|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 9th 2008
MIDDLESEX HOSE COMPANY
HOLDS ANNUAL BANQUET
(Middlesex, NY) -The
Middlesex Hose Company held it's annual banquet on Saturday night. Fire
Chief Rodney Bassett opened the event with a thank you to all the Assistant
Chiefs and line officers for their hard work through the last year. Chief
Bassett then turned the event over to Gary Oppelt, the Master of Ceremonies.
The crowd was led in the
Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence was had for two deceased
members that passed in the last year. Gary also recognized two new members.
On behalf on the Hose
Company, Gary thanked the Rushville Fire Department for the last 12 years of
automatic mutual aid. In these days of two income families and people
working far from home, both departments have a shortage of daytime
firefighters. The automatic mutual aid allows both departments to respond
together at times when manpower is limited. The agreement was one of the
first in Yates County.
Gary said, "The biggest
reason for the success of the agreement is the fellowship that both fire
departments have. We have such a strong relationship, that we respond and
work as one department." The crowd greeted Rushville Fire Department with a
standing ovation.
After a wonderful meal,
Gary went on to recognize the Middlesex Baptist Church for all their help
during the Roast Beef dinners, their help has proved invaluable. Further
recognized were the other mutual aid departments that help the Middlesex
Hose Company - Potter, Crystal Beach and Naples Fire Departments as well as
Middlesex Ambulance.
Also recognized were
representatives from the
Yates County Sherriff's Office,
Yates County Office of Emergency Management,
Middlesex Town Board and the Middlesex
Highway Department.
The Hose Company thanked
the ladies auxiliary, the Middlesex Sirenettes, for there support through
the year.
Gary announced the
2007 Officers of all the organizations that make up the Middlesex
Fire Department. A special thanks was given to John Welsh, President of the
Hose Company, he has moved to Pavilion, New York and is in the process of
becoming a member there. John was a very active member and his service with
Middlesex was appreciated and he will be missed.
Chief Bassett then
announced the fireman of the year. This year's award was presented to David
T. Harrington, for actions taken as the first arriving truck operator on the scene of
the
Rochester Folk Art Guild fire in August
2007 and his work in securing a
$83,778 grant from the Department of
Homeland Security - Assistance to Firefighter's Grant Program.
The message of the night
was fellowship. The reason that Middlesex Fire Department is such a strong
organization is that we do it all together, whether it is an emergency call,
a roast beef dinner fund raiser or a social event; Everyone puts forth their
best and contributes their talents for the success of the organization.
|
