PRESS RELEASE
February 18, 2008

Legislature Commends Employees for Response to Manor Fire

The Rensselaer County Legislature approved a resolution commending several county employees for their response to a fire at the Van Rensselaer Manor in December, Legislator Martin Reid announced.

A fire started at the Van Rensselaer Manor on December 21 due to unauthorized smoking by a resident who was also utilizing oxygen. A fire ensued, prompting swift response by a number of employees.

Manor employees Jill LaValley and Michelle Recore noticed the fire, grabbed a fire extinguisher and called emergency services for assistance. Legislators and county officials said the response by LaValley and Recore helped prevent the situation from worsening.

“These employees saw the fire, and quickly took action, helping protect residents and the Manor facility. Thanks to their response, and the response of other employees, the situation was quickly resolved without injury or major damage,” said Reid, who serves as chair of the Legislature’s Social Services Committee.

Also commended with LaValley and Recore were Manor employees Mary Hernandez, Janice Guidilli, Barbara Nicholson, Janice Kaufman, Jennifer Goodermote, Margaret Catalfumo and Becky Jennings.

Social Services Commissioner John Beaudoin recently told legislators that a number of off-duty employees returned to the Manor to assist with the evacuation of residents and related work.

“We are fortunate to have so many dedicated and hard-working employees at the Manor. The Manor is one of the best senior care facilities in the Northeast, and the people working there are a big part of why the Manor is so special,” said Legislator Nancy McHugh, member of the Legislature’s Social Services Committee.

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