By Derrick Lafrance

Firemen are always at the ready to respond to people in trouble whether it be fires, vehicle accidents or water rescues. They are an essential part of the community and deserve our recognition and thanks. Last weekend at the American Legion in Hogansburg they got that thanks from within. The Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department held their awards banquet and from among their ranks they received their just due. Active and non-Active volunteer firemen as well as non-firemen received recognition from Jason MacDonald.

To help celebrate the night local and regional emergency agencies were on hand and among them were Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services and Ambulance, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, representatives of Mohawk Council and St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, New York State Fire Instructors, Canadian Coast Guard and fellow emergency responders from Dickinson, Burke, Cornwall, Ontario, Fort Covington, Bombay, Helena and Malone.

Special awards were rings awarded to long term firemen including Charlie Jacobs, who served as a line officer right up until retirement after forty-five years. All those years of experience were shared with many of the firemen and they learned from Jacobs.

The other long term award winner was Cecil Ransom - who after 47 years - is still active in the department. During his tenure he also was Assistant Chief.

Other special awards were given out to those who helped the Hogansburg Akwesasne Fire Department in support capacities.

Olsonfab Metal Fabrication of Cornwall stepped up to the plate one Friday night as emergency repairs were needed on one of their FanBoats. Olsonfab told the department to bring the rig by their business and the next day they fixed them up.

Other businesses indirectly helped the fire department; Jacobs Fuels LLC lets them use their property for fundraisers, the Akwesasne Convenience Store Association, Tarbell Management Group and CAA Management. TMG supports their Fire Prevention programs and CAA often provides last minute meals for emergency situations.

The Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club were also acknowledged as supporters of HAVFD as well as the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and Resort. They helped the department obtain a ladder truck and have donated prizes in the past.

Other award winners were Chad Back for Rookie of the Year. Back jumped right in and undertook as much training as he could to start. He still takes training when available and is ready to meet the call at all districts.

Second Assistant Fire Chief Chris Adams was chosen Officer of the Year. He drives all the emergency vehicles and at any time of day he is there to help out.

The Firefighter of the Year award went to Owen White. Master of Ceremonies MacDonald said White has a dedication and initiative to get the job done. He recalled White was the first on the scene of a house fire and tackled the small blaze with a fire extinguisher in his vehicle. He put out the fire before it could do more damage. White also won the Captains Award for Station #1.

The Captains Award winner for Station #2 was Brian White. White was noted for his quick response to calls and can operate any vehicle which the situation calls for. He also takes training whenever possible.

The Captains Choice Award winner for Station #3 was Dennis Philips. He is known to do everything including working the barbecue grill at any district and any other jobs that needed to be done.

The men who have the hazardous duty of water rescue were awarded the Lifesaving Award and the group of Marine Unit #3 were honored. They are Andy Square, Jody David, Kiio Jacobs and Brian White. Marine Unit #2 were also recognized, and they are Issac MacDonald, Clinton Jacobs and Jeremy Thompson.

The other awards were the Unit Award and the recipients were Jody David, Kiio Jacobs and Brian White, Jason Lazore, Chad Back and Conrad Philips.

Officer of the Year Christopher Adams with his wife Shari; with Chad Back, Rookie of the Year and Unit Award with his wife. Photo: Marsha White.

The awards were preceded by a Bagpiper who piped the officers in and there was a moment of silence in memory of fallen comrades. After the meal and awards the band started up and all of these dedicated men of various emergency services enjoyed their evening. This was their night for stories and laughter, and all should be given our thanks for their commitment to the safety of our community.