Syracuse Sun

On May 17, 2024, the Syracuse Fire Department held its annual awards and promotion ceremony at the National Veterans Center at Syracuse University. The event honored firefighters for their acts of heroism and bravery in 2023 and recognized those who had been promoted within the last year.

The ceremony was attended by family and friends of the honorees, along with Mayor Ben Walsh, Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, Fire Chief Michael Monds, Fire Department Command Staff, Congressman Brandon Williams, members of the Syracuse Common Council, members of the Onondaga County Legislature, and other local dignitaries. Mr. Dan Cummings served as the master of ceremonies.

Promotions were given to several members throughout 2023. Matthew Craner was promoted to District Chief on September 7; Joseph DiFabio to Captain on September 23; Lucas Tortarella to District Chief on October 25; Stephen Zingaro, Eric Jones, and Jamel Mitchell to Captain on October 25; Robert Brandt, Matthew Cervino, Brian Gotham, Christopher Kurtz and Colin Taisey to Lieutenant on January 5, 2024; Michael Corbett to District Chief on February 6; Kevin Kamly and Gregory Kurtz to Lieutenant on February 6; Tony Morgan and Byron Griffin to Lieutenant on April 18; Joseph Fabian to Lieutenant and Jamie Pinkley to Assistant Maintenance Superintendent on April 18.

The event also celebrated those who had demonstrated exceptional courage in fire scenes, hazardous materials responses, rescues and other emergency situations. Medals of Honor were awarded to FF Kyle Wilmer and FF Paul Lukacs for their actions at a fire scene at Lilac Street. Valor Awards were given out to FF John Tysco, FF Thomas Petersen from Truck 2 for their actions at Pond Street; FF Antoine Tearney and FF James Peet II from Truck 2 for their efforts at Burdick Avenue; Lt Richard Rothery and FF Kyle Kinsella from Engine 1 for their bravery at Lilac Street.

Individual Citations were given to DPC James Farewell, DPC Nicholas Pagano, DC John Kilpatrick, Capt. Brian Falise, Capt. Matthew Craner, Lt Christopher Haley, Lt Geoffrey Westby, Lt. Anthony Sterio, Lt Paul Veri from the Command Staff for their actions at Brighton Avenue; FF Brian Gotham from Squad Co. and DC Adam Smith from Car 4 for their efforts at Burdick Avenue.

Unit Citations were awarded to the HazMat Response Team and Engine 2 for their actions at Brighton Avenue and Pond Street respectively. The Rescue Company was recognized for their work at Salina Street and the Squad Company at Onondaga Street.

Special Citations were given to the Maintenance Division for their efforts at Brighton Avenue. Team Citations were awarded to Truck 2 for their work at Pond Street; Rescue Team 3 and Rescue Team 2 for their actions at Onondaga Street; Truck 8 for their efforts at Smith Lane.

The ceremony also honored those who had shown exceptional performance in emergency medical situations with EMS Level 1 and Level 2 awards.

The Fire Chief’s Medal was awarded to District Chief Richard Buck for implementing the SFD’s District Chief Training Program. The Mayor’s Achievement Award was given to FF Dave Corbett for his work with the Syracuse Area Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau.