Saturday, January 21, 2012
On Saturday night, the Monell Engine Company held its annual officer installation and awards dinner. The occasion marked the last official event overseen by outgoing chief of the department, Chris VanRiper, who first entered the officer’s line in 1998. Two new officers to the line were sworn in, Steve Palermo as 2nd Lieutenant and Matt Hodge as 3rd Lieutenant. They will be supporting the newly appointed chief of the department, Brian Zaccaro.
Several firematic and company awards were given out during the night including:
Firefighter of the Year: Justin Phillips- FF Phillips while on vacation, performed CPR on his father for nearly 15 minutes after finding him unresponsive. Despite long shot odds, his father who is also a district commissioner was revived following these efforts and 2 shocks by an AED.
Man of the Year: Chris Leavey- Chris fills many roles in the department on both the firematic and company sides of the fence. He was officially recognized for his ongoing efforts.
Top Responder- Dan Branath- FF Dan Branath answered 438/535 runs in 2011. He was also awarded a chiefs award for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Unit Citation- The crew of Engine 582 was recognized for its actions during the County Parade at which it responded to a serious MVA with entrapment while on a standby. For the story see link: http://www.washingtonvillefd.com/news/fullstory/newsid/145987
Member Sean McDaid, the departments #2 responder was presented a new bicycle purchased by members of the department for use to respond to calls. Sean answered 398 calls during 2011 without the luxury of being able to utilize a car. When his old bicycle, used during responses on brutal cold nights and torrential rains, finally broke while responding to a call late in 2011, members felt it fitting to reward his ongoing determination and commitment to helping them and the community.
A special thanks to the Chester Fire Department for staffing an engine at our station during the event.
Photos provided by Heather Pillsworth.
