LGFPD honors volunteers at Appreciation Dinner
Jay Lorenson, Board Member of the Lake George Fire Protection District began the evening referencing the Kohima Epitaph, which is found inscribed on a memorial at the Kohima War Cemetery located at the Indian state of Nagaland in northeast India. The epitaph reads, “When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today.”
Lorenson said it made him think of the sacrifices made by the volunteers who give their time for the community responding to calls and training. He said,
“You people are giving your todays so others will have their tomorrows,” Lorenson said. “And for that, we are grateful.”
LGFPD firefighters and their families were treated to a dinner at Tarryall River Ranch under the direction of Melody Money, Executive Chef, who is also a volunteer fire fighter with LGFPD.
Fire Chief Susan Bernstetter also commended the firefighters and gave a recap of calls they responded to in the last year. She handed out certificates to the top five firefighters who had the most training hours and responses.
Those who attended most of the 139 hours of the regular Monday night trainings were, in descending order: Tristian Weaver, Kerry Bynes, Bill Martin, Ron Howland, and first was John Mogon who had 133 hours. 54 additional training hours were offered and Lara Thomas, Tristian Weaver, and Bill Martin attended. Additional non-department training in descending order was Clara Peterson, Luke Ludden, Lara Thomas, Tristian Weaver, and Bill Martin with 195 hours. Total Annual Training Hours in descending order was, Ron Howland, John Mogon, Lara Thomas, Tristian Weaver, and the highest amount of training hours was Bill Martin with 376 hours. The top five who responded the most to calls were, in descending order, Ron Howland, Tristian Weaver, Roger Aldridge, Kerry Bynes, and with the highest percentage was John Mogon.
“All the volunteers of LGFPD train hard and work hard on responses, I’m proud of them all,” said Bernstetter.
She also commended Denise Kelly, the new Administrative Assistant, for her efforts and hard work since taking the position after Kelly St. Clair moved out of state after serving for several years.
Chief Susan Bernstetter, Lara Thomas, John Mogon, Ron Howland, Tristian Weaver, and Bill Martin.
(Left to Right) Chief Susan Bernstetter, John Mogon, Ron Howland, Roger Aldridge, Kerry Bynes, and Tristian Weaver in front.