amenia fire co.

Amenia Fire Co., Ropes Rescue Team honored by town

Amenia Fire Co., Ropes Rescue Team honored by town

Honored with an official proclamation at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 20, were members of the Amenia Fire Company and the Ropes Rescue Team, all Amenia residents. Left to right are First Lt. Rescue Christopher Klingner; Former Chief Aaron Howard, Jr.; First Lt. Richie Howard, Jr.; Town Supervisor Leo Blackman holding the proclamation; Fire Chief Christopher Howard; Second Lt. Zachary Klingner; Former Chief Richard Howard; and Willie Ford.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — During the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 20, an official Proclamation was presented to the Amenia Fire Company and the Amenia Ropes Rescue Team, honoring their vital volunteer service to the town, its residents and the surrounding region.

Presenting the Proclamation signed by each member of the Town Council was Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, citing four technical rescues performed during May and June requiring extraordinary dedication and skill.

Included in the Proclamation is recognition of the service of both the Fire Company and the Ropes Rescue Team, the latter formed five years ago and comprised of nine fire company members. In cooperation with Connecticut and Massachusetts departments, they are part of the Northwest Regional Ropes Rescue Team, attending monthly meetings and responding as called.

One of the four rescues involved rapid response to challenging terrain and attracted national notice. Particularly mentioned was the heroic quarry rescue of Rippy, a 30-pound terrier that had fallen 30 feet and clung precariously to a small rock ledge, beyond the reach of standard fire department truck ladders.

amenia fire co.

Latest News

Pine Plains building expansion could add six apartments, three storefronts

Pine Plains building expansion could add six apartments, three storefronts

Planning Board members view sketched plans for expansion of a commercial building on Pilch Drive, a private road, in Pine Plains near the Post Office during a regular meeting of the board on Wednesday, March 11.

Photo by Nathan Miller

PINE PLAINS — More apartments could be coming to Pine Plains after Planning Board members gave a positive reception to plans to expand a commercial building on Pilch Drive.

Representatives of Poughkeepsie-based contractors Evolution Energy described at a Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, March 11, plans to add three additional commercial spaces at ground level and six residential apartments above the existing and proposed commercial spaces. Board members responded warmly to the plans, citing a need for more housing.

Keep ReadingShow less
housing

George Laurence McGowan

George Laurence McGowan

NEWTOWN — George Laurence “Larry” McGowan, 82, died on Feb. 28, 2026. A man of integrity and long-standing friendships, Larry leaves behind a legacy of professional achievement and a family who loved him dearly.

Born on Nov. 27, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York to George Laurence and Grace Harding McGowan, Larry grew up with a foundation of faith and education.

Keep ReadingShow less

Ralph Henry Stanton Jr.

Ralph Henry Stanton Jr.

CANAAN — Ralph Henry Stanton Jr. of Canaan, passed away on March 7, 2026, after a prolonged battle with his heart. He leaves behind his wife Patricia, twin sons Thomas and Wyatt and grandson Gunner Stanton.

Visiting hours are 5 to 8p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, Canaan, CT. Ample parking is available in the town parking lot behind the library. Burial will be private at Mountainview Cemetery in Canaan when weather permits.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Mary “Molly” Hinchman

Mary “Molly” Hinchman

WEST CORNWALL — Dr. Mary “Molly” Hinchman, 78, passed away on March 12, 2026, at Noble Horizons following a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of Russell E. Guerin for 33 years.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 4, 1947, she was the daughter of the late John and Catharine (Sellew) Hinchman.

Keep ReadingShow less

Snack time

Snack time
Cartoon by Natalia Zukerman
humor

Letters to the Editor — Thursday, March 19

Letters to the Editor — Thursday, March 19

Thanks from Fire Co.

On Sunday, March 15, the Amenia Fire Company sponsored our monthly Pancake Breakfast. We were pleased to have a nice crowd of 202 people in attendance for our monthly meal. We rely on the breakfasts to raise needed money for general operations and we always appreciate the support of the community. We thank everyone who attends our events and hope you will join us at our final breakfast of the year on April 19 at the firehouse.

Andy Murphy,
on behalf of the Breakfast Committee, Amenia Fire Co. & Auxiliary

Keep ReadingShow less
letters
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.