DUTCHESS COUNTY – Dozens of Dutchess County volunteer firefighters and a few career firefighters gathered at the Dutchess County Emergency Response Center for the 25th Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Association (DCVFA) memorial service for firefighters that have passed away between October 1, 2019, and September 25, 2021. There was no service in 2020 due to COVID.
DCVFA Vice-President Robert Boyles opened the ceremony and included a request for everyone to keep the family of Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson in their thoughts. Anderson passed away unexpectedly last week. Dutchess County Chiefs’ Council Vice-President Robert Mizgier spoke very briefly to thank the departments and friends for attending.
NYS State Senator Sue Serino took a moment to say “Thank you to each and every one of you and your families,” and also praised the frontline efforts of everyone during the pandemic. Serino was followed by Tivoli Fire Department member and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. After extending thanks on behalf of all county residents, he announced that, in partnership with Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver, plans are in place for a county investment in emergency services. “Next year, it is our intention to dedicate $2 million dollars in grant aid to fire departments across the county, to be used for projects both small and large, to build up your capacity to respond.”
Pulver embraced the gathering as both a county leader and a life member of the Pine Plains Hose Company. “My best friends in life have been members and volunteers in EMS and fire services. We’re here today to remember those that have touched someone else’s life during their service and we need to remember them not just today, but every day.”
The names of 186 first responders were read by various department fire chiefs as the attendees stood silently and remembered the dedication of those who have passed.
