Katonah Fire Department

50-Year Member Kenny Luhman Sr. is presented his 50-year badge by (from left) Second Assistant Chief Mike Griffiths, First Assistant Chief Jose Corsino, and Chief Dean Pappas. Photo by Gabe Palacio.

Peter McHugh is presented with his 25 year badge. Photo by Gabe Palacio.

Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps Captain and Mount Kisco FF Stephen Rivera is presented with his mutual aid responder certificate. Photo by Gabe Palacio.

Bedford Hills FF Mark Kane is presnted with his mutual aid responder certificate. Photo by Gabe Palacio.

Tom Connolly, recipient of the Katonah Fire District's Michael J. Vuotto Award. At right is Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners Henry Bergson. Photo by Gabe Palacio.

The chiefs present gifts to KFD's top 10 responders--October 2015-October 2016: From left, Lt. Roberto Juarez, Lt. Alex Whalen, Ex-Chief Hank Bergson, FF Harry Rosenblum, FF Chris Stanton, FF Robert DeAlto, FF Jeff Waful, FF Peter J. Smith. Photo by Gabe Palacio.

Driver/Operator Emeritus Chris Stanton is presented with a special recognition award. Photo by Gabe Palacio.


By Chief of Department Dean Pappas
October 28, 2016

Katonah Fire Department held its annual inspection Friday night, October 28. The inspection of members and apparatus took place at headquarters at 7 p.m., with visiting chiefs and public officials inspecting the membership and all of the apparatus. Following the inspection, a reception/dinner was held at Salem Golf Club in North Salem, where various members were recognized for their contributions to the fire department. The 2016 Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Brian Lehrer. The 2016 Junior Firefighter of the Year was presented to John Cohen. The 2016 Michael J. Vuotto Award was presented to Tom Connolly, while a special Driver/Operator Award was given to Driver/Operator Emeritus Chris Stanton. Also recognized that night were KFD's top 10 fire call responders for the year, and individuals from other fire departments who respond mutual aid to our department. Awards for best apparatus were also given out. Rescue 17 took the top spot, followed by Ladder 39 and Tanker 6. Katonah Fire Department thanks Davide Palmerini and Kate Hallex for organizing the dinner, the Westchester County Parade Judges' Association for judging our apparatus and Bedford Hills Fire Department for providing coverage of our district while we were at the inspection.