The spirit of Thanksgiving could not have been more meaningfully shown than through the recent acquisition of emergency rescue equipment by Windham Hose Company #1, a purchase made possible by the Windham Foundation.
(left to right) town supervisor Stephen Walker, Hose #1 president Greg Thorp, Hose #1 first assistant chief Garry Tompkins and Hose #1 fire chief Michael Scarey.
Photo Credit: Windham Journal
Hose Company president Greg Thorp, in a letter to the Windham town board in early August, requested funding for the replacement of “Jaws of Life” emergency rescue tools. Windham Foundation board members, learning of the needs of the fire department, donated $4,500 toward the spreader.
While emphasizing that words fall short, Thorp was again inspired to take pen in hand, expressing gratitude to Foundation emissary Phyllis Parrish for the invaluable addition while also personally thanking town board members at a meeting, earlier this week. “The members of Windham Hose Company #1 would like to thank you and the Foundation for your wonderful generosity and consideration of our fire department,” Thorp wrote to Parrish “As you know, the “Jaws of Life” is a crucial, life-saving tool. Our original spreader was close to 40 years old and outdated. It’s great that we now have a new unit. (Link to letter from Windham Hose Company)
“It is very satisfying to know that the local people, and organizations such as yours, recognize the importance of our volunteer fire department. We appreciate your generosity and kindness more than words can describe,” Thorp wrote, a feeling shared by government officials.
“We are extremely grateful for this purchase by the Windham Chapter of the Catskill Mountain Foundation,” Windham town supervisor Stephen Walker said.
“The “Jaws of Life” is something you hope you never have to use but something you must have in case it is needed,” Walker said. “We also thank all of our volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel for everything they do, day in and day out, all year long.”