Smithtown FD members honored at Chiefs Council Dinner
By Jeff Bressler, Public Information Officer
February 5, 2010
The Smithtown Fire Chiefs Council held their Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Water Mill on Friday, February 5th. The Council is comprised of the Chiefs from the Smithtown, St. James, Kings Park, Hauppauge, Nissequogue and Nesconset Fire Departments.
Members of the Smithtown Fire Department were presented with a Unit and EMS Award.
Tim Duckham of Engine Company 4 was honored with an EMS citation for the work he preformed providing initial medical first response at the scene of a serious multi car motor vehicle accident on January 30, 2009.
Duckham was driving his car on Jericho Turnpike and Wyandanch when he came upon the accident. He provided initial triage and helped to administer to and stabilize a patient in advance of the arrival of the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
On January 13, 2009 a one car MVA with the vehicles engine compartment on fire and the driver entrapped took place on Route 25A near the Avalon Garden Nursing Home. First due response was provided by a crew from Engine Company 5. Quick suppression and extrication was required. Engine 5 responded and removed the driver in a swift 11 minutes.
Serving on the crew and receiving a special Chiefs Council Unit Award were Peter Colletta, Pat Diecidue, Tim McCabe, Steve Ryan, Demitrio Salvago, Jon Papia and Bruno Valenti.
The over 150 guests in attendance also paid tribute to the Chiefs of the Smithtown Fire Department for their assistance in aiding former Council and Department Chaplain Father Dan Bitsko during his recovery from a serious stroke.
