On Friday 6/7/2019 the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards banquet. The annual banquet is our time to celebrate the hard work and effort put forth by our members each year. It is also a time for our families to enjoy a night out and to hear the words thank you for the sacrifices they make each and every time the members are absent on calls, trainings and meetings.

The awards presented included the following.

Top 5 Responders went to.

1. Michael Knapp 341 out of 386 calls
2. Dominic Fontana 254 out of 386 calls
3. Nate Jones 238 out of 386 calls
4. Casey Taylor 179 out of 386 calls
5. Douglas Peck 159 out of 386 calls

Service Pins were Awarded to the following members

5 Years of service: Eva Stinson
20 Years of service: Vernon James
25 Years of service: Rhonda Marrone
30 Years of service: John Derby, Bob Nadon, and Brendan Keough

The "Chiefs Award" is awarded annually by the chief of the department to the person he or she considers to have made the most outstanding contribution to the department during the course of the preceding year. Instituted in 1989 by Chief Don Duso, "Chiefs Award" recipients are honored at our annual banquet with a plaque. A perpetual plaque is also maintained at the fire house listing all previous recipients of the award.

This years Chiefs Award goes to Dominic Fontana. Lieutenant Fontana only joined the SLVFD a little over 2 years ago. In that short time he has exceeded in many tasks and has become a mentor for all of us especially our younger members. Lieutenant Fontana in his short time has not only completed his required Firefighter 1 training but he has also accepted additional duties as the departments Secretary and he has shown leadership ability to the extent that with only 2 years of service was elected to a Lieutenants position by his peers. In addition to all this Dominic is a top responder, responding to 254 calls this past year. We are very proud of the example he sets for all of us.

The Ruth King Valor and Community Service Award is a very special award that is presented to a community member each year who has demonstrated exceptional support to the SLVFD. It is named after Ruth King who was the subject of a dramatic rescue from the 1964 St. Regis Hotel fire by Past Chief Preston Burl. This year’s recipient is Patti Ploof. The SLVFD is honored to host a drop off event each year for the Holiday Helpers organization. Holiday Helpers provide presents and food to needy children and families during the holiday season. More can be learned about this drive in the below link "Generosity is Alive and Well in Saranac Lake" Patti has been a vocal supporter of the SLVFD and in the last few years of coordinating the toy drive the SLVFD and Patti have formed a special friendship. We would like to thank her and the Holiday Helpers organization for their friendship, support of the SLVFD, and service to our community.

Please take some time to enjoy the photos and the annual slide show. If you happen to see an SLVFD member or an SLVFD family member perhaps take the time to introduce yourself and thank them. They truly are remarkable folks. Our banquet is a chance for us to show our appreciation.