| COLTON — Since World War I, countless heroic efforts have been made by firefighters in the town of Colton.
The hamlet’s volunteer fire department began celebrating its 100 years of existence Friday night with a corned beef dinner at the station in South Colton.
A menu including corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, dinner roll and cake filled the appetites of the tireless workers who are a part of the group that officially became a corporation in 1915.
“I think we’re like a big family and we provide a volunteer service to help people in the community — that’s what being a volunteer firefighter is about. The guys that have been in for over 50 years — it’s just wonderful,” said Angel Angleberger, firefighter and centennial committee member. “We have two members that have been here over 50 years, and we have some members that have been here for 45 years, et cetera. To me, if people stay in that long, we must be doing something right.”
Jerry Wilson (50 years) and Paul Caster (55 years) are the longest-tenured members of the department.
Ms. Angleberger and her husband, Jeffrey, have been with the department for almost five years.
The department has 40 members, ranging in age from 18 to 82. There are many family connections, including the Anglebergers and their two sons.
“I wanted to be part of the centennial because it’s important to give back to the community,” Mrs. Angleberger said.
Colton Volunteer Fire Capt. Rick Wood has been the with department for 38 years after moving from Tupper Lake during the 1970s.
He said there have been numerous changes since he joined the department.
“We’ve seen a lot of technology growth and, of course, the equipment has changed dramatically since I got here. As far as the medical care, that has also changed a lot,” Mr. Wood said.
A new fire station is expected to be built this year, a facility that is being funded through Rural Development of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This station is like a 1950 vintage, and I think it has been modified twice. We hope to break ground on the new building this year,” Mr. Wood said.
He said the department will be holding many events in 2015 to celebrate the centennial, including a parade over the summer.
Mr. Wood’s son, Trevor, is the fire chief.
“One of the reasons we stay is because you’re servicing your community, and it’s a vital service we have to have here,” Rick Wood said. |
