Firemen, civilian lauded at Otsego County dinner

By Mark Boshnack
Staff Writer

July 11, 2009 12:00 am

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SCHENEVUS _ On Friday at the annual Otsego County Volunteer Firemen's Association awards dinner, firemen and a civilian were among those recognized for saving lives. The event was held at the Schenevus VFW hall.

Sharing the honor for Fireman of the Year was William "Ted" Johnston Jr., of the Morris Fire Department, and Earl Johnson, of the West Exeter Fire Department.

The awards were part of an annual celebration to give a "big thank you" to firefighters in the county, said Marvin Mulford, president of the Otsego County Firemen's Association and member of the Fly Creek Fire Department.

Johnston was honored for an event last year in which he came upon a man who was having trouble breathing. He started CPR before calling 911, saving his life, according to the presentation.

"It's a very special award," Johnston said.

Johnson was honored for getting two people out of a burning house in the Richfield Springs area.

"It means a lot to me that I was able to help somebody," he said.

Receiving recognition as Citizen of the Year was Peter Gould, a former member of the Morris Fire Department, for performing CPR and saving a life.

Art Klingler, a member of the Edmeston Fire Department, received the Gary Goodier Service Award. The 20-year member of the Edmeston department was cited for service to the district in many capacities, including his role as chief and two successful federal grants.

"It means an awful lot to me," he said.

The Auxiliary Member of the Year award went to Carolee Wright of the Gilbertsville Fire Department. The 38-year veteran said it was a "wonderful honor."

Others receiving recognition were "Stub" Van Buren, for 50 years of service to the East Worcester Fire Department, and Ron Miller, for 55 years to the Morris Fire Department.

The event was held a week before the Otsego County Fireman's Convention and carnival that will take place July 16-18, also in Schenevus. Separating the two events allows the Schenevus Fire Department members that will run next week's events to enjoy the awards dinner, Mulford said.