On Saturday evening, January 25th, the Cutchogue Fire District, in conjunction with the United Fire Co. No. 1 of the Cutchogue Fire Department and the Cutchogue Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary held their annual installation of officer’s ceremony and awards dinner at the Vineyards in Aquebogue. The dinner was attended by Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary members as well as local dignitaries and invited guests.

The purpose of the evening was to officially recognize and install the newly elected Chiefs and Officers for 2025, as well as honor our Volunteers for their service and dedication to the Cutchogue Fire Department and the community we serve. Several special awards were presented over the course of the evening.

Commissioner Christopher Talbot served as master of ceremonies and welcomed everyone to the festivities. Among the guests that addressed the attendees were Southold Town Supervisor and Cutchogue Resident Albert Krupski Jr.

Newly elected Chief Michael C. Boken was sworn into office as the 47th Chief of Department, along with his assistants, First Assistant Chief Christopher Dinizio and Second Assistant Chief Joseph Hinton. The oath of office was administered to Chiefs by Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners Lawrence Behr.

The newly elected Company Captain Kenneth Pearsall III and Officers of the United Fire Co. No. 1 were sworn into office by Southold Town Supervisor Albert Krupski Jr.

Outgoing Chief William Brewer was honored by the District and Department for his service as Chief for the past two years. He was presented with several proclamations and gifts in recognition of his service to the Department and Community.

The members of CFD would like to thank Ex-Chief Brewer and his wife Nicole, for their support and dedication during his term in office and throughout all his time in the chief’s lines.

This year CFD is honored to recognize members that have reached significant milestones in their firefighting career.

70 years:
Firefighter Andre Cybulski was honored for Celebrating his 70th year of active service. Buddy joined CFD in 1955 and still remains active in various roles of CFD. He currently serves as a company trustee, member of the CFD Fire Police, and as a trusted advisor to our CFD barbecue committee.

50 years:
Ex-Chief Thomas M. Martin was honored for celebrating his 50th year of active service. T.M. joined CFD in 1975. He was Chief in 1993-1994 and was a Suffolk County Deputy Fire Coordinator for many years. He is one of CFD longest serving EMT's and still remains among CFD most active EMS providers especially during the daytime hours.

Following a standing ovation, Buddy and Tom were presented a plaque by the Chiefs as well as several proclamations presented on behalf of our local dignitaries. These items only serve as a small token of appreciation and thanks for their lifetime of service to the CFD.

(2) Other members who were unable to attend were also honored for their years of service.

40 years: Glen Grathwohl.
30 years: Adam Kaelin

In addition to the above longevity awards several special awards were presented to several members for service to the Department over the past year. The CFD is pleased to honor the following members:

2024 Firefighter of the Year – Firefighter/ Chaplain Thomas J. Roslak

2024 EMS Provider of the Year – EMT Patrick Kaelin

2024 Probationary Member of the Year - Dan Edgett

Chiefs Awards / Top responders: Frank Zory, Rocco Resciniti, Daniel Edgett, Joseph Ingenito, James Rocco.

EMS Excellence Awards: Patrick Kaelin, Tom Martin, Ken Pearsall, Kenneth Burns, Timothy Horton

These EMS awards were presented to recognize the members with the most hospital transports for 2024 . Throughout the year All or our EMS providers and drivers dedicate countless additional hours beyond the initial response to ensure the best care possible to our patients until they arrive at a hospital.

Chief Boken also thanked recognized the CFD Ladies Auxilliary for all of their support throughout the year.

The Officers for 2025 are:
President Christina Smith
Vice president Holly Haas
Secretary Terri Park
Treasurer Carol Marlborough

In what has become a tradition, the CFD band made a special appearance at the start of dinner, and played under the direction of their leader Tom Roslak.

The Commissioners of the Cutchogue Fire District, the Chiefs, Officer and Members of the Cutchogue Fire Department United Fire Co. No. 1, and the Cutchogue Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary would like to extend our congratulations and thanks to all of the night's honorees and award winners.

Thank you to the dinner committee for putting together a great evening.

A good time was had by all.

Thank you to our fellow brothers and sisters of the Mattituck Fire Department who allowed our members to attend and enjoy this special evening by providing stand-by and automatic Mutual Aid Coverage.

More pictures will be added as they become available.