| On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Montrose Fire District held its bi-annual inspection for members and visiting department officers, hosted by Chief Thomas Gilleo. The inspection requires several weeks of preparation, with members dedicating significant time to cleaning and detailing every apparatus and tools located on the apparatus. This level of preparation demonstrates the pride department members take in their work and the equipment they maintain. The process ensures every piece of equipment is maintained at its highest standard and ready for use.
Once the Chief of the department gives the final approval, the apparatus are lined up to be inspected by the Montrose Fire District Commissioners as well as by visiting Fire and EMS Department Chiefs, Officers, and Fire Commissioners
During the event, members were also recognized for their achievements in 2025 with awards for Most Training, Most Alarms, and Officers Achievement. For Most Training, third place was awarded to Fire Police Kenneth McKenna Sr, second place to Firefighter Matthew Eichler, and first place to Engineer Steven Crisalli. For Most Alarms, third place went to Fire Police Captain Gil Morello, second place to Firefighter Al Roush Jr, and first place to Ex Chief and Commissioner Robert Lockwood. In the Officers Achievement category, the Captain's Award was awarded and presented to Firefighter Matthew Eichler, the Chief's Award was awarded and presented to Firefighter Manas Puhan, and the newly re-established Drivers Award, in honor of the late Engineer Charles McGuire, was awarded and presented to Engineer Steven Crisalli, and The Montrose Firefighter of the Year award was awarded and presented to Firefighter Francis Frye.
The Montrose Fire District commends all award recipients for their dedication and hard work, reflecting the values, commitment, and professionalism present within the department.
The Montrose Fire District would also like to thank the following Fire Departments Peekskill Fire Department, Buchanan Fire Department, and Verplanck Fire Department for providing apparatus and firefighters to standby for the community during this event.
This event could not be possible without the entire help of all the Volunteers Firefighters that make up our department. Montrose Fire Department is always looking for additional Volunteers Firefighters, If you would like to be apart of that team and join us at our next inspection Join Today.
Photo Credits: Tana McGuire and Martin Squillante Jr |
