The American Legion, Department of New York, at its recent annual convention in Binghamton named Captain Michael Farrone, of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, the New York State Firefighter of the Year. Department Commander, Paul Cortright, presented the citation to Captain Farrone recognizing Farrone for "outstanding service to the community through carrying out the duties of a firefighter in a manner which reflects credit upon all fire department personnel and for dedication to the profession above and beyond the call of duty."

The recognition of firefighter of the year is part of the American Legion's Law and Order Program which is designed to honor local police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. American Legion posts all across the country hold local law and order programs and Captain Farrone was originally recognized by Manhasset Post 304 as Manhasset-Lakeville's firefighter of the year at it's annual Law and Order night on March 2. A record of the proceedings at each post is then submitted for review at higher levels in the American Legion. The Manhasset Post's program was subsequently selected as the best in Nassau County and the best in New York State. As part of the review process, the state Law and Order Committee selects the statewide police officer, firefighter and EMT of the year from among those that were selected at the local level. Capt. Farrone was selected based on his outstanding service to Manhasset.

Michael Farrone joined the Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter with Company #5 in September 1985. He was elected 2nd Lieutenant in 1987 and became Captain for the first time in 1996; he again was elected to Captain in 2004 and to date he continues to serve the department in this capacity.

Mike has been a very active member in the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, attaining an above average percentage annually. He successfully completed state certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and volunteered to take on many additional tasks including coordinating the public education of on average, 1,000 school children every year through fire prevention education.

Recently, the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department received a Federal Grant for a Fire Safety Trailer, which Mike was trained to operate. He now takes his fire prevention show on the road, making stops not just in our own fire district, but has traveled to Floral Park, East Williston, Roslyn and other locations that request his well-known fire prevention demonstration and show.

Mike is married and has two young daughters, ages 7 and 12. He is also a Sergeant with the New York City Police Department and primarily works the midnight to 8 a.m. shift. This shows the dedication level involved as he continues to provide this important tool of fire prevention to our school children during the daytime hours when most nightshift workers would sleep.

Mike's ability to balance his very busy schedule-as a father active in his children's PTA, and as a NYPD Sergeant, yet still maintain the commitment to the fire department, makes him a standout in a department of 300 members. Mike Farrone is an example of extraordinary dedication and an excellent recipient of the 2005 American Legion Award.