On March 23 the Marlborough Hose Company gathered at the Poughkeepsie Grand for their annual Inspection dinner. Peggy Libonati delivered the opening Invocation.

“We are grateful and blessed for the family and friends that are here with us this evening and to those who cannot be with us,” she said. “We thank you for this meal that we are sharing and we ask that you bless this food, bless those who prepared it and served it and bless this time together that we have this evening and may you guide and direct us all for all of our days.”

The Line Officers were administered the oath of office: Erick Masten, Mike Troncillito, Lenny Scaturro, Corey Rhynehart, Jerome, DeCarlo, Dave Scaturro, Dan Spangler and Don Cosman.

The House Officers and members of the Ladies Auxiliary were also sworn in: Vincent Monti, Marybeth Dawes, Krystal Alonge, Tommy Mahusky, Kerri Monti, Tony Kraiza, Fredrick Schmelz and Cory Rhynehart. The Ladies Auxiliary members are: Adrienne Auchmoody, Patty Cutrone, Ruthann Cosman (absent) and Peggy Libonati.

Vincent Monti thanked the Highway Department for helping with the 2018 addition to the fire house. John Alonge accepted the plaque.

Past Chief Bobby Troncillito was recognized for his role in lobbying New York State to pass the first lemon law for fire apparatus.

David Dawes and Lenny Scaturro received their 25 year pins for service to the department.

Auxiliary President Adrienne Auchmoody honored Jean Mazey for her 59 years of active service to the Ladies Auxiliary.

“She has served as President four different times, she has served as Treasurer at least five times and is presently on the Executive Committee. She’s always volunteered to work and head fundraisers, bake sales and penny socials, as well as making the best pancakes for the firehouse pancake breakfast. She continues to volunteer her time and knowledge to the organization,” she said. “Jean you are the epitome of what it means to give your time and service to a community and an organization that you love. We want to thank you for all of your work that you’ve done and continue to do.”

Jean thanked the Auxiliary, saying, “They were always number one on my list.” A standing ovation followed a presentation of a plaque to her.

Vincent Manesse received a plaque in recognition of his 40 years as the company’s Cadence Officer at their parades. A plaque read: “Under your leadership we have won in excess of 90 awards [and] with extreme gratitude and appreciation Marlborough Hose Company #1 from the year 1978 to the year 2018.”

Chief Erick Masten handed out the awards for 2018: Top Responder, Mark Ciaglia; Top Responder for a Driver, Pete Carofano; Top Responder for Fire Police, Frank Williams; Top Responder for an Officer, Lenny Scaturro; Line Officer, Michael Scaturro; Rookie of the Year, Thomas Coupart and Firefighter of the Year went to Paul DeAngelis.

Past Lt. Billy Farrell, who could not attend, was recognized for his service from 2014 to 2019.

Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, who attended the dinner for the first time, said firefighters, “are the true definition of public servants.” He said these individuals serve not for recognition or for pay.

“They do it because they feel a need for commitment for the community,” he said. “The towns that have companies are very lucky to have younger people who are still involved because if you don’t have this it would cost taxpayers a ton of money.”

State Senator James Skoufis makes an effort to support organizations like the fire department. In his current position he is representing Marlborough for the first time in his elected career.

“They are volunteers who don’t get paid and don’t get the headlines in the newspapers for what they do, but they protect lives and property. Whatever I can do to support them over the years I have, whether that’s through grants or legislation, I look forward to doing that here in Marlborough as well,” he said.

Chief Masten said in 2018 they responded to about 140 calls, “which is average for us.” He said this year many members are stepping up and taking on more responsibilities.

“Everyone is hauling their weight and the more they do to help me it makes my life easier,” he said.