Tom and Gail Miner hold certificates of appreciation for their many years of dedicated service to the Grand Gorge Fire Department. Making the presentation was Bill Shryver, chairman of the fire commissioners.
By Liz Page
GRAND GORGE – Members of the Grand Gorge Fire Department gathered last Saturday to hold their annual dinner, recognizing the officers installed for the coming year and to honor members who had special anniversaries and have done a great deal for the department.
Officers for the 2025 year include, the following: Jim Hull, president; Roberta VanValkenburgh, vice president; Heather Gockel, secretary; Bill Schryver, treasurer; Hank Gockel Jr., chief; D.J. Speenburgh, first assistant chief; Brady Pickett, second assistant chief; Corey VanAlstyne, fire captain; David Label, EMS captain; Brady Pickett, parade captain; Larry VanValkenburgh, fire police captain; Dot Morrison, pastor; Stewards: Jane Madore, Kathy Alle, Karen Speenburgh and Jim McClaren; Executive committee members: Brad VanVaulkenburgh, Bill Shryver and Cory VanAlstyne.
Marking special year anniversaries were, the following: five years - Heather Gockel and Danyelle Gockel; 10-years, Lisa Ciaravino; 15-years, Pastor Dot; 25-years, Betsy Bussiere and D.J. Speenburgh; 35-years, Mike Dorrance and 40-years- Geno Brainerd.
Jim Hull, who usually emcees the annual event, gave his apologies for confusing his dates, explaining he was at the Kentucky Derby. Roberta and Larry VanValkenburgh emceed the event. Hull thanked everyone in the fire department and EMS for all they do throughout the year.
Larry VanValkenburgh said they also wished to thank all the members of the mutual aid departments they count on to help with "our calls".
Roberta Hull recognized the evening's guests. Chief Waylon Robinson and his wife, Jen Robinson, Conesville FD; Marty Finch, Roxbury FD and Second Assistant Chief Joe Hornbeck and his wife, Deb Hornbeck, Stamford FD and Mark Rossley, Delaware County Emergency 911 Coordinator.
Larry VanValkenburgh reported on EMS over the past year and said one member is going back to being an EMT and two others are in a class currently with final tests coming up, to hopefully add two more EMTs to the ranks. "They will be a good addition to our team," he said. He also thanked firefighters for providing assistance over the year, for lift assists and landing zone. He thanked Delaware County Emergency Services Department, Maggie Wilson, for all her help and Steve Hood.
They explained there were recognitions left over from last year, when plaques did not arrive in time.
Bill Schryver, chairman of the fire commissioners, made a sepcail presentation to Tom and Gail Miner, for their many years of dedication to the Grand Gorge Fire Department, Tom as a member and as a fire commissioner and Gail as the treasurer for many years.
Chief Hank Gockell handed out the Firefighter of the Year Awards for 2023 and 2024. DJ Speeenburgh is the 2023 recipient and Cory VanAlstyne is the 2024 recipient. Larry VanBalkenburgh receivedthe EMS of the Year Award for both 2023 and 2024.
The evening ended with a report from DJ Speenburgh regarding a new program that will allow them too provide training and courses over the coming year. Members who don't have access will be able to accomplish the courses at the monthly meeting. He said the program should be beneficial for everyone and will allow the department to keep up with OSHA requirements.
Pastor Dot thanked everyone for being a reflectin of the love of the communties and how well they all take care of them. "Whenever I am in need, I am in good hands. You all have such care. That is why so many people have such gratitude in their hearts for you."
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