Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department Celebrates 104 Years of Service

— October 17, 2026 — Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department members, their families, and community supporters filled the Cort Club for the department’s 104th Annual Installation Dinner and Dance. The evening honored member accomplishments, service milestones, and the officers who will guide the department in the upcoming year. 

The gathering included local elected officials, FDNY leadership, neighboring fire departments, and community organizations. Jaime Williams, Mercedes Narcisse, and FDNY Assistant Chief Joe Duggan joined the celebration. 

Alex Gomez was named Top Responder and Member of the Year. Marisa, his mother, accepted the awards on his behalf. 

Dan Ene marked 20 years of service and was recognized as a Life Member. Shawn Byrne was honored for 15 years with the department, while Andrew Leiper received recognition for five years of service.

Attendance awards were presented to Patrick Quinn for Firefighter, Andrew McKenna for EMT and Anthony Baisden for Dispatcher.

One of the evening’s family milestones came when Buddy Quinn swore in his son, Patrick Quinn, as Fire Lieutenant and Sergeant at Arms. The ceremony marked an important moment for the Quinn family and the department.

Daniel Cavanagh also marked 10 years as Chief of Department, continuing his leadership of the volunteer organization.

The officers installed for the coming year are Chief of Department Daniel Cavanagh, Fire Captain Justin Donovan, Fire Lieutenant Patrick Quinn, Ambulance Captain Andrew McKenna and Ambulance Lieutenant Vitaliy Yablonskyy.