Katonah Fire Department

50 Year Member Ex Chief Paul Gallagher with (from left) First Assistant Chief Matt Whalen, Second Assistant Chief John Whalen, and Chief Mike Griffiths. Photo by Erich Braun.

50 Year Member Ex Chief Hank Bergson with (from left) First Assistant Chief Matt Whalen, Second Assistant Chief John Whalen, and Chief Mike Griffiths. Photo by Erich Braun

The Whalen contingent: Rescue Company Captain Scott Whalen, Chief Mike Griffiths (not related to the Whalens), Second Assistant Chief John Whalen, Captain Alex Whalen, 50 Year Member and Ex Chief Bruce Whalen, First Assistant Chief Matt Whalen. Photo by Erich Braun.

Chief Mike Griffiths speaks to the assembled guests. Photo by Erich Braun.

From left, Pleasantville Fire District Commissioner John Cullen, Firefighter Harry Rosenblum, Firefighter Robert Hickey, and 50 Year Member Larry Dwyer. Photo by Erich Braun.

President and Ex Chief Dean Pappas with Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves (center) and Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce. Photo by Erich Braun.

Firefighter Rich Tassone, Ex Chief and Commissioner Bennett Schuberg, Firefighter and Financial Secretary Gabe Palacio, Firefighter and Ex President Bill Hassett. Firefighter and Vice-President Marc Spieler. Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder Harry Rosenblum. Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder Devin Braun. Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder and Captain Jeff Waful. Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder Robert Hickey. Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder and Commissioner Jeff Kellogg. Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder and Captain John Cohen. Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder and Captain Scott Whalen (with son and Second Assistant Chief John Whalen). Photo by Erich Braun.

KFD Top Responder and Ex Chief Dean Pappas. Photo by Erich Braun.

Captain Scott Whalen and Lieutenant Mike Lehrer receive their first place award for Rescue 17. Photo by Erich Braun.

Second Assistant Chief John Whalen, First Assistant Chief Matt Whalen, Firefighter of the Year Nate Fischer, Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Hank Bergson, and Chief Mike Griffiths. Photo by Erich Braun.

Second Assistant Chief's Award Recipient Firefighter Ryan Hayes. Photo by Erich Braun.

First Assistant Chief's Award Recipient Firefighter Mike Roper. Photo by Erich Braun.

Battalion 16 John Marshall and Ex Chief James McHugh show off matching shoulder surgeries. Photo by Erich Braun.

Our photographer--Erich Braun--finally gets his picture on the site with son Devin Braun.

Firefighter Frank DeAlto, Captain Scott Whalen, and Ex Chief Dean Pappas. Photo by Erich Braun.


By Ex Chief Dean W. Pappas
October 31, 2022

On Friday, October 28, Katonah Fire Department held its annual inspection. Visiting dignitaries and fire/EMS agencies attended, first for an inspection of personnel and apparatus at Fire Headquarters, followed by a dinner and recognition ceremony at Traveler's Rest in Ossining. For apparatus awards, Engine 117 took third place, Ladder 39 took second place, and Rescue 17 took top honors. The "Rookie of the Year" award went to Firefighter Timothy Knapp, while "Firefighter of the Year" was presented to Firefighter Nate Fischer. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of new 50-year badges to various members. Honorees included Ex Chief Henry Bergson, Ex Chief Paul Gallagher, Firefighter Arthur Hanley, Ex Chief Bruce Whalen, Firefighter Jeff Busch, Firefighter Brian Johannes, and Firefighter James Raneri. First Assistant Chief Matt Whalen and his brother, Training Captain Alex Whalen, were proud to present their father, Bruce, with his 50 year badge. Top responders from October 2021 through October 2022 were also recognized. This year the 3 chiefs gave out awards to 3 individuals who have gone above and beyond this year. The 2nd Assistant Chief award went to FF Ryan Hayes, the 1st Assistant Chief award went to FF Michael Roper and the Chief of Department award went to Lieutenant Laurie DeRosa. We'd like to thank all those who joined us and are already looking forward to next year's dinner!