The Irish Echo's annual Irish First Responder awards took place in Rosie O'Grady's Manhattan Club last Friday, November 8th. Below are photos of this year's honorees along with their award presenters and guest speakers. All photos taken by Nuala Purcell.
Deputy Consul General Eimear Friel presenting an award to Thomas Fitzpatrick, Assistant Chief in Yonkers Fire Department.
New Jersey State Assemblyman Christopher Tully presents to Bernard Cunningham. Bernard is a Battalion Chief, Platoon #2 Commander, Millburn FD in NJ and the Vice President of Firefighters at the Essex County Emerald Society Chapter 1.
Mike Bresnan, President, Local 22, IAFF with Charles Francis McQuilkin, a 13-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Dept. He is the Vice President of the Philadelphia Firefighters Union IAFF Local 22.
FDNY Chief Jack Hodgens, Assistant Chief of Operations with Liam Guilfoyle, FDNY Captain Division 13.
Fiona Fahy presents The Michael J. Fahy Profile in Bravery Award to Lieutenant Patrick Mataraza. Patrick is a lieutenant with the FDNY assigned to Ladder 56 in the Bronx.
Eddie Boles ret. FDNY presents award to Robert Kearns. Robert is a Career Fire Captain/Tour Commander for the Greenville Fire District in the Town of Greenburgh, NY.
Deputy Consul General Eimear Friel presents to James Smith. James joined the Williston Park FD rising through the ranks to Chief; where he is presently still an active member.
FDNY Chief Jack Hodgens, Assistant Chief of Operations presents to James Dowdell, FDNY Firefighter, Rescue 2 in Brooklyn.
Eddie Boles ret. FDNY presents award to Noel Meehan, Noel is a South Hempstead Volunteer Firefighter.
New Jersey State Assemblyman Christopher Tully presents to Thomas Hannen III. Thomas is a Firefighter/EMT/Fire Inspector at Cranford Fire Dept.
Members of FDNY Engine 48 Ladder 56 supporting honoree Lieutenant Patrick Mataraza.
Some members of the FDNY Emerald Pipes and Drums in attendance.
FDNY Chief Jack Hodgens, Assistant Chief of Operations speaking to the guests.
