Honoring Port Washington's Bravest

Short and to the point, Mayor Michael T. Meehan honored several members of the Port Washington Fire Department along with EMT personnel during Thursday's Manorhaven Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Day. A reception preceded a ceremony honoring five of Port Washington's bravest, whom were given citations from the Village of Manorhaven.

Those honored included Assistant Chief Raymond Ryan, EMS President of the Fire Medic Company Beverly Reese, Former Captain Donald Alexander, Captain Michael Schornstein and 18-year-old volunteer EMT Kevin Bernal.

Meehan said he grew up in a home with a firefighter father, which made this ceremony even more special to him. "One thing that I observed when my father came home after a day of fighting fires is the smell of smoke," Meehan said. "I have a lot of respect for people that would lay their life on the line for others."

Ryan received a citation for all the great work he has done in the past 28 years with the department. The assistant cheif thanked everyone for their support through the years.

"We are all getting ready for Memorial Day, but we are all so honored when we are recognized by the community," Ryan said.

Reese said she was humbled by her award and proud that she has been able to serve her community.

"Our main goal is to protect all the residents and all our wonderful volunteers make this possible," Reese said. "One of our youngest EMT volunteers here with us today is only 18 years old."

Bernal, the afforementioned 18-year-old volunteer EMT, has been with the Port Washington Fire Department for a little over a year. "I have learned what emergencies mean, together with life saving techniques," he said.

Ryan said receiving an honor like this won't go unnoticed. "We are all taxpayers like everyone else is," he said, "and our interest in Port Washington is as paramount to us as it is to all of you."