Earlier this month, the Inspection Dinner was held at the firehouse recognizing and celebrating member’s achievements during the past year. In the weeks leading up to the big night, members spent a few drill nights and their own time cleaning their assigned truck and making sure the firehouse was looking its best to impress the officers and judges. Members then donned their full dress uniform and were ready for a great night.

Awards are given to members who respond to the most calls, to the truck that was the cleanest by their crew, and to the firefighter of the year, among others. Also recognized this year was now Ex-Chief Ian Llewellyn for his three years of service as Chief after a culmination of other officer positions during his many years as a member. The department thanks Chief Llewellyn for his time and effort put in over the years, and knows he will still be a familiar face around the house. Congratulations to now Chief Avery Scott, formerly 1st Assistant Chief. Congratulations as well to 2nd Assistant Chief Mike Lynch become 1st Assistant, to former Captain Michael DeVito being promoted to 2nd Assistant Chief, as well as Lieutenant Nick DeLaurentis being promoted to Captain, and Firefighter’s Mark Melynchuk and Thomas Mertens on becoming Lieutenants of Engine 167 and Rescue 21 respectively.

Members and guests had a great evening recognizing service and honoring their hard work for the past year. Here’s to a year ahead of continued great service and success for the new officers and members of the South Salem Fire Department. A full list of winners is below, as well as some winners from 2015 that were recognized this year due to not having a dinner last year. Congratulations to all!

Junior Firefighter of the year 2015
Matt Jones

Firefighter of the year 2015
Matt Yorke

Firefighter of the year 2016
Mark Melnychuk

Top Responders 2016
Scott Schoenberg
Mike Devito
Mike Lombardi
Ed Zeller
Matt Jones

Top Truck 2016
Engine 168 & Engine 167
(Both engines earned the the exact same points by the judges)