Three local heroes honored at annual awards banquet

HARLEM VALLEY — At the 14th annual Linda Bodley Police Firefighters and EMT Heroes Award Dinner, three local citizens were honored for their contributions to the community.

Lenny Morrison, who volunteers with the Millerton Fire Department, James Dawson, who volunteers with the LaGrange Fire District, and Jeffrey Galm, a trooper with the New York State Police, were among the 34 honored as “Dutchess County Heroes� at the ceremony.

The Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess hosted the awards dinner. Matthew Vetare, the chairperson for the event’s committee, explained that letters were sent to department heads throughout the county. There were multiple categories: Teamwork with Squad, Heroic Acts, Lifetime Achievement and Community Involvement. The department heads nominated those from their departments who qualified, and the event committee chose finalists from each category. The 34 finalists were honored at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel on April 2.

From those finalists, overall winners from each category were picked.

“Each category has terrific examples of heroic acts and lifetime achievement,� Vetere said, “but others are beyond excellent, and really unbelievable.�

Everyone recognized received a plaque; overall winners received an additional plaque and a watch engraved with the seal of Dutchess County.

Morrison has been a firefighter since 1979, and has held the position of second lieutenant and captain, eventually becoming chief in 1984. He has held the position of president of the department from 2004-05 and from 2007 to present.

“He’s a good asset to the company,� said current Fire Chief Jason Watson.

“I was dumbfounded,� Morrison said about hearing that he was nominated. “I can’t explain the feeling of walking up the aisle. I’ll be a firefighter as long as my health will let me be.�

Dawson has been a firefighter since 1980. He has been a captain for three years, assistant chief for six years and spent one year as chief.

“Jim has rightfully earned the respect of the members he led as well as respect from his neighboring departments,� current Fire Chief Barry Ward said. “He’s a valuable contributor to the department.�

Dawson said he first got involved with firefighting through friends who were in the department.

“It makes you feel good that they’re recognizing something you give a percentage of your life to,� he said about his award.

Of the three local honorees, Trooper Galm won his overall category.

He joined the New York State Police in 1992, becoming a dog handler in 1997. He regularly makes presentations at schools and community organizations. Galm has also been an active member of the Milan Fire Department for more than 20 years and has held the ranks of chief and assistant chief. Galm has also coordinated several fundraisers for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Special Olympics.

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