Matt Steltz new chief
Tuesday night (Dec. 6) members of the Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1 assembled in the company meeting room for their annual meeting and company election. Father Brian McSweeney, of Our Lady of Loretto, led off the meeting with an appeal to St. Florian, patron saint of firefighters, for protection and good fortunes for the year ahead. Following the benediction, the membership of the fire company voted to elect a new slate of officers, (see below), then moved onto its end-of-year business. Near the conclusion of the meeting the company stood to recognize 25-year member, former Chief, President and Board Member (and current Village of Cold Spring Trustee) J. Ralph Falloon. Also recognized were three 50-year life members, Father John Mills, Sam Sunday Jr. and George Baltich. All three were not in attendance, but Chief ChrisTobin, Chief Matt Steltz, President Michael Bowman and Lt. Chris Godsey were able to travel to the home of Father Mills later in the evening to present him with his plaque.
Father Mills, a 50-year member
Business then turned to the annual selection and recognition of Firefighter of the Year. This award is given out each year to recognize a firefighter who goes above and beyond on the fire-ground, around the firehouse and who brings honor to the Company. This year’s recipient was Thomas Valentine, who according to Chief Steltz has been an asset to the Company in his duties as driver, as well as always pitching in around the firehouse, organizing events and providing input on many committees.
Thomas Valentine receives Firefighter of the Year award.
Lastly, the fire company presented outgoing Chief Chris Tobin with a plaque in recognition of his two years serving as chief of the company. Responding to a standing ovation, Chief Tobin credited the professionalism of the Company’s officers with making the past two years successful ones, and pointed to the strong character and leadership skills of incoming Chief Steltz in discussing the bright future of the Company.                                                            Â
2012 Officers
Chief: Matt Steltz
Assistant Chief: Josh DiNardo
Captain: Michael Wojtusiak
1st Lieutenant: Chris Godsey
2nd Lieutenant: Kevin Junjulas
3rd Lieutenant: Anthony Ferrara
President: Michael Bowman
Vice President: John Landolfi
Treasurer: Steve Etta
Financial Secretary: Tom Valentine
Recording Secretary: Lillian Moser
Courtesy of Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1
Congratulations to everyone! Thank you all for volunteering for our community. I think it was very nice that you went in person and presented Father Mills his special plaque. I am sure that you made his day. Congratulations Tom Valentine for achieving firefighter of the year. I would like to thank outgoing Chief Tobin for his service to the Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1. You are all special for volunteering in our community.