150th Anniversary Commemorations Culminate with Annual Inspection and Dinner
By Ex-Chief Dean W. Pappas
November 17, 2024
On Saturday night, November 16, Katonah Fire Department held its annual inspection and dinner, an event to culminate our 150th anniversary commemoration. Visiting dignitaries and fire, police and EMS agencies were able to inspect Katonah‘s firehouse, apparatus, and personnel. Following the inspection at the fire house, everyone went to the Mount Kisco Country Club where the annual dinner with recognition awards was held.
A highlight of the evening was a presentation by Firefighter Erich Braun of a huge American flag he and his son, Firefighter Devin Braun, have been working on for the past three years. The flag, made entirely of retired KFD firehose, will be put on display in our firehouse. KFD members were asked to sign the back of this flag as a sort of time capsule to commemorate 150 years in existence.
Other recognition awards included: —Fifty Year Awards: Jeff Kellogg, Hank Tschorn, Harry Rosenblum, Dave Ranieri, and Peter Burt —Firefighter of the Year: Chris Langworth. —Rookie of the Year: John Becker. —Michael J. Vuotto Award: Mike Roper —Chief Award: Scott Whalen —First Assistant Chief Award: Jeff Kellogg. —Second Assistant Chief Award: Juan Becerra. —Special Recognition: Jeff Waful. —Lifesaving Award: Elio Mendez.
The annual apparatus awards were also presented: —First Place: Ladder 39 —Second Place: Rescue 17 —Third Place: Engine 115
2024 Firefighter of the Year, Lieutenant Christopher Langworth.
Firefighter and commissioner Jeff Kellogg and Firefighter Hank Tschorn, two of this year’s newest 50 year members
2024 Rookie of the Year, John Becker.
Special recognition for Firefighter Jeffrey Waful for his many years as a line officer.
A Lifesaving Award was given to Firefighter Elio Mendez for performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a young girl at the 2024 Fire Department carnival.
The Chiefs award, given by Chief Matthew Whalen, was given to Rescue Sergeant Scott Whalen
The First Assistant, Chiefs award, given by First Assistant Chief John Whalen, was given to 50 year member Jeff Kellogg.
The Second Assistant Chiefs award, given by Second Assistant Chief John Cohen, was given to Lieutenant Juan Becerra.
The Michael J. Vuotto Distinguished Service award, presented by the Chiefs & Katonah Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners, was given to Lieutenant Mike Roper, shown here with Chief of Department Matthew Whalen, and, at right, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners Hank Bergson.
Firefighter Erich Braun signs the back of the American flag he and his son Devin made out of retired Katonah Fire Department hose.
Chief Matthew Whalen signs the back of the Brauns’ flag.
Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves Addresses the guests at the annual dinner and presented a proclamation.
Erich Braun presents the flag he and his son made to the department.
