Ever Ready Engine Co. No. 3 of the Riverhead Fire Department held its installation and inspection meeting Jan. 27 at Cooperage Inn in Baiting Hollow.
The company honored, in absentia, Harold Schaefer for 70 years as a volunteer firefighter in the Ever Readys with a proclamation from New York State Assemblyman Dan Losquardo. An Ever Ready jacket previously donated by the family of the late Ex-Chief Alan Benjamin was framed for display with Mr. Benjamin’s photograph.
Members of the company honored for years of service were: firefighter Don Owen, firefighter Phil Keiper, Ex-Chief George Woodson, Ex-Captain John Behr and Ex-Chief Mark Heppner.
The A. Lloyd Case Memorial Award for outstanding leadership within the company was presented to Greg Szlejter. Mr. Case’s daughter, Georgette Case, congratulated Firefighter Szlejter on his award. Ms. Case also presented a book of the history of the former Rough and Ready and current Ever Ready Engine Co.
Photo captions:
Top: From left, 1st Lt. Tom Pipcznski, Jr., Captain Ed Hodun, firefighter Greg Szlejter, Georgette Case, 2nd Lt. Ken Nebrezny.
Bottom: Firfighter Greg Szlejter and Georgette Case.
Photos courtesy of Georgette Case.