County executive praises students for snow removal following snowstorm

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino commended three district students – Nolan Howard, Brodie Howard and Antonio Preciado – for being outdoors one frigid evening to clear snow from fire hydrants following the snowstorm that crippled local residents in late January.

Former district student Jase Boardman joined the three students. All four are future firefighters in the Town of Amenia Fire Department.

“These young men aren’t just cleaning snow; they are ensuring our first responders have immediate access to water in an emergency, which saves lives,” Serino said on Facebook. “It’s so inspiring to see the next generation of heroes taking care of their hometown with such pride.

“Please join me in thanking them for their hard work and dedication! Amenia is lucky to have you.”

The Howards are freshman cousins in the high school, and Preciado is a fifth grader in the intermediate school. All three come from families of firefighters. They relied on finding the fire hydrant flags as the fire hydrants were buried in deep snow.

“I’ve wanted to be a firefighter for a long time, helping people is the biggest reason,” said Preciado. “We brought snow shovels to the firehouse, loaded them into the truck and drove around looking for the flags. When we found a flag, we shoveled around the fire hydrant. We got back into the truck and kept looking for flags.”

Nolan Howard shared his story.

“I asked my dad if he needed any help one night,” recalled Howard. “He said we were shoveling out the fire hydrants so first responders can get to the water in case of an emergency. I decided to help.

“It felt great to help. It’s helping in case of an emergency for firefighters to help people in need.”

Brodie Howard remembered the chilly evening, deep snow, his frozen toes and his sore back, but added that he’d be ready to do it again.

“If there is a lot of snow around the hydrants, we can’t get our hose right on the hydrant,” said Howard. “We would have to clear snow when there is a big fire. That house could be possibly gone by the time we get the hose on the hydrant.”