Special Features

Cornhole Tournament Honors FFJesse Gerhard

On May 21, 2022, the First Annual 3rd Division Cornhole Tournament in honorof FirefighterJesse Gerhard was held at Islip Terrace Fire Department Headquarters. Jesse Gerhard died in the line of duty this past February while serving with FDNYLadder 134. Jesse was also a dedicated memberof Islip Fire Department Engine 1 as well as the Islip Wolves Drill Team. The cornhole tournament was originally conceived as an informal gathering formembers of surrounding firehouses to spend an afternoon together before the Drill Team season opens. It soon manifested itself into planning foran annual tournament with Jesse Gerhard as the namesake. The Gerhard family opened the event with a pledge to the flag followed by over40 teams competing in the round robin, double elimination event. Proceeds from the fundraiserwere donated to Answerthe Call, New York Police and Fire Widows’and Childrens’Fund, in Jesse Gerhard’s name. - Fire News story by Joseph S. Marino, AMF

FireNews.com Fire News, September2022, Page 25 DCVFA75th Convention

On July 19, 2022, the Dutchess County VolunteerFiremen’s Association held their75th Annual Convention at the Salt Point Fire Company in Salt Point. In June Salt Point held theirannual Convention parade. Now it was time forthe convention to be held and a great one with overa hundred people in attendance. The DCVFAhonored fellow firefighters forheroic actions, years of service and scholarships. New York State SenatorSue Serino was in attendance to congratulate the heroes along with recognizing firefighters and fire companies with long terms of service. Also in attendance was Don Farrell representing FASNY, Eric Orr HVVFA, Aaron Howard Dutchess County Chief Council, Kyle Pottenburgh Dutchess County Fire Fighting Museum and Deputy Petrus from the Dutchess County Sherriff's Office. The Salt Point and Milan Fire Department were recognized for75 years of service, S.W. Johnson Engine Company 2 for150 years and Hyde Park Fire Department for177 years. Individuals honored were Richard Howard from the Amenia Fire Company for50-years service and Gary Vanvoorhis from Protection Engine Fishkill for 50 years. Then it was scholarship winners Dean Renihan from the New Hamburg Fire Department active member, Madeline Grangeractive memberwith the Millbrook Fire Department and Jamie Galanos form the Millbrook High School (most of herfamily is part of the Pleasant Valley Fire Department). Then the last event was a Unit Citation forthe Pawling Fire Department and 17 of theirmembers forthe rescue of a hikeron the Appalachian Trail, and Firefighterof the Yearto Chief Brian Walsh of the Pine Plains Fire Department and Tom Gomm of the Milan Fire Department forheroic action at a house explosion where they rescued two occupants. - Fire News photos by Vincent Galvin, DCVFA