called to order at 8 PM. The WCVFA parade is Sat, Sept. 19th with 1 PM start. Robert Boddie Sr. is president.

Note: on Friday there will be an Open House hosted by Live Oak Engine Co. at its station, 5 North Lawn Ave., starting at 6 PM. More info contact WCVFA Secretary Robert H Ruston 845-569-2101 or Email: Rrusto@aol.com.

The volunteers in Orange County will gather at Walden on Thursday, Sept. 24th at 7:30 PM. Rick Penney is their President. The OCVFA parade Sat, Sept 26 steps off at 2 PM.

Coming Events;

Hillburn FD Annual Turkey Shoots Sundays Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, with rain date Nov. 8, 9 am to Dusk at Torne Valley Road.

Oct. 17, 7:30 pm, Comedy Night at Vol. Hose Co. 2, West Haverstraw, $25, limited seating, tickets 290-0607.

Saturday, Nov. 7 Wings Night at Nanuet fire house, 7 pm to Midnight, Chefs Paul Sullivan and Billy Schoenleber

Page 7 THE TRUMPET

Page 8 THE TRUMPET

CALENDARLISTINGS ARE FREE 845-786-3861 Deadline for Next Issue Last Wed. 09/30/09

Tomorrow ● Tallman 100th Anniversary & RCVFA Parade step-off 2 PM.● Gen. Montgomery Day Parade 10 AM.

Sun.., Sept.. 13 ● Grandparents Day.Tue., Sept. 15 ● RC Fire Prevention Committee meets 7:30 PM with Chairman Orin Ben-Jacob at Mt Ivy firehall.

● Happy birthday Sheryl Rose, Training Secretary at RCFTC. Blow out all the candles!● Ulster County VFA meets 8 PM

Wed., Sept. 16 ● Ladies Auxiliary of RCVFA meets 8 PM with Pres. Carol Cich at West Nyack firehouse.Thurs., Sept. 17 ● Fly your Flag. It’s US Constitution or Citizenship Day.

● RCFCA meet 7:30 PM at New City Engine Co. for Chiefs Assn. Past Presidents Night with Bruce Leonard, the incumbent President.

● Westchester County VFA 103rd Convention hosted by Live Oak Engine Co. 1, Elmsford at the Teamster’s Hall, Route 9A (160 So Central Ave), Register 5:30, Education 7 PM, with President Robert boddie Sr (Parade Sat 1 PM)

Fri., Sept. 18 ● Blood Drive 5-9 PM at Wayne Hose, Rt. 9W, Stony Point, Peter W. Hubert, Coordinator.Sat., Sept. 19 ● First Day of Rosh Hashanah.Sun., Sept. 20 ● Tallman Ladies Auxiliary Annual Fall Flea & Crafts Fair at Rt. 59 fire station 10 AM – 3 PM, Info: Mary

Ellen Doremus at 845-323-9112.● Orangetown fire depts. Field Day at Masonic Home Grounds in Tappan. Bring your own food/beverages.

Mon., Sept. 21 ● Hillcrest Fire Co 17th Steffens-Mayforth Golf Outing at New York Country Club, 103 Brick Church Rd., 10 AM Shotgun start, Reservations Gary Wren, Glenn Zahlmann

● Moslem Holy month of Ramaden ends.Tues., Sept. 22 ● Harold Straut, Pres. of RC Assn. of Fire Districts hosts meeting at 8 PM at his Nanuet fire house.Wed., Sept. 23 ● A second consecutive night at Nanuet 7:30 PM with Rockland Safety Officers Assn., Pres. Charlie Sharon.Thurs., Sept. 24 ● Orange County VFA Convention 7:30 PM at Walden with Pres. Rick Penney.Fri., Sept. 25 ● NJ & NY VFA meeting 8 PM at Co. 2 Center St in Elmwood Park, NJ with Pres. Stuart L Gates.

Speaker is Skane Moran, NYPD Scuba Team, Pier 1, Brookyn, All are Welcome notes RC DelegateWarren Lenny.

Sat., Sept. 26 ● Orangetown 1 Ladies Auxiliary Crafts Fair at the 90 Depot Place, South Nyack fire house, 10-4 PM, Details call Eileen Bacchi 845-268-4952, You are invited, FREE.

● Orange County VFA Parade 2 PM in Walden.● Fire Truck Muster 10 AM in Boonton, NJ.

Sun., Sept. 27 ● Hudson Valley Day at Hudson Home with HV Pres Donald Farrell. Legislative session starts 10 AM with Chairman James B. Hartwick, families welcome.

Mon., Sept. 28 ● Yom Kippur.● Putnam County VFA meets 7:30 PM at Kahopac Falls firehouse wit Pres .Harold Riesdorph.

Wed., Sept. 30 ● RCVFA Board of Directors re-organization meeting 7:30 PM with Chairman Bruce McClintock and with Tallman Convention Host Committee at Tallman firehouse.

Sat., Oct. 3 ● Orangetown Fire Co. 1 175th Anniversary Parade in Nyack, 2 PM step-off ,Thomas Alworth the Grand Marshal.

● Sussex County VF 1 PM at Hamburg , NJ.● Middletown FD 150th Anniversary Parade 1 PM.

Sun., Oct. 4 ● Fire Prevention Week begins, Theme: “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.”● Car Show by Cosgriff Hose Co. 4 of Haverstraw, 8 AM to 3 PM, at Bowline Point Park with trucks, motorcycles,

antiques, food, vendors, Free Admission, Details call Ex-Chief Crowley 429-7372.Tues., Oct. 6 ● NYS Firemen’s Memorial Albany LODD name of Gomer Morgan of Mazeppa Engine Co. 2 to be honored.Thurs., Oct. 8 ● Happy Birthday Patrice Galvin, Secretarial Asst RCFTC! Enjoy your ice cream and cake.Fr.i, Oct. 9 ● Next meeting of RCVFA 8 PM at Volunteer Hose Co. 2, E. Railroad Ave., West Haverstraw, Town VP

John Intrieri host. Chief George Zayas will present educational program. Do come with a friend and see their blue colored apparatus

To view this newsletter on line, please go to the following web site: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Fire/default.htmlThanks to Sheryl Rose, Nancy Baker, John Kryger and Andy Best.

FROM THE FIRE COORDINATOR’S OFFICE

If you happen to see a county tour bus, with flames coming from both the sides and the rear, driving along Rockland County roads, don’t dial 9-1-1. It is the latest innovative idea successfully implemented by the “Committee to Promote Volunteerism in Rockland County Emergency Services.” Frank Hutton and Mike Kramar, along with the other members of the committee, designed and had installed the fiery design, which was funded by Key Bank and approved by County Executive Scott Vanderhoef, with cooperation of the county Public Transportation Department.

On August 19th the formal press conference was held with the County Executive and members of the Creative Approach Committee. The next day we received the first call from an individual who had seen the bus and was asking for an application to join his local fire department. Kudos to all involved!