The Huntington Manor Fire Department recently held their 109th Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony. Following the presentation of colors by the Huntington Manor Honor Guard, Chaplain Deacon Edward Billia delivered the invocation and prayer for departed members.

 The following officers were installed by the Board of Fire Commissioners: Department Officers – Chief Gary Hatton, First Assistant Chief Fred Steenson, Jr., Second Assistant Chief Frank McQuade, Third Assistant Chief Mike DePasquale.  Corresponding Secretary Lisa Fusaro, Recording Secretary Robert Eng, Treasurer Vincent Bifano, Financial Secretary Clifford Sutkevich, Chaplain Deacon Edward Billia, Associate Chaplain Thomas Petriano.

 Hook and Ladder Company – Captain Greg Hocknell, First Lieut. Shadon “Chuck” Brady, Second Lieut. James Glidden, Secretary Robert Eng, Treasurer Brian Nelson, Financial Secretary James Pentecost. Hose Company No. 1 – Captain Michael Bruno, First Lieut. Travis Mortensen, Second Lieut. John Damico, Secretary Lisa Fusaro, Treasurer John Rubcewich, Jr., Financial Secretary Robert Tellefsen.  Fire Police – Captain David Schombs, Lieut. Thomas Krumpter.

 Outgoing Commissioner John Hall was presented with an award from the Board in appreciation of his dedicated service.  The Hook and Ladder Company presented their Probationary Firefighter of the Year Award to Sean Martin and Jack Italiano III, with Rob Eng receiving the Firefighter of the Year Award. The Hose Company presented their Firefighter of the Year Award to Bruce Smith.

Lifesaving Medal of Valor Awards were presented to Anthony Murisco and John Hall for reviving a co-worker in cardiac arrest, and to Keith Tetrault for rescuing an unconscious man who fell onto the LIRR tracks at Huntington Station. Frank McQuade received a special award for going above and beyond his duties for 2011 as Assistant Chief. 

The Richard Holst Inspirational Award was presented to Mary Chapman in recognition of her humanitarian efforts for donating a much-needed kidney to Firefighter Andrew Schreiber. The award is presented in the memory of Huntington Manor Firefighter and Chaplain Richard Holst, who died in the line-of-duty at a fire in 2009.

The Peter A. Nelson Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Ex-Chief and Commissioner Michael Pastore for his outstanding dedication and service. The award is presented in the memory of Huntington Manor Chief and FDNY Rescue Company No. 4 Firefighter Peter Nelson, who was killed in the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center.

Photo above: From left, are First Assistant Chief Fred Steenson, Jr., Chief Gary Hatton, Michael Pastore, Second Assistant Chief Frank McQuade, and Third Assistant Chief Mike DePasquale.

Photo above:  From left, are Third Assistant Chief Mike DePasquale, First Assistant Chief Fred Steenson, Jr., Andrew Schreiber, Mary Chapman, Chief Gary Hatton, and Second Assistant Chief Frank McQuade.

Story & photos by Steve Silverman