BETHLEHEM — The Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post 1040 of the American Legion will hold its 40th annual Community Awards ceremony to honor local firefighters, police and first responders on Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m. in its building on 16 West Poplar Dr. in Delmar.
Each volunteer fire department, volunteer ambulance service and the Bethlehem Police Department had to choose one of their own employees they would like to recognize as “Man or Woman of the Year” prior to the event and submit their name and a brief statement of why they feel qualified for the recognition.
While the event is free and open to the public, Post 1040 Commander Lyle Maddock said that it has invited notable figures like Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven, the Town Board members, the town’s judges, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy and even Sen. Neil Breslin.
Maddock added that although the list of winners has not been finalized as of the week of Feb. 17, he said that the event is important because “they’re our heroes. They’re everyday heroes and we sometimes take them for granted for all the hard work they do for the community. We’re basically honoring them and recognizing them, and that’s a very special thing.”
For more information, visit Post 1040’s website at nabpost1040.us or call 518-439-9819.