Montauk Fire Department Heroes Honored: Photos

MONTAUK, NY — Montauk heroes were honored Friday night.

Under a big tent on the grounds of the Montauk Fire Department, members and their families and friends saluted those among them who had given special service to the department in 2016.

Montauk Fire Department Chief Vincent "Vinnie" Franzone, First Assistant Chief David Ryan, and Second Assistant Chief Mitchell "Mickey" Valcich hosted the annual inspection dinner, where Company No. 5 won Company of the Year, and Michael Martinsen was named 2016 Firefighter of the Year.

A prayer and moment of silence were held for ex Chief Richard McGowin, who, sadly, had passed away the previous day.

East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell and Daniel Shields, chairman of the Amagansett Fire District, presented a proclamation honoring two-term MFD past Chief, and past Commissioner of the Montauk Fire District Lawrence "Larry" Franzone, who also recently passed away.

Former Chief Franzone, father of the current Chief, was a passionate supporter and innovator in fire fighting.

He was elected the first Chairman of the East Hampton Fire District training center committee.

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

Reporting by Richard Lewin.