Thee Otter Lake Fire Department would like to thank all those organizations, businesses and individuals that helped make our new firehouse dedication ceremonies a success.
Having never gone through anything like this before we were all nervous to make sure we had all the bases covered, and the support from the community made a huge difference.
Father Sean O’Brien performed the invocation withthoughtful words that reminded us all of the contributions made by volunteers and veterans on Memorial Day weekend.NYS Senator Joe Griffo and Forestport Town Supervisor Hasenauer welcomed the crowd and stated some kind words that apply to all volunteer fire departments.
The formal ceremonies were organized with the help of Mark Shoemaker who also donated the American flag and fire department marching flag. Mark showed that even an unruly group like our fire department can be made to act somewhat respectable when necessary.
The American and POW flags hoisted up the flagpole were donated by the Boonville VFW Post. The flag raising ceremonies were performed by members of the Boonville VFW, American Legion and Marine Corp League.
We also appreciate members from Old Forge, Eagle Bay, Big Moose, Geneva, and Pittsford fire departments, as well as Trooper John Schroth, Lieutenant James McCarthy and Deputy Craig Stockhauser from the Oneida County Sheriff Department, and NYSDEC Forest Rangers Bob Coscomb and Dave Cornell, for taking time out of their busy weekend and joining us in the flag raising ceremonies.
We are proud to mention support from our neighboring firefighters from Woodgate and Forestport who could not attend the flag raising ceremonies due to a drill school, and members from Inlet for attending.
The Old Forge Fire Department donated a beautifully crafted wooden podium built by Roger Parent Cabinetry that we are honored to have in the building.
I’m sure we’ll have to work at keeping our Chief from being a little long-winded when he stands at the podium, but we can get through that.
In 1949, the Old Forge Fire District donated our first fire truck, a 1927 Foamite-Childs, and they continue to provide support after all these years.
Old Forge was joined with members from Eagle Bay and Big Moose fire departments, along with Julie Eisenhart in cooking the burgers and hot dogs and serving the food after the formal ceremonies.
Kowalik’s Hotel, Stella Kowalik, Willie Van’s Excavating, the VanValkenburgs, Rubyors and Armendolas donated a beautiful floral arrangement from Wilderness Interiors.
The food, beverages and treats for the kids were donated by Otter Lake Station, Walt’s Diner, Dave Fishman, Nirvana Water, Roma’s Bakery of Utica, Walmart of Riverside Mall, and Tom and Laura Eck and family.
Beth Lamphere made the ceremonial cake, and a new Sentry safe was donated by Gary Eisenhart of Pittsford, NY.
We would also like to thank The Weekly Adirondack for publishing reports of our progress through the three-year effort from our initial grant award in 2009.
We are fortunate to have a local paper that recognizes that the Central Adirondack Community extends below the McKeever bridge.
Tom Abrial, Secretary
Otter Lake Fire Department
