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Chad Quackenbush named Fire Prevention Educator of the Year

| 17 Jun 2013 | 04:11
    Photo by Heather Pillsworth Chad Quackenbush of Excelsior Hose Co. No. 1 of the Warwick Fire Department, was named the 2013 Fire Prevention Educator of the Year Recipient; he accepts the award from Dr. William Bassett, chairman of the Education Advisory Committee of the Orange County Firefighters Museum.
    Photo by Heather Pillsworth Chad Quackenbush of Excelsior Hose Co. No. 1 of the Warwick Fire Department, was named the 2013 Fire Prevention Educator of the Year Recipient; he accepts the award from Dr. William Bassett, chairman of the Education Advisory Committee of the Orange County Firefighters Museum.

MONTGOMERY — Chad Quackenbush, member and past chief of Excelsior Hose Company No. 1 of the Warwick Fire Department, received the Fire Prevention Educator of the Year Award from the Orange County Firefighters Museum earlier this month.

The Warwick Fire Department Color Guard began the June gala with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a blessing from the Rev. Paul Milz of the First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery.

Dr. William Bassett, chairman of the Education Advisory Committee, welcomed all and gave some historical background on the museum, education center and the award.

Museum officials then presented Quackenbush and his department with plaques. Past Fire Prevention Educator of the Year recipients, Lt. Amy Conner of the Goodwill Fire Department (2011) and Capt. Barbara Gasperetti of the Coldenham Fire Department (2012), also congratulated him, thanked him for his service and welcomed him to the group. They also provided him with certificates from local politicians.

Quackenbush was also honored with tributes by Warwick Chief Joe Smith, former Warwick Fire Chief Frank Fortino, Woodbury Police Lt. Arthur Abbott, Orange County Fire Coordinator Vini Tankasali and Warwick Valley School Board President Dave Eaton.

Quackenbush thanked all in attendance, especially his wife Kim and his daughters, and he said that this award meant more to him than any others he has ever received.

Essential information
The Board of Directors of the museum and members of the Education Advisory Committee would like to those that supported the event through monetary donations or items for the silent auction and other raffles. The event raised more than $3,000 for the museum.

The Orange County Firefighters Museum is located at 141 Clinton St. in the Village of Montgomery and is open Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. or by appointment.

Information on the museum, education center, fire prevention educator of the year award and the upcoming golf tournament (Sept. 29) can be obtained by calling 845-457-9666.

The museum is always looking for volunteers to help in various ways.