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Schenectady County Legislature honors firefighters, EMS and long‑serving social services caseworkers
Summary
At its Oct. 14 meeting, the Schenectady County Legislature presented annual awards to fire and EMS personnel, recognized two volunteers for 50 years of service and honored two social services caseworkers for 25 years on the job.
The Schenectady County Legislature honored local fire and emergency medical personnel and recognized long‑serving county caseworkers during its Oct. 14 meeting in the county legislative chambers.
Legislator Pete Frisoni, vice chair of the firefighting and EMS committee, said the awards recognize"those that have gone above and beyond, through their careers, both as volunteer and career firemen and especially during this past year." The body presented Fire Chief of the Year to Josh Walter (Buchendahl Fire Department); Fire Officer of the Year to Chris Nobs (Niski unit district 2); Firefighter of the Year to Liam Hill (Scotia Fire Department); ALS Provider of the Year to Alex Leshpinski (Scotia Fire Department); and BLS Provider of the Year to Tom Gifford (Scotia Fire Department).
The Legislature also recognized two volunteer firefighters for 50 years of service. The resolution read into the record honored Mike Podolek of the West Glenville Volunteer Fire Company for joining that company in 1975 and later serving as chief. The second honoree, Tom Goodspeed, also joined in 1975, later became chief and served as a commissioner, the resolution said.
Schenectady County fire coordinator and retired Scotia fire chief Ken Aalmi called the evening"one of my most satisfying nights of the year," praising the honorees for their professionalism and community support. Legislator Tom Constantine, chairman of the public safety committee, joined presenters at the dais.
The Legislature also recognized two Schenectady County Department of Social Services employees for 25 years of service. Nicole Wood and a caseworker identified as Betsy were singled out; county officials described their work in child welfare and adult protective services, noting long‑term impacts on families and clients. County manager Rory Fluman thanked the employees and said the county's mission is"helping people," pointing to both first responders and social services staff as examples.
The recognitions were presented during the ceremonial portion of the Oct. 14 meeting and were carried by voice votes reported by the committee on rules.
