After 3 years of no installation dinners, had one Saturday
Just before the Fort Montgomery Fire Department was about to celebrate it’s 2019 year, the world went a little crazy as the COVID-19 pandemic shut nearly everything down. While the fire department continued to respond to call after call, to receive and train new members, and to host community events throughout the pandemic, one thing they never were able to do was to get everyone together for a party.
That long drought from celebrating ended on Saturday, when the FMFD hosted about 125 members and friends of the department gathered at Brotherhood Winery for the recognition of 90 years of “protecting the Fort”, and an installation and awards event.
It was opened with a prayer from Pastor Steve Snavely from Grace Baptist Church, who serves as the FMFD’s chaplain. Snavely thanked God for “continued safety as we protect the Fort”.
Others speaking were County Legislators Mike Anagnostakis, in his role as a representative of Senator James Skoufis, and Laurie Tautel, who not only thanked the department for keeping both residents and those passing through the community safe, but also for responding to her own home, “not once, but twice” for minor kitchen fires. Tautel had Orange County Distinguished Service Awards for those being recognized at the event.
While the West Point Fire Department stood by for the FMFD during the event, representatives of other departments and agencies, elected officials, county fire officials and businesses who work with the FMFD were on hand as guests for the party. They included the Town of Highlands Police Department; fire departments from Stony Point, Continental Village, Mountainville, Highland Engine, Highland Falls, New Windsor, and Cornwall-on-Hudson; and the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps.
The members in attendance included 23 firefighters who were recognized for their long-time service to the department. Receiving length of service awards were:
55 years – (although he has been with the department for 58 years total, but awards are given in five year increments) – Dave Tonneson
40 years – Don Marshall
30 years – Fred Nytko II, Seth Armstrong
25 years – Ryan Armstrong
20 years – Greg Maher
15 years – Matthew Biehle, Anthony Camp, Ryan Falk, Donald Smith
10 years – Lee Steinmetz Jr., Lee Steinmetz Sr., Patricia Steinmetz, Victor Porro, Richard Salva Sr., Donna Salva
5 years – Sean Broesler, Connor Salva, Zach Maher, John Montelleone, Matthew Schmidt, Tyler Walko
Seth Armstrong, past president and chief, who served as host of the event, was honored with lifetime member status. He received a standing ovation.
President Patty Steinmetz and Chiefs Don Smith and Ryan Falk gave out their annual awards, with Steinmetz making note of the work that all of her honorees did, but particularly Tommy Arm-strong. “In 2020 he worked incredibly hard to keep our traditions alive,” she said, including coordinating drive-by parades and virtual fire safety lessons for elementary school students.
The awards went to:
President’s Awards
2019 – Greg Maher
2020 – Tommy Armstrong
2021 – Lee Steinmetz
2022 – Chris Muller
Firefighter of the Year
2019 – Connor Salva
2020 – Matt McCue
2021 – Eric Jimenez
2022 – Derrick Maher
Rookie of the Year
2019 – Matt McCue
2020 – (no new members)
2021 – Anthony Farina
2022 – Phinnius Lunger
The department’s officers for the 2023 year were ceremonially sworn in by Orange County Deputy Fire Coor-dinator Mike Mattausch. Later in the event, Mattausch, who will soon retire from his position, was honored and thanked for his time serving all of the fire companies in the region.
Also honored was Donnie Smith, who served as chief for the January 2011 to December 2020 period. He was presented with a large plaque by both the fire department and district.
This year’s officers are:
Administrative
President – Patty Steinmetz
Vice President – Joe Mesaris
Treasurer – Anthony Camp
Financial Secretary – Don Marshall
Recording Secretary – Donna Salva
Trustees – Lee Steinmetz Jr., Carrie Smith, Chris Muller
Firematic
Chief – Ryan Falk
Assistant Chief – Rich Salva
Captain – Tommy Armstrong
1st Lieutenant – Matt Biehle
2nd Lieutenant – Eric Jiminez
Medical Officer – Lee Steinmetz
Training Officer – Vic Porro
The Fort Montgomery Fire District’s Board of Commissioners, Seth Arm-strong, Andrew Lynch and Chairman Mickey Cahill were also recognized.
As they departed the event, all of the members were presented with a gift — a personalized Carhartt hooded, zippered sweatshirt.
