On September 5, 2020 the Thornwood Fire Department held its Annual Inspection dinner and Awards Ceremony. Obviously due to COVID-19, it was held a little differently. Usually the event is held in May each year and is preceeded by a two-week long "deep clean" of everything in the firehouse. This not only shows our pride for what we do but also to maintain equipment and have a friendly competition between the members. Each year we hold a competition for the best cleaned and maintained apparatus which is then inspected by Parade Judges to determine a winner. Usually the event is attended by neighboring department Chief's and Officers, Elected officials and special guests. This year it was limited only to members of the Fire District and Fire Company.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was also an unprecedented change over of the Chief position. In April, Chief Frank J. Kolodzinski III finished his term as Chief of the Thornwood Fire Department and due to the restrictions we were unable to hold our Annual Meeting where he would get a chance to step down in front of the men and women of the firehouse and welcome in the new Chief. At this years Inspection we finally got that chance. The Commissioners of the Fire District and the members got to say thank you to Chief Kolodzinski for his time served as Chief and Line Officer. Chief Kolodzinski now joins the elite rank of Ex-Chief.
We also were able to welcome and congratulate our New Chief, Assistant Chiefs, and Line Officers.
Chief James R. Gedris
First Assistant Chief Ryan G. Rodgers
Second Assistant Chief Thomas C. Olsen
Captain Matthew Carroll
First Lieutenant Bart Pannone
Second Lieutenant Senior Ryan Perucci
Second Lieutenant Kevin Duffelmeyer
Second Lieutenant Junior Walter Hickey
We also take this opportunity to recognize our members for years of service, outstanding achievements, Service awards and the "Best Rig" award. The winners are:
Venture Crew Member of the Year
Jack McHugh
Fire Corps Member of the Year
Firefighter Bailey Rodgers
Rookie of the Year
Firefighter Daniel Essig
Squad Award
Ex-Chief Brian Dwyer
Squad Award
Firefighter Michael Essig
Squad Award
Firefighter Nick Pippo
Squad Award
Ex-Chief Tom Chenet
Driver of the Year
Ex-Chief Richard Benkwitt
Chiefs Award
Firefighter Niko Dominguez
Chiefs Award
Ex-Chief David Dwyer
Chauffeur of the Year Runner up
Ex-Chief Richard Benkwitt
Chauffeur of the Year
Ex-Chief Robert Rodgers
Firefighter of the Year Runner up
Firefighter Peter Campanelli
Firefighter of the Year
Firefighter Thomas Spedialiere
Captain's Award for Outstanding Apparatus
"In honor of all the Ex-Chiefs"
Lieutenant Duffelmeyer and Tower Ladder 1.