Rhinebeck firefighter honored for decades of service

Rhinebeck firefighter William “Bill” Vickery was honored for 50 years of dedicated service to the department at the department’s annual installation dinner Jan. 4.

Vickery has responded in the last 10 years to 75 percent of the department’s fire calls according to a fire department news release.

He was presented with various awards at the dinner, along with proclamations from Rhinebeck Village Mayor James Reardon and New York State Senator Terry Gipson.

In a news release, Reardon noted, “Fifty years at anything is a remarkable accomplishment, but to volunteer at one’s own free will and be willing to risk life and limb in so doing in support of your community is something that is to be commended. Bill has given of himself continually over the years and annually has the highest percentage of responses to calls of all the members of the company. In 2013 alone, Bill responded to over 640 out of 800 plus alarms. That number is mind-boggling… His dedication and commitment stand as a benchmark for all young firefighters to aspire to.”

At the dinner, held at the Grand Hotel in Poughkeepsie and attended by more than 100 members and guests, Reardon administered the oath of office to the newly elected department officers, firematic officers and rescue squad officers: President William Stroka, Vice president Ken Scattergood, Treasurer John Imperato, Secretary Lee Anne Traudt; Chief Kevin Asher, 2nd Assistant Chief Darren Forbes, Captain Becky Stroka, and Lieutenant Frank Calabrese. Rescue Squad officers Captain Julie Hart, 1st Lieutenant Rebecca Asher and 2nd Lieutenant Nick Washburn.

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