Oaths of Office administered in Town of Deerpark

By Sharon E. Siegel

Huguenot Fire Department firefighter, Lieutenant (Car 7) Zach Conklin, pictured with his adorable daughter Aubrie, was among the many Town of Deerpark volunteer firefighters sworn in to service on New Year's Day 2024.

Town of Deerpark, NY –Longtime Town of Deerpark Supervisor Gary Spears praised the service of firefighters and others to the community, and the positive impact each makes on the town they choose to call home. 

Spears joined others on the town board who are returning to civic leadership in 2024.  He was sworn in as well as one new town board member who was among those who attended the Town of Deerpark’s New Year’s morning Swearing-In ceremony.

The town’s five-member board now includes Spears, Deputy Supervisor Alan Schock, and council members Kenneth Smith, Arthur Trovei, and Christa Hoovler.  Hoovler was elected to the position vacated by David Dean, who chose not to run for re-election this past fall.

In addition to Oaths of Office taken by Spears and Hoovler on January 1, members of the Sparrowbush and Huguenot Fire Departments were also sworn in by longtime Town Clerk Flo Santini. 

Santini, who has nearly 50-years of service of her own with the town, welcomed a room full of guests who attended the 10 a.m. service.  Guests included family, friends, and neighbors of those being sworn in, as well as several Orange County officials, elected officials from Port Jervis, and a delegation of local veteran supporters.   

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler spoke of the need to keep up with ever-changing technologies and issues in the world.  He expressed his gratitude to the many who help keep the community safe. 

Orange County Legislator Tom Faggione congratulated those elected and expressed his confidence that each will continue to lead with wisdom and grace. 

Newly elected Port Jervis Mayor Dominic Cicalese wished each the best of luck in 2024 and said he is looking forward to working closely with Port’s neighboring communities. PJ Council-man-at-Large Michael Hockenberry and councilpersons Maria Mann and Stanley Siegel were also in attendance.

Along with administering Oaths of Office, Santini issued her own praise for the protection and service of volunteers in the community and their impact on the well-being of the region.

“I wouldn’t trade this place for the world.  I love it here, and even though thank God I have never had to call the fire department, I hear the many calls they respond to.  I thank God they are here,” Santini said.  “Be safe out there, everyone -- and Happy New Year.”

Deerpark Town Board and family members

Huguenot Fire Chief T.J. Kalin signs his official Oath of Office document

Huguenot Fire Company firefighters, led by Chief T.J. Kalin, complete their Oaths of Office

Sparrowbush Engine Company firefighter Danielle Glynn signs her official Oath of Office document

Sparrowbush Engine Company firefighters, led by Chief Jeremy Swingle, complete their Oaths of Office

Sparrowbush Engine Company firefighters, led by Chief Jeremy Swingle, complete their Oaths of Office

Christa Hoovler, the Town of Deerpark's newest councilperson, is sworn into office. She is pictured with her husband, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.

Christa Hoovler, the Town of Deerpark's newest councilperson, is sworn into office by Deerpark Town Clerk Flo Santini. She is pictured with her husband, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.

Town of Deerpark Supervisor Gary Spears leads those gathered for the town's Swearing-In Ceremony in prayer.

Town of Deerpark Supervisor Gary Spears reaffirms his Oath of Office which was administered by Town Clerk Flo Santini. Spears is pictured with his wife Kathy Spears.

Orange County Legislator Tom Faggione thanked the veterans shown here as well as firefighters, elected officials, and others serving the community.

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler advised all who serve their communities as elected officials to be willing to change as times change.

The Glynn Familly, all firefighters and officers (Commissioner, Lt. and Chaplain) wiith Sparrowbush Engine Company, were among those sworn into their positions on New Year's Day.