New Berlin fire department commends volunteers
NORWICH – The New Berlin volunteer fire department took time out on Saturday to celebrate the many achievements made in 2007 and the dedication and service of its membership.
Volunteer Fire Chief George A. Hanslmaier reported that volunteers responded to 178 EMS calls and 78 fire calls, finished renovations in the fire hall’s upstairs conference room, received funding for a new generator, gained nine new members, and spent over 4,000 hours in member training.
Hanslmaier said the department’s dedication to each other was made apparent when faced with the possibility of no longer being able to provide an ambulance service in the community. The restored service stands as one of the biggest achievements for the year. It is fully-functioning, providing service to South New Berlin, New Berlin and some of the Town of Columbus.
Sue Burke, director of the new ambulance service, reflected on the importance and meaning to the department to once again offer emergency ambulance service. Burke herself was honored with the EMS appreciation award.
When Superior pulled services from Chenango County, three other departments helped to aid the fire district. EMS Appreciation awards were given to South New Berlin, Norwich, Sherburne, Edmeston and Pittsfield departments.
Assistant Chief Shawn Patrick was recognized for responding to more than 80 percent of all the calls.
Hanslmaier said the department’s communication technology received a boost from grants received over the years and used for portable and truck radios. “These grants equal a quarter of a million dollars, this means big savings for our tax payers,” Hanslmaier said.
“The volunteers have worked closely with the county recently to try and get an emergency service radio placed at Millbrook in the Village of New Berlin,” said the chief.
The firefighters took part in a Halloween party last year as well as a boot drive, both to raise funds to make repairs at the fire station.
The department handed out a variety of awards to members who the chief said, “have gone the extra mile.”
Eleven members received a duffle bag with the department’s logo for perfect attendance. Individuals were also recognized for training related to fire and EMS sessions. Top EMS training award was given to Rusty Woods with a total of 256 training hours. Troy Burke was given an award for the most overall hours spent training, with 297.
Acknowledgment was given to 19 members who dedicated over 100 hours of service in the past year. Training Officer Shawn Loomis said he is impressed on the diligence and hard work given by New Berlin members.
New this year, in cooperation with Unadilla Valley School, firefighters had access to a pool, weight room and gymnasium for physical fitness.
A community award was given to Senator Thomas Libous for his assistance in securing the funding needed to purchase of a new generator and obtain other grants.
The chief’s award went to Ken Wiggins for being “a key player in the department’s communications,” Hanslmaier said. Wiggins is health and safety coordinator, secretary, and the most senior member in New Berlin. The previous chief’s award went to Richard Fornito.
Before the evening’s events concluded, special awards were given to members for the number of years served: Sue Burke, 10 years; Don Anderson and Kevin Winton, 15 years; Marie Brink, 20 years; and George W. Hanslmaier, 25 years.
Hanslmaier said Gary Cate would be given an award next month honoring his years of service and dedication.
Lillian Hanslmaier was honored for helping in fund raisers and running the annual bowling tournament.
Volunteer Fire Chief George A. Hanslmaier reported that volunteers responded to 178 EMS calls and 78 fire calls, finished renovations in the fire hall’s upstairs conference room, received funding for a new generator, gained nine new members, and spent over 4,000 hours in member training.
Hanslmaier said the department’s dedication to each other was made apparent when faced with the possibility of no longer being able to provide an ambulance service in the community. The restored service stands as one of the biggest achievements for the year. It is fully-functioning, providing service to South New Berlin, New Berlin and some of the Town of Columbus.
Sue Burke, director of the new ambulance service, reflected on the importance and meaning to the department to once again offer emergency ambulance service. Burke herself was honored with the EMS appreciation award.
When Superior pulled services from Chenango County, three other departments helped to aid the fire district. EMS Appreciation awards were given to South New Berlin, Norwich, Sherburne, Edmeston and Pittsfield departments.
Assistant Chief Shawn Patrick was recognized for responding to more than 80 percent of all the calls.
Hanslmaier said the department’s communication technology received a boost from grants received over the years and used for portable and truck radios. “These grants equal a quarter of a million dollars, this means big savings for our tax payers,” Hanslmaier said.
“The volunteers have worked closely with the county recently to try and get an emergency service radio placed at Millbrook in the Village of New Berlin,” said the chief.
The firefighters took part in a Halloween party last year as well as a boot drive, both to raise funds to make repairs at the fire station.
The department handed out a variety of awards to members who the chief said, “have gone the extra mile.”
Eleven members received a duffle bag with the department’s logo for perfect attendance. Individuals were also recognized for training related to fire and EMS sessions. Top EMS training award was given to Rusty Woods with a total of 256 training hours. Troy Burke was given an award for the most overall hours spent training, with 297.
Acknowledgment was given to 19 members who dedicated over 100 hours of service in the past year. Training Officer Shawn Loomis said he is impressed on the diligence and hard work given by New Berlin members.
New this year, in cooperation with Unadilla Valley School, firefighters had access to a pool, weight room and gymnasium for physical fitness.
A community award was given to Senator Thomas Libous for his assistance in securing the funding needed to purchase of a new generator and obtain other grants.
The chief’s award went to Ken Wiggins for being “a key player in the department’s communications,” Hanslmaier said. Wiggins is health and safety coordinator, secretary, and the most senior member in New Berlin. The previous chief’s award went to Richard Fornito.
Before the evening’s events concluded, special awards were given to members for the number of years served: Sue Burke, 10 years; Don Anderson and Kevin Winton, 15 years; Marie Brink, 20 years; and George W. Hanslmaier, 25 years.
Hanslmaier said Gary Cate would be given an award next month honoring his years of service and dedication.
Lillian Hanslmaier was honored for helping in fund raisers and running the annual bowling tournament.
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