Project a tribute to late Cold Spring shopkeeper
Before her unexpected death on May 6, Stephanie Doucette, a Main Street shop owner and secretary for the Cold Spring Fire Co., had a project in mind.
Doucette, who joined the company in 2023, thought a firefighter calendar could raise money for the volunteer department. She began working on concepts with photographer Quinn Chandler, an associate member of the CSFC.
The calendar is now a reality, ready for 2025. It features interior firefighters Charlotte Brooks, Will Etta, Michael Bowman, Dawn Baisley, Matt Steltz, Josh DiNardo, Alex de Souza, Travis Fyfe and Matt Woods, and probationary firefighter Lauren de la Vega. There’s also 32-year veteran Wayne Rudolph of the fire police and company president Aaron Leonard and his wife, Leslie, who portray Santa and Mrs. Claus in December.
Brooks, who coordinated the project, said the firefighters had mixed reactions about having their photo included, decked out in their gear. “Some were excited, others were a little camera shy,” she said. “But overall, there’s overwhelming support for a project that Stephanie pioneered, and that exemplifies her love of this community.” She said Doucette saw the calendar not only as a fundraiser but as a gift to CSFC members.
Leonard said the fire company earlier this year created a committee, chaired by Brooks, to revitalize fundraising. In the past, CSFC raised money annually to cover the cost of new equipment, including vehicles. “Our operating expenses always exceed what we request from the Village of Cold Spring,” he said.
In the near future, the department will need new radios and pagers for its 24 active firefighters, a project Leonard said will likely exceed $50,000.
Calendars can be purchased for $20 at coldspringfireco.org or at Drug World and other local retailers.
