On Friday September 27th the Vocational Education and Extension Board (VEEB) of Suffolk County held their annual Medal Day Ceremony.

This years event was hosted by the Central Islip Fire Department at the Central Islip Fire Department Headquarters on Carleton Avenue. The ceremony is held each year and recognizes heroic actions of firefighters from throughout Suffolk County. These heroic firefighters preformed extraordinarily brave deeds above and beyond the normal expectations of a firefighter.

Representatives from the Suffolk County VEEB Board made the presentations in front of numerous local dignitaries, invited guests and family.

(4) members of the Cutchogue Fire Department were honored as they each received a "Silver" Medal of Valor.

Captain Joseph Hinton, Lieutenant Ken Pearsall III, Lieutenant Christian Figurniak, and Lieutenant Bryan Zissel were recognized for their life saving actions during a water rescue that took place on Long Island Sound on July 6th 2023. Their actions and quick thinking resulted in the successful rescue of 2 teens from the water.

News Story from the dramatic rescue:- https://www.cutchoguefiredept.org/news/1249/-2-Teens-Are-Rescued-from-Long-Island-Sound

The Chiefs, Commissioners, Officers, and fellow members of CFD join together to congratulate them on this receiving this honor.

Other Honorees included the following:

Silver Medal
Kenneth Ruddick Dr.; Central Islip FD
Juan Sanchez; Central Islip FD

Bronze Medal:
Chief William Renton Jr. :Riverhead FD
Frank Greenwood; Riverhead FD

Honorable mentions:
James Hand; East Islip FD
Michael DeGregorio; Lindenhurst FD
Peter Feehan; Patchogue FD

Suffolk County Fire Academy Instructors of the Year:

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

Suffolk County Fire Coordinators of the Year:

Frank L. Ombreski Award - Chief Michael Giamugnai
Ed TullyJr. Award - Chief Edward Schneyer

Congratulations all of the nights award recipients.

Thank You to the Vocational Education and Extension Board (VEEB) of Suffolk County for honoring our local heroes.

Thank you to the Central Islip Fire Department for hosting the evening.