Becoming a fire company officer is like being appointed to the Supreme Court. People tend to stay in their positions for a long time — at least that’s true in the Cornwall Fire Department and the Highland Engine Company.
Highland held its annual installation dinner at Anthony’s Pier 9 on March 24. Among the people recognized were Patrick Hines (who has been Cornwall’s chief for 25 years) and J. Kerry McGuinness (Highland’s president for the last 22 years and a member of the company for 50 years.)
Kevin Hines, the master of ceremonies for the evening, updated a poem he had written for his brother five years ago. “The fire department continues to thrive,” the emcee said, “with our chief of twenty-five.”
Mr. Hines also acknowledged Tave Graham, who has been an assistant chief for nine years and who continues to obtain the gifts for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
Brendan Casey, the County’s Emergency Services Commissioner, swore in this year’s officers. Assemblyman James Skoufis presented certificates to the honorees. And Rev. Stephen Racitie, an active firefighter and chaplain, offered the invocation and benediction.
Cornwall Fire Dept.: Patrick Hines (Chief), Autavis Graham (Assistant Chief)
Board of Fire Commissioners: Alexander Vanacore, Robert Schimpf, Kevin Hines, Robert Conley, Robert D’Arrigo, Brain Bacher (Secretary), Gary Rank (Treasurer)
Highland Engine Officers: J. Kerry McGuinness (president), William Goldsmith (vice president), Brian Bacher (secretary), Kevin Hines (treasurer), Josh Halvorsen (sergeant at arms), Rev. Stephen Racite ( chaplain), Don Bounty (captain), Austin McCarty (1st lieutenant), Keven Smith (2nd lieutenant).
Highland Engine Trustees: Alexander Vanacore, Joel Hahn, Robert Pinder, Dan Dulaney, Joseph Halvorsen, Tony Ambrosino, Steve Wersebe.
Awards: Brendan Doyle (Captain’s Award), Josh Halvorsen (Rookie of the Year), Patrick Hines (President’s Award).