WADING RIVER, NY – On Saturday, March 19th, the Brookhaven FD hosted its annual installation dinner at the Inn at East Wind in Wading River.

This year's dinner commemorated the department's 99th year of dedicated service to the people of the Hamlet of Brookhaven. The ceremony began with the salute to the colors by the full department. After Master of Ceremonies Commissioner Michael Verni welcomed all the honored guests, which included politicians, chiefs and officers of neighboring departments, the installation of officers was conducted.

The following officers took their oaths: Chief of Department-Dan DiPinto; 1st Assistant Chief-Anthony Verni; 2nd Assistant Chief-Giuseppe Loiacono; Captain-Hudson Darrow; Headquarters Lt.-Brian Lamonica, Jr. John Hodge, Jr. was also elected Station 1 Lt. The department's fire police officers and driver/assistant drivers were also installed to their positions.

Members were honored for years of service ranging from 20 all the way up to an astounding 60 years. Awards were handed out for various items by both the department as well as groups like FASNY and the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Association. The big award of the evening was the Murray Fink Chiefs Awards which were handed out to Captain Hudson Darrow and Firefighter Dan Sicilian.

After the awards were handed out the members were dismissed to enjoy the rest of the festivities of the night. Congratulations to all the incoming chiefs and officers, as well as the honorees.