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Central Islip Fire Department Hosts 2024 Suffolk County Medal Day

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — On Friday night, September 27, 2024, the Central Islip Fire Department hosted the Suffolk County Fire Academy Vocational Education and Extension Board (VEEB) Medal Day, honoring firefighters who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The event recognized those who displayed exceptional bravery and dedication, often putting their own lives on the line to protect their communities. In addition, instructors and fire coordinators from across Suffolk County were honored for their outstanding service and leadership.

The event brought together family members, fellow firefighters, and dignitaries to celebrate these heroes. Notable attendees included Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Chair of the Legislature's Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services Preparedness Committee Dominick Thorne, Commissioner of Suffolk Fire Rescue Rudolph A. Sunderman, Chief of Suffolk Fire Rescue Joel Vetter, and many other elected officials and fire service leaders.

Instructor of the Year Awards:

  • Al Nemecek Award: Deputy Chief Walter E. Dunn III
  • Jack Gibson Award: Deputy Chief Paul Mastronardi

Coordinator of the Year Awards:

  • Frank L. Obremski Memorial Award: Chief Michael Gianmugnai
  • Edward Tully Jr. Memorial Award: Chief Edward Schneyer

Honorable Mentions:

  • James Hand – East Islip Fire Department
  • Michael DeGregorio – Lindenhurst Fire Department
  • Peter Feehan – Patchogue Fire Department

Bronze Medal Recipients:

  • Frank Greenwood & William Renton – Riverhead Fire Department
  • Kenneth Ruddick Sr. & Juan Sanchez – Central Islip Fire Department
  • Joseph Hinton, Kenneth Pearsall III, Christian Figurniak & Bryan Zissel – Cutchogue Fire Department

The room was filled with firefighters, family members, and supporters from across Suffolk County, all there to celebrate the courageous individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal Day event underscored the profound dedication of these first responders, highlighting their bravery and commitment to the safety of their communities.

 

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JOHN WALTHERSSenior Correspondent

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