A festive celebration was held at the Rockland House last Saturday on the occasion of the Grahamsville Fire Department’s (GFD) 75th anniversary. And because the actual anniversary was in 2021, it was also time to celebrate their 77th. Additionally, the party was a well-attended send off to longtime Chief Ed McCarthy, and a welcome to new Chief Michael Kelly.

Back in 2021, the GFD was able to celebrate their 75th year by hosting the 93rd Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Parade. But their dinner plans were hijacked by COVID-19. 

Guest Speakers

With GFD President Larry Bracken serving as MC, the evening started off with introductions, and continued with guest speakers Family Nurse Practitioner and Grahamsville Fire Department Auxiliary Member Julie Starner, and Sullivan County Clerk Russell Reeves. 

Starner gave an update on the Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge. “Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding activities,” she said, “… This demands that the firefighter needs to be physically and mentally fit … simply deciding to make and keep positive changes in our nutrition, water intake, physical activity and sleep hygiene will dramatically make improvements over time. ... Each firefighter and everyone in this room has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to take an active role in managing their health and wellness …” 

The GFD is currently in first place, and stands to win as much as $15,000 courtesy of Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther when the contest ends on September 1. Awards will be announced at the Annual Parade in September. And Bracken has stated that as one of his goals for the year, “We will win that contest.”

In addition to giving a rundown of his department’s services, Sullivan County Clerk Russell Reeves praised the GFD as “a perfect example of good people doing good things.” 

Awards and honors

Over 45 firefighters were given certificates and shirts in honor of their service of less-than-five to over 50 years, with special recognition to the new members whom Bracken acknowledged by saying, “… these guys behind me all joined at the same time. … we really don’t have as big a problem as a lot of other fire companies. … and we appreciate it.”

Continuing with the accolades, both the firefighters and the Ladies Auxiliary honored Past Chief Ed McCarthy for 13 years of service. “He has dedicated most of his adult life to being an officer of the Grahamsville Fire Department,” said Bracken. “He’s been a big part of our company for a long time.” And Auxiliary President Michelle Richardson said, “Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication, not only to the department and the Auxiliary, but also to the entire community.”

McCarthy will remain a member of the GFD and continue his life of service. “I’m going to spend time with my wife and kids. I’m a county fire investigator and state fire instructor. So, I have enough to keep me busy.”

Bracken introduced new Chief Michael Kelly, whose goals for the future are to expand training, maybe get some new equipment, “and continue having a great department in Sullivan County.”

Acknowledging the GFD for 75 years of service, Richardson and Auxiliary Treasurer Eileen Minarsky presented Bracken with several gifts and said, “Your many selfless acts of bravery and heroism have not gone unnoticed. We are so blessed to have such dedicated members of this department serving our community.”

The attendees gave a standing ovation to Doug Hamilton, who was honored as Firefighter of the Year for his selfless service. Auxiliary member Julie Starner explained, “He’s community minded, eager to help everyone, is first in line to volunteer, and does all the things no one thinks about like repairs and keeping the firehouse clean. He is just an amazing man and a tremendous asset to the GFD and the community.”

Bracken ended the evening by thanking the significant others “that allow us to go to the firehouse, and do some stupid things once in a while when we come home after being out all night. Without you ladies and gentlemen, we could not do what we do. And we appreciate that.”

Stay tuned! Bracken said the GFD is planning on hosting the SCVFA Parade in 2026, which will also be the occasion of their 80th anniversary.