This year, the Marlboro Fire Department honored firefighter Frank Williams who has served his community for 50 years. NYS Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson began by praising the department.
“I would like to thank everyone here for doing what you do; it takes a lot of time away from your families, away from doing other things that you like to do but you are true public servants and you do it because you care about your community.” He went on to thank Frank Williams for his long tenure with the department and presented him with a certificate of Merit from the Assembly.
Ulster County Legislator Tom Corcoran thanked the department for their sacrifice and dedication.
“I want thank you for your sacrifice and for everything you do. This job isn’t for everyone, it’s a true calling and tonight we’re here to honor you who have answered that call,” he said. “When someone calls, 911 volunteer firefighters respond to someone’s problems and solve it; plain and simple. You solve problems no matter how big or small and put your lives on the line every day for people you may or may not know. Myself and our entire community are so grateful and are indebted to you for your willingness to serve everyone.”
Corcoran presented Frank Williams with a Pride of Ulster County award for his many years of service.
“Frank, it’s been an honor to work with you for the last 20 years and I look forward to working with you for the next 20, thank you,” he said.
Supervisor Scott Corcoran highlighted the “selfless dedication” that all of the Marlboro firefighters give to the community. The Town Board and myself appreciate everything that you do every day and I can say without a doubt that the men and women in this room never let the town down.”
Supervisor Corcoran presented Frank Williams with a Pride of Marlboro accommodation honor, “with sincere appreciation.”
Katerina Gioffre received the Rookie of the Year award.
“I joined last July after my husband and my son and I moved up here,” she said.
Katerina and her husband are both paramedics, “and I’ve always loved the fire service and it was something I was interested in for a very long time, and joining was just a good way to give back to the community.”
Additional firefighters were also honored at the dinner: Top Responder for a firefighter Mark Ciaglia; Top Responder for a Driver Bob Troncillito; Top Responder for Fire Police Craig Wenzel; Top Responder for an Officer Lenny Scaturro; Line Officer Award Michael Scaturro; and Firefighter of the Year Ryan Schmelz (who was not able to attend the dinner).
Chief Masten said the annual dinner, “is a good way to recognize the people and their accomplishments for the past year. You want to make sure that everybody is getting the acknowledgment of the work that they are putting in.”