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.