The Annual Inspection is a highlight of the volunteer fire department year. For KFD, it took place Friday, October 27 at headquarters. Visiting fire departments, EMS agencies, and town officials came Friday evening to look over, or "inspect" Katonah's firehouse, apparatus and personnel, who lined up on the front apron in full dress uniforms. Ballots were provided so that guests could vote on which KFD apparatus deserved a prize. Following the inspection, the dinner was held upstairs, with various recognition awards presented. Apparatus awards went as follows: 3rd place: Engine 115. 2nd place: Rescue 17. 1st place: Ladder 39. Only three votes separated third place from first place, according to First Assistant Chief John Whalen. Many individual members were recognized for their dedication to the department. Rookie of the Year went to Kristofer Delaney. Firefighter of the Year and Line Officer of the Year went to Lieutenant Ryan Hayes. The Michael J. Vuotto Award went to Captain Laurie DeRosa. Various other awards included the three chiefs' awards, recognition of four veteran members who respond and man the dispatcher's room, top responder awards, and 25- and 50- years of service. The inspection dinner is a great way to relax, enjoy fellowship, and recognize accomplishments during what is turning out to be one of our busiest years ever.
Firefighter Charlie Noe receives his 50-year badge. L-R, Chief Matt Whalen, President Dean Pappas, Charlie Noe, First Assistant Chief John Whalen, Second Assistant Chief John Cohen. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
The department assembles in the front apron. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Chief Matt Whalen presents George Dolicker with his 50 year badge. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Ex-Chief Hank Bergson accepting his daughter, Abigail’s 25 year badge on her behalf. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Firefighter Hank Tschorn (right) presented a 25-year badge to his son, Dan Tschorn. Photo by Gabe Palacio. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
First Assistant Chief John Whalen presents a top responder award to Ex-Chief Bennett Schuberg. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
The Second Assistant Chief's Award, presented by John Cohen, right, went to Lieutenant Josh Corsino. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
The First Assistant Chief's Award, presented by John Whalen, right, went to Firefighter Chris Langworth. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
The Chief's Award, presented by Matt Whalen, left, wen to Captain Scott Whalen. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Line Officer of the Year went to Lieutenant Ryan Hayes (at right). Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Four veteran top responders--from left, Ex-Captain Harry Rosenblum, Ex Chief Hank Bergson, Jeff Kellogg, and Ex-Captain Bob Hickey. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Top responders for the year. From left, Captain Scott Whalen, Ex-Chief Dean Pappas, Chief Matt Whalen, First Assistant Chief John Whalen, Firefighter Kristofer DeLaney, Firefighter Mike Roper, Captain Jeff Waful, Ex-Chief Bennett Schuberg, Fireighter James McHugh, Jr., Lieutenant Ryan Hayes, and Second Assistant Chief John Cohen. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Chief Matt Whalen, Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Hank Bergson, 2023 Michael J. Vuotto Award Recipient Captain Laurie DeRosa, First Assistant Chief John Whalen, Second Assistant Chief John Cohen, President Dean Pappas. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
Second Assistant Chief John Cohen, 2023 Rookie of the Year Award recipient Kristofer DeLaney, Chief Matt Whalen, First Assistant Chief John Whalen. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
2023 Firefighter of the Year recipient Lieutenant Ryan Hayes. Photo by Gabe Palacio.
