Medal of Valor

Seven volunteer firefighters and one Suffolk County police officer, who is also a volunteer firefighter, were honored for courageous actions at this year’s Medal of Valor Day Ceremony. Each honoree received a medal issued by the Vocational Education and Extension Board (VEEB).

Awarded annually, the Medal of Valor highlights the skill and courage of Suffolk’s volunteer firefighters. There are more than 11,000 men and women who donate their time to serve their community. This year’s event was hosted by the Mastic Fire Department, which was held on September 25, 2011, with over 250 people in attendance.

“Each one of the volunteers recognized at Medal Day demonstrated the highest levels of skill, as well as tremendous personal courage,” said Richard Stockinger, Executive Director of the Suffolk County Fire Academy. “Our mission is to ensure that every Fire Academy graduate has the training to respond appropriately to emergencies. But these medalists showed the inner strength and courage to put that training to use in a life and death situation.”

Elected officials praised the recipients for their bravery and dedication to their community. Congressman Tim Bishop, Suffolk County Legislators Kate Browning, Ed Romaine, and Dwayne Gregory, along with Southold Town Supervisor Scott all expressed thanks to the recipients for their service.