World War II Vets Will Never Be Forgotten
In the chilly, early morning hours of October 22, 2011, members of Latham, Menands, Colonie Fire, Schuyler Heights and McKowenville Fire Departments met at Latham Farms Shopping Center to help honor World War II veterans. Patriot Flight, a not-for-profit organization, believes that every World War II veteran deserves to see the WWII memorial in Washington D.C. Also in attendance to honor these brave men and woman were over 100 motorcyclists consisting of the Colonie Police Department Motorcycle Officers, Patriot Guard, Red Vest, Combat Vets and many other motorcycle groups. The veterans boarded a transportation bus and were lead to the Albany County Airport in a cavalcade of motorcycles and fire engines. Upon arrival at the Airport Shaker Road Loudonville members, Shaker Road Loudonville Explorers, boy scouts and TSA members were waiting for the veterans to depart the bus. The fire department members lined the entranceway at full solute. The veterans were greeted by the Yankee Doodle Band playing and a small ceremony with Representative Neil Breslin speaking. As the veterans left to board the plane they passed all of the fire department members lining the staircase saluting them. In speaking with the fire department personnel, every member of each department felt a great honor to be part of the event.
-Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony Held in Albany
The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control held its annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony on October 11, 2011 at the memorial site on the Empire State Plaza in Albany. This year's ceremony honored nine firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty in the state.
We remember:
• Vincent A. Iaccino, Captain, Roosevelt Fire Department, Dutchess County - April 12, 2010
• Garrett W. Loomis, Assistant Chief, Sackets Harbor Fire Department, Jefferson County - April 11, 2010
• Richard Wm. Holst, Captain, Huntington Manor Fire Department, Suffolk County - September 9, 2009
• Erich ‘Mickey’ Lachmann, Firefighter, Washington Heights Fire Department, Orange County - January 28, 2007
• Richard G. Sullivan, Chief, Horseheads Fire Department,Chemung County - April 5, 2006
• Kenneth F. Schunk, Firefighter, Cassadaga Fire Department, Chautauqua County - January 24, 1965
• Tobias Miller, Firefighter, Poughkeepsie Fire Department, Dutchess County - November 14, 1950
• Cornelius R. Fogg, Firefighter, Poughkeepsie Fire Department, Dutchess County-February 15, 1928
• Charles H. Vandecar, Firefighter, Troy Fire Department, Rensselaer County - August 30, 1922
The New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial was dedicated in 1998 and as of the ceremony, there will be 2,366 names on the wall. The earliest name is from the year 1811.
-Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
Rensselaer County Memorial Service
Honors Responders
Rensselaer County Emergency Services held a Memorial Service on October 2, 2011 at the Bulmer Auditorium, Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The event paid homage to 96 members from all aspects of Emergency Services; Firefighters, Communica-tions, EMS and Law Enforcement. The memorial service included prayers from each of the services and a 9/11 Remembrance by Chief Thomas Wutz, Chief of Fire Services, NYS OFPC, retired. As each name was read, there was a ringing of the Last Call bell and an extinguishing of the candles in their honor.
-Fire News photo by Lori Washburn
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