Senator Amedore Recognizes Betty Filkins of Westerlo as 2017 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction

State Senator George Amedore recognized Westerlo resident Betty Filkins as the 2017 New York State Women of Distinction from the 46th Senate District. Ms. Filkins was honored for her contributions to here community at an awards ceremony held last night at the Legislative Office Building in office, along with honorees from throughout New York State.

“Betty Ann Filkins puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and her enthusiastic spirt has touched the lives of so many of her neighbors,” said Senator Amedore. “She is truly a pillar of her community, and it was my great honor to have the chance to recognize her accomplishments and thank her for her great contributions to our communities.”

Betty Filkins is a lifetime member of the Westerlo Fire Company, and in 1978, became the department’s first female firefighter. She held many offices within the department throughout the years and was in charge of some of their most profitable fundraisers. She is also a certified EMT, and was a CPR instructor for 20 years.

When her younger brother was permanently crippled by a drunk driver in 1989, Ms. Filkins became actively involved in RID (Remove Intoxicated Drivers) as a speaker at conferences, in schools, and on victim impact panels.

As a member of the Rensselaerville Historical Society, Ms. Filkins co-wrote the book “People Made it Happen Here,” a history of the Town of Rensselaerville. She is also a member of the American Legion Clark White Post 589.

Ms. Filkins put her fundraising skills back to work when her sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. In addition to caring for her, and driving her to all her appointments, Ms. Filkins organized two successful fundraisers to help cover her sister’s medical expenses and continues to be an active participant in charitable events organized by the Cancer Society.

Ms. Filkins has been recognized with the Albany Medical Center Heart Institute Outstanding Service Award, the American Heart Association Outstanding Volunteer Award, and as Westerlo Fire Company Firefighter of the Year.

Ms. Filkins lives in Westerlo with Richard, her husband of 51 years. They have two daughters.

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