The SLVFD annual banquet is a time to reflect on all that has happened during the past year. It is a time to say thank you to the members, their families, our mutual aid companies, and to special invitees who have gone above and beyond in their support of the SLVFD.

This year the SLVFD responded 396 times to emergencies of all sorts. In addition to responding to many calls, your SLVFD members participated in many hours of training, attending many meetings and work sessions. The SLVFD also participated in numerous community events such as fire prevention presentations at the school and station, Memorial day parade, downtown trick or treat, The Santa parade, St. Patty’s Parade, Holiday Helpers toy drive, winter carnival events such as providing an honor guard at the coronation, firefighters broomball, participating in the gala parade as well as providing standby for emergencies during the parade and firework events. There were also touch a truck type events, a golf and a bowling tournament, etc. SLVFD members also contributed to the local food pantry. Your SLVFD members seem to be everywhere, all the time! The banquet is our opportunity to recognize those efforts.

This year’s banquet was held at The Red Fox in Saranac Lake. We at the SLVFD wish to extend our gratitude to the entire crew at the Red Fox, they have simply gone above and beyond on servicing this event. Great facility, great food, and great service.

Following the meal, the program continues with awards and recognition, followed by a slide show “Year in Review” highlighting the events of the previous year, April 2024 through March 2025. Some of this years highlights include accepting our new Ladder 144 into service, recognizing one of our own members, past Chief, and Vietnam Veteran Ed Woodard who was an “Honor Flight” honoree. The passing of our beloved Smokey 6, and the welcoming of Smokey 7. It was a pretty busy year!

This year’s awards were presented as follows:

SERVICE AWARDS: Members are recognized with a pin upon achieving increments of 5 years of service.

5 years of Service: Andrea Boon

THE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD: This award seeks to recognize the volunteer who continuously and consistently proves to be reliable in terms of attendance, effort, and willingness to participate in all labors associated with the SLVFD. This award is for that volunteer who can always be relied on to be present when needed.

This years Volunteer of the year award recipient is Adam Mayville who is specifically being recognized for his efforts during trainings, work details, community events, is a top 5 responder, and is actively recruiting for the SLVFD.

TOP 5 RESPONDERS:

1. Michael Knapp 372 of 396 calls.
2. Gifford Hosler 237 of 396 calls.
3. Adam Mayville 173 of 396 calls
4. Robert Girard 172 of 396 calls
5. Andrea Boon 141 of 396 calls

THE RUTH KING VALOR AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: is a very special award that is presented to a community member each year who has demonstrated exceptional support to the SLVFD. It is named after Ruth King who was the subject of a dramatic rescue from the 1964 St. Regis Hotel fire by Past Chief Preston Burl.

This years recipient of the Ruth King Valor and Community Service Award is the Saranac Lake Women's Civic Chamber. This organization is always supportive of the community and the SLVFD. The Women's Civic Chamber has taken a huge role with the SLVFD by stepping up and taking charge of the Santa visits and gifts immediately following SLVFD's escort of Santa during the "Light up Saranac Lake" parade. This effort has been a huge assistance to the SLVFD who is busily coordinating multiple first responder and community entrants in what has become a very fun and rewarding, but large scale community event. The energy and enthusiasm they put into this event is inspiring.

THE CHIEFS AWARD: is awarded annually by the chief of the department to the person he or she considers to have made the most outstanding contribution to the department during the course of the preceding year. Instituted in 1989 by Chief Don Duso, "Chiefs Award" recipients are honored at our annual banquet with a plaque. A perpetual plaque is also maintained at the fire house listing all previous recipients of the award.

This year Chief Knapp is awarding the Chiefs Award to Gifford Hosler. Gifford serves as the secretary of the SLVFD, He is a Top 5 Responder, He can be relied on to attend almost any activity there is, meetings, trainings, calls, work bees, and community events. Of note is Giffords efforts in the area of fund raising and community support.

Below please enjoy photos of the evening as well as the Year in Review slide show video presented at the banquet.

If you happen to see any of these award recipients or any SLVFD member please take a moment to say hello and thank them for their service to our wonderful community.