Photos: Montauk Fire Department's Annual Inspection Dinner Celebrates Heroes

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The inclement weather did not deter members of the Montauk Fire Department from celebrating on Friday night, as more than 200 attended the annual inspection dinner under a tent on the fire department grounds.

The dinner, which honored the best of 2015, was highlighted by the presentation of awards by Montauk Fire Department Chief Joseph Lenahan, First Assistant Chief Vinnie Franzone, East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell, and Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming.

Among the special service awards presented that evening were:

*Fireman of the Year to Jon Forsberg

*EMT of the year to Chris Waterman

*Company of the year to Company 3

*Ex-Chief Craig Tuthill, who very recently passed away, was recognized for his 63 years of service to the Montauk community. His family will be receiving an award at his memorial service and celebration of life later in Ocotober.

*Fireman Ronnie Paon was recognized for his 60 years of service to the Montauk Fire Department.

*Ladies Auxiliary Vice President Dorothy Malik-Atkinson received Suffolk County’s Lady of the Year Award.

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.