Even after they were shut down for political reasons, former Cornwall Volunteer Ambulance Corp members kept their bond and came out to mourn the loss of one of their life members last night.
Robert “Bob” Galvin, age 75, passed away at his home last week. He served the Town of Cornwall as a dedicated member of COVAC for 42 years.
“Bob’s heart belonged in Cornwall and he had a strong love for the agency,” read a statement by the former COVAC membership. “Bob held a spot in our board and always stood his ground for what he felt was best for the community.”
In 2015, Galvin earned the Volunteer of the Year Award for his hard work and dedication. That same year, he contributed 2,844 hours to volunteering on the ambulance in Cornwall.
Galvin’s contributions to society did not stop with helping Cornwall residents. He served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and then went onto serve in the U.S. Air Force for an additional 18 years. He was deployed during Vietnam, Desert Storm, and he was activated to Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.
Galvin also volunteered with the Hudson Valley Honor Flight Organization. He served as a guardian to World War II veterans during two separate flights to Washington, D.C.
Former members of COVAC were joined by the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp at Galvin’s wake at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home last night. Members from Beacon purchased COVAC’s old rig and were kind enough to bring it for last night’s services and today’s funeral procession.
COVAC was kicked out by some Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson politicians earlier this year for political reasons. The controversial move was made despite public criticism. Former Town Supervisor Randy Clark and former Mayor Brendan Coyne publicly voiced their opposition to the move at the time (story here). New Windsor Volunteer Ambulance Corp now covers Cornwall in addition to their own jurisdiction.
