— Photo from Kyle Haines

Jack Pollard, left, is presented with a trophy by Altamont Fire Chief Paul Miller, honoring Pollard’s 65 years of service to the volunteer department. State Senator George Amedore presented Pollard with a Senate proclamation at the Jan. 28 annual installation banquet. Pollard recalled how, at the peak of his involvement, his wife was going to move his bed to the firehouse. Now, he quipped, when he hears the alarm go off, “unless my wall is warm, they’re on their own.” Amedore announced at the banquet that he’d secured a $100,000 grant to help Altamont purchase a new fire engine.