Armonk American Legion Post 1097 recently held its second annual First Responders Appreciation Awards Dinner, this year honoring four Westchester firefighters. Last year four police officers from different county police departments were honored; this year four firefighters from three different county fire departments were honored for their commitment to making their communities safer.
This year’s honorees, who were joined by colleagues and family, included:
William Sullivan Jr. of the Portchester Fire Department. Sullivan was honored for 50 years of service as a fire instructor investigator. He is a Marine, having served in Vietnam where he received two Purple Hearts for heroic duty. He also is a founding member of the Westchester Fire Emerald Pipe & Drums, which performs at events and parades throughout the county and which performed at the ceremony honoring Sullivan.
Mitch Sime, former chief of the Armonk Fire Department. Sime was recognized for 62 years of service to the people of Armonk and North Castle. No, that is not a typo – Sime has served with honor and dedication for 62 years and has led by example for many other members of the Armonk Fire Department.
Buddy Schultz, another long-standing member of the Armonk Fire Department. He was honored for his service to community. During his 52 years of service, Schultz served as a firefighter, ambulance driver and fire commissioner. He also trained hundreds of other firefighters and together with Sime, served a combined 114 years in the Armonk Fire Department.
Richard Conbstantino of the White Plains Fire Department. He was honored for his role in saving the lives of two persons in White Plains, one involving a young adult who had overdosed on drugs and another involving a child who was choking on food. Both were saved with the help and service of Contantino, who works to deploy EMS personnel and makes sure they have the training and medical equipment necessary to serve.
Thanks to Armonk American Legion Post 1097 for creating these awards and to help all of us recognize the dedication and service of Westchester’s bravest and finest, who are ready to serve us and save us every day.
