The Clintondale Fire Department will honor the memory of two beloved community members with a special dedication later this month.

On Saturday, November 25, at 3 p.m. the Clintondale Fire Department will gather together at the Clintondale Firehouse, 1063 Route 44/55, Clintondale, to dedicate two lifetime benches in honor and memory of Life Members Shirley Anson and Past Chief Preston “Mickey” Palazzo. Reflections from colleagues, close friends and family will be shared.

Shirley Anson (March 18. 1939 – December 14, 2021) joined the Clintondale Fire Department in 1981. At that time Clintondale was the only fire department in Ulster County to have female members. In addition to attending all the required firefighting training, she not only elevated herself to top responder year after year, she also saw the need for daytime drivers and soon became a driver of the rescue truck, tanker and fire engines. She remained a strong force in the Department even as a life member, a role model for females to follow in her footsteps in the Fire Service.

Preston “Mickey” Palazzo, (March 9, 1943 – November 22, 2022) held many positions in the Department including Past Chief but the one he held consistently over the years was Mentor. With over 60 years in the Fire Department, he trained and mentored many new members. His positive outlook and professionalism, carried into his training of all our members and drivers and spilled over into his beloved community of Clintondale. Mickey always had a story to tell that inevitably taught you a lesson, something he learned that he wanted to pass along.

A light reception of coffee and desserts will follow.