CCVFA Convention Germantown 07/27 & 7/28 2018
Annual Convention Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association
July 27th, 2018
First Session, Germantown Hose Co. #1, Palatine Park, Germantown NY.
Meeting called to order 7:30 PM.…............………......……Convention Parade Chairman
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.......…................................Sgt of Arms
Invocation.........................................……............................…County Chaplain
Gavel passed to President Foster.…..............…............… Convention Parade Chairman
Welcome and Greetings…....................................................President Foster of the Association
Memorial Service...............................................…………… County Chaplain
Roll call of Officers, Directors, & Past Presidents.... .......Recording Sect. James Brady
Roll call of Companies and Organization Delegates..........Recording Secty. James Brady
Introductions of Guests..........................................................Director
Reading of the Minutes & Communications.......................Recording Secty. James Brady
Reading and Vote of By-law Changes
Annual Report of the President........……............................Association President
Firefighter of the Year…………………………………… ..Chairperson
President to recognize all 50 year members ....................Association President
Annual Report of the Recording Secretary.............……... Recording Secretary James Brady
Annual Report of the Treasurer.......................................... Treasurer Richard VanDuesen
Presentation of attendance Awards....................………..Association President
Annual Red Hat Collection.....................................………County Sergeants of Arms
Report from County Coordinator........................................Coordinator Bill Hunt
Yearbook Committee 18-19...............………..…............. Chatham Fire Dept.
Report of Convention Parade.............................................Chairman
Appointment of Credentials Committee......................…
Benediction.......................................................………….. . County Chaplain
Adjournment.............................................………..................Entertainment and Refreshments
July 27th, 2018
First Session, Germantown Hose Co. #1, Palatine Park, Germantown NY.
Meeting called to order 7:30 PM.…............………......……Convention Parade Chairman
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.......…................................Sgt of Arms
Invocation.........................................……............................…County Chaplain
Gavel passed to President Foster.…..............…............… Convention Parade Chairman
Welcome and Greetings…....................................................President Foster of the Association
Memorial Service...............................................…………… County Chaplain
Roll call of Officers, Directors, & Past Presidents.... .......Recording Sect. James Brady
Roll call of Companies and Organization Delegates..........Recording Secty. James Brady
Introductions of Guests..........................................................Director
Reading of the Minutes & Communications.......................Recording Secty. James Brady
Reading and Vote of By-law Changes
Annual Report of the President........……............................Association President
Firefighter of the Year…………………………………… ..Chairperson
President to recognize all 50 year members ....................Association President
Annual Report of the Recording Secretary.............……... Recording Secretary James Brady
Annual Report of the Treasurer.......................................... Treasurer Richard VanDuesen
Presentation of attendance Awards....................………..Association President
Annual Red Hat Collection.....................................………County Sergeants of Arms
Report from County Coordinator........................................Coordinator Bill Hunt
Yearbook Committee 18-19...............………..…............. Chatham Fire Dept.
Report of Convention Parade.............................................Chairman
Appointment of Credentials Committee......................…
Benediction.......................................................………….. . County Chaplain
Adjournment.............................................………..................Entertainment and Refreshments
Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association
93rd Annual Convention
Firefighter of the Year
Lifetime Firefighter Achievement
Award Ceremony
July 27th, 2018
Committee Members
Laura Foster - CCVFA
John Blaauw-CCVFA
Eric Barnes-CCVFA
Steve Montie - CCVFA
Joseph H. Loeffler- Columbia County Fire Coordinator
Matthew Larabee – Chiefs Association
The first 2018 nominee who is awarded an Honorable Mention Award
for Lifetime Firefighter Achievement was nominated by the
H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2 and the Hudson Fire Department
We would be remiss if we did not honor these two gentlemen together
Chief James Coons and CCVFA Past President George Harp
Chief James Coons has dedicated over 60 years of service to the H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2 and the City of the Hudson Fire Department. He is a 50 year Life Member of the CCVFA, for which he served 17 years as Secretary. Mr. Coons has served many years as a company and department officer and is a Life Member of the Blue Vests.
President George Harp also a 60 year member of H.W. Rogers Hose Co. #2 and the City of the Hudson Fire Department has dedicated over a half century of his life to the CCVFA. Mr. Harp is a past President of the association. He is a Charter Life Member of the Blue Vests and has served in numerous company and department officer positions.
Both Jim and George have been dedicated members of the fire service for over 60 years and are still active today. They have traveled to many conventions and conferences together all over the state representing the fire association and the firefighters of the City of Hudson and Columbia County as a whole. One of their most important accomplishments over the years is their tremendous amount of work at the NYS Fireman’s Home to include the annual Christmas party and the Valley Day at the Home.
Chief Coons and President Harp, the CCVFA and this committee salute you gentlemen, for your years of service and dedication to not only the Hudson Fire Department, our community, but for your decades of commitment to the CCVFA.
The next 2018 nominee who is awarded an Honorable Mention Award for Lifetime Firefighter Achievement was nominated by the Mellenville Fire Company President Jeffrey French
Mr. Jeffrey French was nominated by the Mellenville Fire Company. He is a life member of the Mellenville fire company after having joined in 1970. During his lifelong service to the community he took on a roll as Director of the CCVFA culminating with serving as President in 1989. After his term of president he carried on the tradition of the Mellenville Fire Company by becoming the Recording Secretary of the CCVFA, which he proudly served for 24 years.
Not wanting to ‘retire’ Jeff continues his service to the community as the head of the Historical committee and remains an active firefighter within his company.
Past President French’s service to this Country, County and Community started well before he was a member of this great association. As a kid, Jeff’s family had an alarm box at his house. When people need the fire department, they would call Jeff’s house where the family would activate the siren to summon the other firefighters.
Mr. French served this great Nation during the Vietnam War and has been an active leader in the American Legion for decades. He has even served as State Commander.
Past President French’s list of accomplishments and services to the community. Beyond his dedication to the firefighters in this community, Jeff is a Mentor, Father and Grandfather to his family and many more in the greater Columbia County.
President French, the CCVFA and this committee commend you, for your decades of service and dedication to not only the Mellenville Fire Company, but to the entire fire service in Columbia County.
Mr. Jeffrey French was nominated by the Mellenville Fire Company. He is a life member of the Mellenville fire company after having joined in 1970. During his lifelong service to the community he took on a roll as Director of the CCVFA culminating with serving as President in 1989. After his term of president he carried on the tradition of the Mellenville Fire Company by becoming the Recording Secretary of the CCVFA, which he proudly served for 24 years.
Not wanting to ‘retire’ Jeff continues his service to the community as the head of the Historical committee and remains an active firefighter within his company.
Past President French’s service to this Country, County and Community started well before he was a member of this great association. As a kid, Jeff’s family had an alarm box at his house. When people need the fire department, they would call Jeff’s house where the family would activate the siren to summon the other firefighters.
Mr. French served this great Nation during the Vietnam War and has been an active leader in the American Legion for decades. He has even served as State Commander.
Past President French’s list of accomplishments and services to the community. Beyond his dedication to the firefighters in this community, Jeff is a Mentor, Father and Grandfather to his family and many more in the greater Columbia County.
President French, the CCVFA and this committee commend you, for your decades of service and dedication to not only the Mellenville Fire Company, but to the entire fire service in Columbia County.
The 2018 Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Associatio Lifetime Firefighter Achievement Award is presented to: President Kenneth Wilber
It is a tremendous honor to stand here before you and be able to present this award. Past President Ken H. Wilber meets the qualifications for the Lifetime Achievement Award to a ‘T’.
Mr. Wilber, has a body of work in the fire service which is unlike many others. His assiduous service continues to this day.
When we look at the qualifications to be considered for the Lifetime Firefighter Achievement award, we think of it as just that, A Lifetime of Achievement. When we envision them as check boxes, we can confidently and safely pronounce that Ken Wilber checks all of the boxes.
So in terms of a metric to measure a man's worth, we believe Mr. Wilber has most assuredly become the standard by which others should be judged, in overall service to his family, his Fire Department, and community.
Like many young residents in Columbia County, Mr. Wilber joined his local volunteer fire organization after turning 18 in 1964. Building upon the tradition of his father Charles Wilber and grandfather Fred Wilber (as well as many other family members and Ghent residents), he has served the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company with distinction for over 54 years. His service was only interrupted by his service to his Country in the United State Navy during the Vietnam War.
If you talk to a Ghent Firefighter, it is often said that when “Ken Wilber speaks, everyone listens”. This is true. However, this is not due to any bold statements or unnecessary brashness, but rather the respect he has earned through his measured approach to solving problems.
As a member, Ken has held most of the administrative offices of the Ghent Fire Company, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, and chair of various committees. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the Company Chaplain, utilizing his extensive knowledge of company history to share kind words and gratitude to fallen members and their families. He is also the Company’s “unofficial” liaison to many other organizations in the Town of Ghent and Columbia County, including the VFW Post, the Ghent Band, the Boy Scouts and many other groups.
In 1986, after a nine-year tour through the positions, he became the President of the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association (CCVFA). This might be one of Ken’s proudest accomplishments, as his presidency continued a tradition for the Ghent Fire Company, and helped to link the generations of fathers and sons in the fire service, following the Presidency of his father in 1962. But, most important to Ken was that this position was not just about his family or his fire company, but rather his ability to represent all Columbia County volunteer firefighters, and the fire service that is so important to him. After his tenure as President he has continued to be active in the CCVFA, and currently serves as the Chairman of the by-laws committee.
Ken has always looked to forward the causes of volunteer firefighters outside of the fire service as well. In his tenure as Ghent Town Supervisor and on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors in the 1980s and early 90s, his focus was on ensuring the Town and County supported the fire service, as well as the entire emergency management community as best as they could.
It is appropriate that in a time when volunteerism and community involvement are waning, that the achievements of Ken Wilber and the many other men and women like him are recognized. These individuals are true leaders, not because they asked to be, but because they earned it through their actions. Ken has been a leader and mentor to many throughout the Town of Ghent and Columbia County, whether he expected to or not. And, individuals like Ken, continue to serve as examples to all about pride in service and giving more than you receive.
To this day, he continues to selflessly serve as a seasoned veteran and friend to all, no matter your station, position or rank.
We are deeply indebted to Mr. Wilber, for his dedication and service to the Ghent Community and Columbia County as a whole.
As anyone in the Ghent Community who knows Mr. Wilber, his biggest accomplishment and most honorable title he holds is Father and Grandfather to a beautiful family. This accomplishment is exhibited right here on stage today with Kyle!!
It is a tremendous honor to stand here before you and be able to present this award. Past President Ken H. Wilber meets the qualifications for the Lifetime Achievement Award to a ‘T’.
Mr. Wilber, has a body of work in the fire service which is unlike many others. His assiduous service continues to this day.
When we look at the qualifications to be considered for the Lifetime Firefighter Achievement award, we think of it as just that, A Lifetime of Achievement. When we envision them as check boxes, we can confidently and safely pronounce that Ken Wilber checks all of the boxes.
So in terms of a metric to measure a man's worth, we believe Mr. Wilber has most assuredly become the standard by which others should be judged, in overall service to his family, his Fire Department, and community.
Like many young residents in Columbia County, Mr. Wilber joined his local volunteer fire organization after turning 18 in 1964. Building upon the tradition of his father Charles Wilber and grandfather Fred Wilber (as well as many other family members and Ghent residents), he has served the Ghent Volunteer Fire Company with distinction for over 54 years. His service was only interrupted by his service to his Country in the United State Navy during the Vietnam War.
If you talk to a Ghent Firefighter, it is often said that when “Ken Wilber speaks, everyone listens”. This is true. However, this is not due to any bold statements or unnecessary brashness, but rather the respect he has earned through his measured approach to solving problems.
As a member, Ken has held most of the administrative offices of the Ghent Fire Company, including President, Vice President, Treasurer, and chair of various committees. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the Company Chaplain, utilizing his extensive knowledge of company history to share kind words and gratitude to fallen members and their families. He is also the Company’s “unofficial” liaison to many other organizations in the Town of Ghent and Columbia County, including the VFW Post, the Ghent Band, the Boy Scouts and many other groups.
In 1986, after a nine-year tour through the positions, he became the President of the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association (CCVFA). This might be one of Ken’s proudest accomplishments, as his presidency continued a tradition for the Ghent Fire Company, and helped to link the generations of fathers and sons in the fire service, following the Presidency of his father in 1962. But, most important to Ken was that this position was not just about his family or his fire company, but rather his ability to represent all Columbia County volunteer firefighters, and the fire service that is so important to him. After his tenure as President he has continued to be active in the CCVFA, and currently serves as the Chairman of the by-laws committee.
Ken has always looked to forward the causes of volunteer firefighters outside of the fire service as well. In his tenure as Ghent Town Supervisor and on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors in the 1980s and early 90s, his focus was on ensuring the Town and County supported the fire service, as well as the entire emergency management community as best as they could.
It is appropriate that in a time when volunteerism and community involvement are waning, that the achievements of Ken Wilber and the many other men and women like him are recognized. These individuals are true leaders, not because they asked to be, but because they earned it through their actions. Ken has been a leader and mentor to many throughout the Town of Ghent and Columbia County, whether he expected to or not. And, individuals like Ken, continue to serve as examples to all about pride in service and giving more than you receive.
To this day, he continues to selflessly serve as a seasoned veteran and friend to all, no matter your station, position or rank.
We are deeply indebted to Mr. Wilber, for his dedication and service to the Ghent Community and Columbia County as a whole.
As anyone in the Ghent Community who knows Mr. Wilber, his biggest accomplishment and most honorable title he holds is Father and Grandfather to a beautiful family. This accomplishment is exhibited right here on stage today with Kyle!!
The 2018 Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association
Firefighter of the Year Award is presented to: Firefighter Jamie R. Preusser
In the words of Chief Edward F. Croker: When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work. ~Edward F. Croker
Firefighter Jaime R. Preusser was nominated by the Churchtown Fire Company #1.
In 2018 Firefighter Preusser went above and beyond to assist in saving the lives of two different men on separate occasions. The first incident was a sunny afternoon at the Boat Launch on CR-7 at Copake Lake. As Jaime was driving by he observed a car and what appeared to be something under it. As he inspected the incident he observed a man pinned under the car. Without hesitation, Jaime did what all heroes do, he reacted to help another human without regard for his own life and safety.
Firefighter Preusser was able to stabilize the car and free the man from under it, all while notifying 911. He assisted the man and waited for Community Rescue. It was later realized that the elderly gentlemen while exiting his vehicle, slipped and hit the gear shift causing the vehicle to roll over him and pin him under the car.
On a separate day, Firefighter Preusser was once again driving around the community when the Churchtown Fire Department was dispatched for a rescue call, being in the area he responded and located an elderly gentlemen that had fallen down an embankment and was stuck in trees in a stream, not able to move. FF Preusser, navigated the 20ft embankment and located the man who was conscious but bleeding from the head. He was able to extricate the man from the trees and stream. FF Preusser took off his shirt, wrapped the gentlemen’s head and was able to retrieve a blanket to wrap him in while he waited for further assistance and the ambulance, to bring the man to safety.
Maybe it was a case of “being the right place at the right time” ………..But I submit, this is an example of the heroic acts that we have come to know and expect from our Volunteers here in Columbia County!
Firefighter of the Year Award is presented to: Firefighter Jamie R. Preusser
In the words of Chief Edward F. Croker: When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work. ~Edward F. Croker
Firefighter Jaime R. Preusser was nominated by the Churchtown Fire Company #1.
In 2018 Firefighter Preusser went above and beyond to assist in saving the lives of two different men on separate occasions. The first incident was a sunny afternoon at the Boat Launch on CR-7 at Copake Lake. As Jaime was driving by he observed a car and what appeared to be something under it. As he inspected the incident he observed a man pinned under the car. Without hesitation, Jaime did what all heroes do, he reacted to help another human without regard for his own life and safety.
Firefighter Preusser was able to stabilize the car and free the man from under it, all while notifying 911. He assisted the man and waited for Community Rescue. It was later realized that the elderly gentlemen while exiting his vehicle, slipped and hit the gear shift causing the vehicle to roll over him and pin him under the car.
On a separate day, Firefighter Preusser was once again driving around the community when the Churchtown Fire Department was dispatched for a rescue call, being in the area he responded and located an elderly gentlemen that had fallen down an embankment and was stuck in trees in a stream, not able to move. FF Preusser, navigated the 20ft embankment and located the man who was conscious but bleeding from the head. He was able to extricate the man from the trees and stream. FF Preusser took off his shirt, wrapped the gentlemen’s head and was able to retrieve a blanket to wrap him in while he waited for further assistance and the ambulance, to bring the man to safety.
Maybe it was a case of “being the right place at the right time” ………..But I submit, this is an example of the heroic acts that we have come to know and expect from our Volunteers here in Columbia County!
Click on the photo above for photos of the convention by Sidewinder Photography.
Photos by Richard E. Lindmark