It was an historic night for the Storm King Engine Company. At the unit’s 147th inspection dinner, it installed its first female president. Nancy Bryan, a long-time volunteer, took the oath of office on Jan. 31 at Mountainville Manor.
Mrs. Bryan continues a family tradition. Her husband, Bruce, is a former president of the company. And her husband and her father-in-law (Bart) were both presidents of the county organization.
Near the end of the evening, Mrs. Bryan addressed the audience. “I’m particularly thrilled with our young members,” she said. “It’s so exciting to have young people in our organization.”
And while there were several young people at the dinner dance, the company’s oldest member was also conspicuous. Joe Trainor arrived with his badges from past service attached to his sports jacket. He has been part of the company for 65 years, having joined while Harry Truman was still president of the United States.
Several speakers recalled the late Matt Clancy, a former chief and president of the company, who passed away last spring – not long after he had led the county parade through the streets of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
A number of leadership changes became official at the event. Robby Vought and Steve Calamari stepped down as chief and assistant chief. Charles Quinn turned over the president’s job to Mrs. Bryan.
Village Mayor Brendan Coyne had a turn at the microphone. “Storm King has been a huge part of the community,” he told the audience. “I’m grateful for your help with New Year’s Eve.”
The mayor also referred to the party last fall at the Black Rock Fish & Game Club. “The fund raiser for the Clancy family was incredible,” he said, “I couldn’t find a place to park.”
Mayor Coyne said he enjoyed working with former chief Robby Vought, and asked people to remember Jim Kane – the village trustee who is serving in Afghanistan.
People laughed when Assemblyman James Skoufis said he was worried that he would miss the dinner because he’d be in Albany campaigning for the vacant speaker’s position. Then turning serious (speaker is still a stretch for the second-term Democrat), he addressed his comments to the company members and their families. “Thank you for your service and dedication,” he said.
