SIRENS, LIGHTS, HORNS SOUND

Fire Companies Salute

Our Healthcare Heroes

Fire trucks from Cooperstown area companies descended on the corner of Fair Street and Atwell Road – the middle of Bassett Hospital’s campus – at 6:30 p.m. this evening, sirens sounding and horns blowing, in tribute to Bassett Hospital employees who have been on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus.  About 100 staffers from the ER, security and other departments poured out onto the lawn, ignoring the wind and freezing temperatures, to accept accolades, some carrying posters to salute the firefighters in return.  The tribute was proposed by Cooperstown Fire Chief Jim Tallman and Fly Creek Chief Chris Vuolo, and coordinated by Victor Jones, assistant director of Otsego County Emergency Services.   Middlefield and Richfield Springs also participated.   Inset photo, Chief Vuolo and Fly Creek Assistant Chief Jess Lanza unrolled a banner honoring our Healthcare Heroes.  Not to be outdone, Jan Calhoun, top photo, hoisted a placard honoring firefighters and EMTs in return.   Among her companions are, far left, Izees Abdallah, and, immediately to Jan’s right, Katie Kraham of Cherry Valley. Click photos to see them full size. (Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com)