RFD celebrates stand-out volunteers
Since Robert Zaweski joined the Riverhead Fire Department in 1985, he’s done just about everything.
He was a treasurer, a second lieutenant, then first lieutenant, assistant captain, then captain, then deputy chief three times until finally serving as chief of the entire department in 2007 and 2008.
“Any job you give Bob, he gets it done,” said current Chief Joseph Raynor.
That commitment to the volunteer corps earned Mr. Zaweski Firefighter of the Year honors at the department’s annual installation dinner at the Long Island Aquarium Friday night.
Mr. Zaweski — who was at his brother’s birthday party in the Midwest and couldn’t attend — was one of dozens of Riverhead’s firefighters honored for their accomplishments in 2013.
Second lieutenant Brian Raynor — the chief’s son — and first lieutenant Jamie Brooks both won awards as the top lieutenants in the department. Riverhead Fire Police Captain Baycan Fidelli was named Captain of the Year, having overseen a new program for fire police recruitment that has strengthened the company.
The department also recognized Bill Kelly, John Tradeski Jr., Frank Darrow and Steve and Norman “Skip” Beal for their work helping volunteers train at the department’s training grounds for the past 12 years. The department’s top responder was ex-Captain Bruce Edwards, who answered 282 of the department’s 330 total alarms.
Company of the year went to the Washington Engine Co. #2, which saw several new recruits join last year. Twenty-seven new members joined the department in total last year, fire officials said.
Scroll down for more photos from the night: