On a brisk Saturday evening last month, the members of the Roslyn Highlands Fire Department and their guests met at the Westbury Manor, for their 96th Installation of Officers. The installing officer for the evening was Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli.

Sworn in as chief for another term was veteran Robert Dutchnowski. For first Asst. Chief, Michael Mulchinksi, Second Asst. Chief Matt McGeown, as well as Capt. Fred Metzger, Jr., Lieuts. Jeff Laureano, Sean Brody and Kevin Lang. David Diamond was installed as E.M.S. Capt and on the administrative side, installed as President for another year was Ex-Chief James A. McCann and Vice President Morgan Goldman. Also sworn in were Trustees Frank Sokolski, Robert Larsen and James Goolsby. Treasurer Stephen Sokolski, Recording Secretary Pat Woods as well as Financial Secretary Joe Graf, Corresponding Secretary Lewis J. Unger and Chaplain Vito Lippolis, Sr.

Many members were feted during the ceremonies for various acts above and beyond the call of duty. Eight members accepted accolades for donating (over the years) multiple gallons of blood. The top donor this year was Ex-Chief Robert Larsen for giving 10 gallons. Other members were feted for giving many years of active service, most notably Firefighter John A. Juliski for thirty years of active service and firefighters Peter Faucella and Lewis Unger each with twenty-five years of service. Almost a dozen other members celebrated other memorable anniversaries.

Firefighter John Juliski also receives the Chief Adam J. Tucholski "Highlander Spirit Award." This award is presented by the chiefs office to the member that has always gone above and beyond, who has assisted the chief's office and other members of the department, giving selflessly of his or her time.

The "Firefighter of the Year" award, given by the chiefs office, is given to the firefighter who has performed an exemplary act. This year the chiefs office presented this award to every member that had responded to the terrorist act of Sept. 11. Chief Dutchnowski in announcing the award this year stated "the actions in our members in NYC was an exceptional showing of professionalism and support for all of the victims at the World Trade Center, as well as assisting the schoolchildren in Manhattan months later by distributing stuffed bears."

Chief Dutchnowski stated how proud he was of our commitment and professionalism during any emergency that arises. It clearly shows that Roslyn Highlands Firefighters are available to handle or assist whenever the call for help comes.