THE BOOSTER LINE A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO GREENE COUNTY FIRE VOLUNTEERS SPRING 2018

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1 THE BOOSTER LINE A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO GREENE COUNTY FIRE VOLUNTEERS SPRING 2018 A FIRST RESPONDER S SWEET SURVIVAL KIT LIFESAVERS to remind you of the many times you have been one STARBURSTS for the burst of energy that you always need HERSHEY KISSES to show love for you GUM to help everyone stick together TOOTSIE ROLLS for when you have to roll with the punches PEPPERMINT PATTIES to help you keep your cool SMARTIES to give you the wisdom for split second decisions DUM DUMS because you will encounter a lot of them LAFFY TAFFY to remind you that laughter is a great stress reliever SNICKERS to help you keep your humor Thank you to St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville

2 Dear Firefighters and Auxiliary, On Sunday, May 20, 2018, the Kiskatom Volunteer Fire Department and the Palenville Volunteer Fire Department will be co-hosting this year s annual Greene County V. F. A. Drill Day. The location has not been finalized. A Captain s meeting will begin the day at 8:30 a.m. to break down the order of competition, answer questions that were not asked at a preliminary Captain s meeting, and to meet the judges. Competition will start at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be available before the start of Nozzle Control, and awards will follow at the conclusion. A preliminary Captain s meeting will be held at the Kiskatom Firehouse, 4838 Route 32, Catskill (next to the former Friar Tuck Inn) on March 22 at 7 p.m. The location for Drill Day will be announced at this time. Any changes to the Drill Day events will be discussed at this meeting. A secondary meeting can be scheduled for April, should you miss or not be signed up by the March meeting. At the bottom of this letter is a registration section. To participate, please complete and mail back, along with a check for $25.00 (payable to Kiskatom Fire Department) to KFD, 4838 Route 32, Catskill, NY All pre-registered teams that show up at Drill Day to compete will receive their check back Events for Drill Day will include Equipment Drill, 3 Man Ladder, Modified Dry Hose Lay, Wet Hose Lay, Portable Pump, Bucket Brigade, and Nozzle Control. There must be at least 3 teams enrolled by May 1st or else we will need to cancel. We look forward to another successful Drill Day and seeing you there. Should you have any questions, please don t hesitate to contact myself or Blake Garrison. Sincerely, Donald MacCormack Drill Day Co-Chairman Blake Garrison, Drill Day Co-Chairman Name of Department or Auxiliary: will participate in the annual GCVFA Drill Day hosted by Kiskatom Vol. Fire Dept. and Palenville Vol. Fire Dept. Team Captain: Contact Number: Contact Registration Enclosed

3 THE 130 TH ANNUAL GCVFA CONVENTION IS COMING TO ATHENS! The Athens Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce they will be hosting the 130 th annual GCVFA Convention in September (Sept. 4 8, 2018). Plans are in the works for the entire week but our hosts do have one request... plan on attending and having a good time celebrating with fellow firefighters and auxiliaries. AVFD has been busy raising funds for the convention and have several projects underway. One is a 50/50 raffle that is ongoing and will be drawn prior to the parade awards on Saturday, September 8. Another is a raffle for a brand new MSA Cairns NSA Leather New Yorker Helmet with shield. The full schedule of events has yet to be announced, but please watch for details as they become available. Packets have been mailed out to all fire companies and auxiliaries with requests for ads for the annual program, as well as Mardi Gras and Dress parade applications. Be sure to check your mail. The deadline for the dress parade is May 30, 2018 so please return prior to that date with the requested information. If questions, please contact Dress Parade Chairman Robert Schrader at The theme of the Mardi Gras parade is Come one, Come All to the Fire Department Circus. It will be held on Friday, September 7. Line-up will begin on South Vernon Street at 4:30 p.m. and will go back to Third Street. Parking will be available at EJ Arthur School. The parade itself will kick off at 6:00 p.m. It is asked that participants come into the village via Leeds-Athens Road. As children are always at this parade, it is asked that there be nothing scary or creepy. Violation of this would disqualify participation. Also, no water or use of pressurized projectiles. Remember, we are looking forward to having a good time and enjoyment. Applications for the Mardi Gras are to be returned by June 1, As with all conventions, a good percentage of funds raised are done through an annual convention program. This year is no different. Ads start at $5.00 per name for a Booster and go as high as $175 for a 2-page spread. Sizes and rates are: 2-page spread $175 Inside back cover $150 Full page $100 ½ page $50 ¼ page $25 Patron $10 per line, maximum 30 characters Booster $5 per name Deadline for ads is July 31, If you do not have an ad book contract, contact a member and ask for one.

4 MEETINGS: GCVFA EXECUTIVE BOARD Thursday, April 26 7:30 pm Greene County Emerg. Services, Cairo Thursday, July 26 7:30 pm Greene County Emerg. Services, Cairo GCVFA Thursday, May 3 7:30 pm Kiskatom Thursday, August 2 7:30 pm New Baltimore GCVFALA Monday, May 21 7:30 pm D. M. Hamilton, Coxsackie GREENE COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS Monday, April 16 7:30 pm Windham Monday, July 16 7:30 pm East Durham GREENE COUNTY FIRE POLICE Wednesday, April 25 7:30 pm Hensonville Wednesday, July 25 7:30 pm Hunter OTHER EVENTS: Thursday, March 22 7pm Kiskatom Drill Day Captain s Meeting Sunday, May 20 8:30 am Greene County Drill Day Sunday, June 3 Details to be announced Greene County NYS Firemens Home hosted by West Athens-Lime Street Fire Company September 4 8 GCVFA Annual Convention hosted by Athens Volunteer Fire Dept. & Auxiliary Tuesday, September 4 Wednesday, September 5 Thuresday, September 7 Friday, September 7 Saturday, September 8 Ladies Auxiliary Annual meeting Ladies Auxiliary dinner GCVFA Dinner, Memorial & Meeting Mardi Gras Dress Parade

5 Greene County Department of Emergency Services 2018 Fire Training Schedule Vehicle Rescue, Operations Level March 12, 14, 19, 21 & 26 7:00 pm Catskill Firehouse Powell Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO) Orientation March 13 April 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 26 May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 28 6:30 pm Training Center, Cairo June Rescue Tech Basic April 3, 5, 9, 16, 19, 23 & 25 May 1 7:00 pm Tannersville Dwon Hazardous Materials 1 st Responmder Operation Annual Refresher Training May 14 6:00 pm Training Center, Cairo Kilts Firefighter s Guide to Lightweight Wood Construction May 21, 23 & 30 June 4 7:00 pm Training Center, Cairo Kilts Apparatus Pump Operator June 4, 6,11,13, 18, 20, 25 & 27 6:30 pm Training Center, Cairo Brockway Apparatus Emergency Vehicles July 10, 12, 17, 19 & 21 7:00 pm Tannersville Brockway

6 Oh the weather outside is frightful... Yet it does not stop our volunteer firefighters from performing required duties. This past winter saw structure fires in the worst of weather conditions. As the flames roared under bitter cold temperatures and snow, the dedication of the firefighter to serve his/her community was evident. They left their warm and comfortable homes to help those in need. This photo was taken after one fire and shows frozen turnout gear. You can only imagine the conditions the firefighter wearing it endured. To that we say THANK YOU!!! Sunday, February 4 was more than just Super Bowl Sunday. On that date, a group from Greene County Blue Star Mothers traveled to Windham Mountain to participate in the Adaptive Sports Program, Warrior Weekend (honoring our military personnel wounded warriors). Several members of the group are also involved with Greene County fire companies. Thanks to Peg Snyder, Donna Greiner and Maureen Murphy from West Athens, GCVFA 1 st VP Pete Kuminsky, Joan Kuminsky from Kiskatom Ladies Auxiliary, and last but not least, Greene County Legislator Aidan O Connor. It was a fun-filled and rewarding day for all. D. M. HAMILTON STEAMER CO #2 WELCOMES HOME ARMY HERO On December 21, 2017, D. M. Hamilton of Coxsackie welcomed home Private Marcus Dunckle from Army basic training. Marcus was home for the Christmas holiday. He is the son of Hamilton s Vice President, Jennifer Ann McKeon. A parade was held in his honor and to welcome him back to Coxsackie. Thank you Marcus for your service to America.

7 PRATTSVILLE ELECTS 2018 OFFICERS The following were elected as officers for the Prattsville Hose Company for 2018: President David Rikard Vice-President Eric Dymond Secretary Ray Braciello Treasurer Deb Dymond Stewards Brandon Brainerd & David Lee Chief Jim Dymond 1 st Asst Tom Olson 2 nd Asst Steve Haight 3 rd Asst Ted Weingates Fire Police Captain Robin Haight Safety Officer Crystal Soule-Cornell CATSKILL PRESENTS PTSD TRAINING On January 23, the Catskill Fire Department hosted a program on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) by Jack Curran. PTSD has gone by many names during WWI it was called Shell Shock; in WWII - Battle Fatigue, later in Korea - Operation Exhaustion and recently PTSD. No matter what it called, it is a condition after a person is exposed to a traumatic event or events. Most often it associated with military combat. However, most don't realize or recognize PTSD in the fire service which is defined as a traumatic physical condition after observing a traumatic physical event. The program explained the disorder and how to recognize PTSD. The bottom line is that first responders have to stop thinking they are tough guys or girls and don't need any help after a traumatic occurrence. It is important to look out for each other and be alert to the tell-tale signs so as to provide assistance to those in need. Catskill Fire Department would like to thank Jack for taking time to present this program and share his experiences..

8 IT S THAT TIME OF YEAR... SHUFFLEBOARD! Once again, members from the Catskill Fire Department have challenged residents of the NYS Firemen s Home to an annual shuffleboard tournament. Who the winner will be is unknown at this time but one thing is certain... both sides have a very enjoyable, fun evening during the competitions. Action began on January 5. The defending champs from Catskill maintained their title at the home with a challenging round and a 5-4 game win.

9 OAK HILL-DURHAM INSTALLS 2018 OFFICERS The 2018 officers for the Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Company were recently installed at a dinner at the firehouse. Congratulations to: President Victoria Crowley Vice President Randy Sattler Secretary Kevin Sattler Treasurer Lillian Beechert, Chaplin is Ray Mahler Trustees are: Warren Wagner, Robert Haller, Connie Whitbeck, Randy Sattler, and Bruce Stock. Chief is Connie Whitbeck Second Asst. Chief Robert Haller Auxiliary officers: President Lillian Beechert Secretary Mitzi Su Fremgen First assistant Chief Charlie Fremgen Third Asst Chief Kevin Sattler Vice President Sarian Gleeson Treasurer Connie Whitbeck IN MEMORY: On behalf of the GCVFA and LAGCVFA, The Booster Line would like to extend heartfelt sympathy to the families of the following firematic members who have recently passed away. We apologize for anyone that we missed and offer our condolences to their families. Alvin Dallas Catskill Fire Department Tom Marchesani A. M. Osborn Hose Co, Catskill Norman Fuller West Athens Lime Street Fire District Julius Baehrel Jr Earlton Fire Company Brian Whiteman Athens Volunteer Fire Dept. Virginia Kellegher East Durham Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary

10 THINKING of YOU Congratulations to James Robinson (Athens Volunteer Fire Dept.) and his wife, Natasha, on the birth of their daughter Congratulations to Kris Carlson (Palenville Fire Dept) and Samantha Orser on the birth of their daughter Congratulations to Pete and Joan Kuminsky (Kiskatom Fire Dept/Auxiliary) on their recent marriage Speedy Recovery to John Holt (Catskill Fire Dept). Deepest Sympathy to Aaron Hodor (Kiskatom Fire Dept) and Ed Dolan (Catskill Fire Dept.) on the death of their grandfather Deepest sympathy to Bonnie Pflegl (West Athens Auxiliary) and Miranda Buel (Cairo Fire Dept.) on the death of their mother-in-law/grandmother Deepest sympathy to Randy and April Ormerod (Catskill Fire Dept/Aux) on the death of her father Congratulations to Ray Feml and Joe Feml (both from Cairo Fire Dept.) on receiving the Greene County Sheriff s Department Life Saving Award Congratulations to Donna Overbaugh (Catskill Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary) on her retirement Congratulations to Shirley Wase (Catskill Ladies Auxiliary) on being the featured resident in the February Volunteer Firefighter magazine

11 PLEASE HELP OUR OWN WHO ARE DOING THINGS TO HELP OTHERS POLICE UNITY TOUR On May 9th, 2018, Greene County Sheriff s Department Deputy Kristopher Danko and Deputy Joseph Feml, a volunteer firefighter with Cairo Hose Company, will be starting one of the most difficult journeys that they have ever done, both physically and mentally. At that time, they will be participating in the 2018 Police Unity Tour, a 400 mile bicycle journey over the course of 4 days from Florham Park, New Jersey to Washington D.C. at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. The two deputies are doing this to honor the memory of Deputy Kevin Haverly, who lost his life in the line of duty on February 28th, Kevin was a very important part of the sheriff s office and touched many lives on and off duty. His loss still weighs heavy on his family and all of the officers from the Sheriff s Department. It is an honor to be a part of bringing his name down to the National Memorial and to participate in the memorial events in Washington D.C. There will be expenses for equipment need for the tour and a registration fee of $1950 per rider. Donations are greatly appreciated to help cover all expenses. Any excess funds collected will go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. If you would like to contribute, donations can be sent to the Greene County Sheriff s Office, Attn: J Feml, 80 Bridge Street, Catskill, NY Checks can be made payable to Joseph Feml or Kristopher Danko. In the memo, state Police Unity Tour. Please show your support of their efforts and to honor Deputy Haverly s memory!

12 An Appeal from Brian (West Athens-Lime Street Fire Company) and Renee Farrell This year our family will be participating in the Eversource walk for Boston Children s Hospital. All money raised by our team will go into the Children s Interstitial Lung Disease (child) Fund. This fund was set up at BCH to help support families of child. Two of our children, Callen and Charlotte, have both been diagnosed with unknown forms of child. To be honest, we have no idea what this means for them. Since the very beginning, we have been told our kids are mysteries or puzzles. These are not the words you want to hear when describing your kids. As you can imagine, having children with a disease where there is so little known, can be very scary and lonely. We want to help other families navigate this journey and make it a little easier. It is our hope that with the money raised, we can educate, bring families together and ultimately, we can raise money to help find a cure. Our team goal is to raise $10,000. If you would like to walk with us on June 10th, please join our team, child Champs. Any donation is very much appreciated. If you are not able to donate please share our page with your friends and family. Please visit our web page to donate: Thank you for your support!

13 Remember this is YOUR Booster Line. Please feel free to submit photos, articles or fundraisers. Without your news, we have nothing. to

14 FUNDRAISERS: KISKATOM FIRE DEPT. FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY RETURNS! Eat-in, Take-out or Delivery (within the district) EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT OF LENT February 16 - March 30, :00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Choice of Fish Fry Dinner or Clam Roll with Cole slaw, Handmade fries Tarter or cocktail sauce Chowder every fryday $10 Call

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16 ADVERTISERS: Please remember to support our advertisers. It is through their generosity that we are able to bring the Booster Line to you. Contact if you would like to take an ad. A $10 donation covers the entire year. Individuals and fire companies/auxiliaries are encouraged to consider taking an ad & helping the GCVFA with operating costs for The Booster Line which are continually rising. In Loving Memory of Gene Jennings