Springs, Montauk Volunteers Honored

The Montauk and Springs Fire Departments held their annual dinners over the weekend to celebrate the volunteers and their accomplishments. 

In Springs, where the 50th anniversary of the Fire Department is continuing, four charter members — top photo, from left, Joseph Fitzgerald, Bruce Baldwin, East Hampton Town Councilman Fred Overton, who is a former fire chief, and Michael Collins — received plaques recognizing their five decades of service. 

Lt. Darrin Downs was named firefighter of the year. Aubrie Andenmatten, a firefighter and paramedic who volunteers in Springs and works in other fire districts on the South Fork, received the Emergency Medical Service Provider of the Year award, in part because of her help in resuscitating a patient in cardiac arrest on a mutual aid call, according to Chief David King. Oscar Cascante, a new emergency medical technician, received the Chief’s Appreciation Award. 

Montauk Fire Chief Joe Lenahan gave the 2014 E.M.T. of the Year award to Bob Mautschke, who made more than 250 calls last year and took part in saving a life. The 2014 firefighter of the year in Montauk was James C. Grimes, who has served for 35 years and also took part in saving a life. The 2014 Company of the Year award went to Fire Police Company No. 6. Ed Ecker received the award on the company’s behalf. Two members, Herb Herbert and Dick White, were honored for their 50 years of service.