Lake George Fire Board of Directors Chair, Susan Bynes and Susan Bernstetter, chief of Lake George Fire Protection District thanked and praised the volunteers for their dedication to serving the community at the annual appreciation dinner at Tarryall River Ranch March 16.

The firefighters and their spouses were treated to a lovely dinner coordinated by Melody Money, head chef at Tarryall River Ranch and also a volunteer with LGFPD. Kristin Woodford, owner of the ranch, graciously provided the beautiful venue.

After dinner, Bernstetter began by recognizing Administrative Assistant Denise Kelly for all her work compiling the training hours and call response data. The LGFPD responded to 219 calls, which was 27 more from last year that the 36 volunteers were available to answer. The top responders were Ron Howland with 110, Roger Aldridge and John Mogon both with 100, and Kerry Bynes with 95.

LGFPD holds training every week except for holidays and Sandra Comstock had the highest attendance at 120 hours followed by Ron Howland at 118, and Kerry Bynes at 111. Besides the regular in-house training, other training opportunities are made available and James Comstock and Michael Meade attended 38 hours, Tristan Weaver 36, and Bill Martin and Scott Miller each had 34. There are various other trainings made available through other entities and Tristan Weaver added 216 hours, Bill Martin 112, and Lisa Meade, Micheal Meade and Lara Thomas attended 76 hours. The top three who obtained the most training hours all together was Tristan Weaver with 343.5 hours, Bill Martin 253.5, and Micheal Meade 222.

Bernstetter noted that the training as well as the service to the department is all volunteer and she commended all of them for going above and beyond to give to their community.

“I am so proud of the dedication and commitment you all make to this department in serving our community and beyond,” said Bernstetter. “We responded to 38 mutual aid calls to other districts which included: four structure fires, 21 Wildland, nine medical, and four auto and others.”

She also handed out certificates and pins for years of service to the department and special recognition was given to Kerry Bynes for 25 years and Ron Howland for 22.

A good night was had by all and Bernstetter ended the evening with appreciation gifts for all the firefighters.