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Greenport dedicates field to James Porreca
  
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By Francesca Olsen
During Greenport Community Day Saturday, the town of Greenport gathered to eat, drink, and be merry, but not before residents honored the memory of lifelong fire department member James “Bugsy” Porreca, who passed away Sept. 2 of last year.
Porreca was the captain of the Greenport Fire Police Squad, passionate about securing funding so the fire police could have the most updated equipment available, and he helped the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office teach fire police classes.
Greenport Fire Chief Gary Mazzacaro said his expertise was sought after by the Federation of Polish Sportsment and Columbia Greene Community College.
Porreca also worked at the Greenport Town Park and was dedicated to making the park look its best at all times.
“He was most enthusiastic about his work here in the park,” said Mazzacaro. “He was proud of the park, and proud of its appearance.”
The park’s soccer field was dedicated to Porreca, and a memorial plaque in front of the field, complete with a water garden, immortalizes his name.
“This year’s community day is probably the most special one we’ve had,” Town Supervisor John Rutkey told the crowd that assembled for the memorial’s unveiling. “What you see here is a field that was very special to Jimmy ... this is a great day to honor Jimmy, because community day was very special to him.”
The water garden, which is surrounded by mums, sage and juniper bushes, is a water garden because Porreca was passionate about adding a pond or sprinkler for the benefit of the children who play there, even during the last days of his life. “Jimmy always wanted a pond in the town park,” said Rutkey.
Many people in the audience fought back tears while Rutkey and Mazzacaro spoke of Porreca. Fire department members stood at attention in dress uniform in honor of the occasion.
Rutkey talked about how Porreca, who died of pancreatic cancer, had year after year labored at the park, preparing for community day, mulching around the trees and putting careful detail into all of the work involved. “It’s a perfect day to honor a real perfect guy,” he said.
“There was no other person who cared for this town more than he did,” said Mazzacaro. “He was the epitome of a fire police officer, and a tough act to follow ... I think the only time he missed a fire meeting was when he was working here in the park.”
“He was truly Mr. Greenport,” Mazzacaro said. “He was a good guy. He was loved by everybody and we miss him terribly.”
Porreca also worked at Brookwood Secure Center in Claverack, and Mazzacaro said his coworkers constructed a small park in his memory there. He also did work with the Greenport highway and water departments.
Mazzacaro was also passionate about adding that Porreca was “responsible for the safety of the firemen, and the safety of us all.”
“We still feel he’s looking over us. We all miss him a great deal,” he said.
To reach reporter Francesca Olsen call 518-828-1616, ext. 2272, or e-mail folsen@registerstar.com.
Porreca was the captain of the Greenport Fire Police Squad, passionate about securing funding so the fire police could have the most updated equipment available, and he helped the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office teach fire police classes.
Greenport Fire Chief Gary Mazzacaro said his expertise was sought after by the Federation of Polish Sportsment and Columbia Greene Community College.
Porreca also worked at the Greenport Town Park and was dedicated to making the park look its best at all times.
“He was most enthusiastic about his work here in the park,” said Mazzacaro. “He was proud of the park, and proud of its appearance.”
The park’s soccer field was dedicated to Porreca, and a memorial plaque in front of the field, complete with a water garden, immortalizes his name.
“This year’s community day is probably the most special one we’ve had,” Town Supervisor John Rutkey told the crowd that assembled for the memorial’s unveiling. “What you see here is a field that was very special to Jimmy ... this is a great day to honor Jimmy, because community day was very special to him.”
The water garden, which is surrounded by mums, sage and juniper bushes, is a water garden because Porreca was passionate about adding a pond or sprinkler for the benefit of the children who play there, even during the last days of his life. “Jimmy always wanted a pond in the town park,” said Rutkey.
Many people in the audience fought back tears while Rutkey and Mazzacaro spoke of Porreca. Fire department members stood at attention in dress uniform in honor of the occasion.
Rutkey talked about how Porreca, who died of pancreatic cancer, had year after year labored at the park, preparing for community day, mulching around the trees and putting careful detail into all of the work involved. “It’s a perfect day to honor a real perfect guy,” he said.
“There was no other person who cared for this town more than he did,” said Mazzacaro. “He was the epitome of a fire police officer, and a tough act to follow ... I think the only time he missed a fire meeting was when he was working here in the park.”
“He was truly Mr. Greenport,” Mazzacaro said. “He was a good guy. He was loved by everybody and we miss him terribly.”
Porreca also worked at Brookwood Secure Center in Claverack, and Mazzacaro said his coworkers constructed a small park in his memory there. He also did work with the Greenport highway and water departments.
Mazzacaro was also passionate about adding that Porreca was “responsible for the safety of the firemen, and the safety of us all.”
“We still feel he’s looking over us. We all miss him a great deal,” he said.
To reach reporter Francesca Olsen call 518-828-1616, ext. 2272, or e-mail folsen@registerstar.com.
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bear99 wrote on Sep 20, 2009 8:45 AM: