Honoring Their Own, Both Past and Present: Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department

Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department firefighters paid tribute to their lost brothers Sunday morning at , including those who died last year: Past Chief Ralph Robins (Hook & Ladder Co.#1), Ex-Captain Frank Walter Lanza (Volunteers E & H Co.#3) and Firefighter Pasquale Yannuzzi (Hook & Ladder Co.#1).

Pointing to benches and a stone monument inscribed with the names and dates of those that lost their lives in the line of duty, former VOM Fire Chief John Barney reflected on what it means to give the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is for new members to understand what it is all about; to remember those who have come and gone,” Barney said.

Two other organizations represented at the service were the Fire Service Career Explorers—a Boy Scouts of America program open to young adults 14 years of age and older—and the Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary—an all-women’s unit that historically assisted firefighters on the scene, providing food, drink and a dry set of clothes.

Today, the VOM Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary raises funds for the department and is recruiting a lot of young ladies to volunteer in the community, said President Susan Deshensky.

“This is a tremendous tradition,” said State Assemblyman George Latimer, reflecting on the current fire department and noting that all firefighters are volunteers. “It functions on tradition; grandfather to father to son active in this group. It has become a family matter here in Mamaroneck.”

Further, he added, the firefighter’s commitment to serving their communities for no pay is a service for which Village of Mamaroneck taxpayers reap a great benefit, a feat for which he hopes these unsung heroes are appreciated for.

For current Fire Chief Chris Szymanowski, the event was a formalization of thoughts untold.

“Even though today is the day that we officially recognize them, you think about them every day,” Szymanowski said. “It is good to always pay respects.”

VOM Mayor Norm Rosenblum thanked the members for their dedication and service, “more as a citizen than as a mayor,” and was honored to have so many volunteering for the safety and security of the village.

Touching on the sacrifices of spouses and other family members who, often times, forego quality time to ensure other’s safety from a fiery inferno.

“If you have the opportunity, say ‘thank you,’” said Szymanowski. “When you call the fire department, the odds are that members have left their children, their wives, their dinner or son’s little league game…they stopped their lives on a dime to make [sure you are safe].”