Pat terson

Sheriff Donald Smith (center) listens as Paul Smith, President of the Patterson FD, reads a proclamation inducting the Sheriff as an honorary life member while Chief Caleb F. Smith represents the membership at the ceremony. Ed Centofante and Sheriff Don Smith have much in common.

The two men with deep roots in Patterson have served their country and their community for many years in a variety of ways. Both are proud military veterans and both men pride themselves in their dedication to duty.

It was only fitting that the Patterson Fire Department paid tribute to both “heroes” at a gathering last week at fire department headquarters.

Centofante, a spry 85, received the Woodman Service Achievement Award from the Volunteer Fire Police Association of New York for his 38 years of dedicated service to the Patterson FD Fire Police Unit.

Bob Ruston of Somers, vice president of the Volunteer Fire Police Association of New York, described Centofante as a “low-key, unselfish man who is out in the community each day preaching safety, doing fire prevention, and working with children, while proudly denoting the benefits of the local fire service to residents of Patterson whenever he can.”

Above: Ed Centofante (right) beams with pride when presented his state award by Bob Ruston as Patterson FD Fire Police Lt. John Bodor, who nominated his colleague, shakes his friend’s hand. Photos by Eric Gross Ruston commended the honoree for his work ethic: “Ed is always willing to help other firefighters learn new skills. He constantly checks on equipment assuring the safety and readiness for the next call. Ed’s spirit and demeanor have made Putnam County stand out in the forefront of emergency services agencies statewide.”

Centofante, a quiet man, was moved by the recognition: “I am so proud because I am being honored for a job that I love doing. Not many people can say that! I love people. I love to help people and I love my brothers and sisters in the Patterson Fire Department.”

Sheriff Smith was honored by becoming an Honorary Life Member of the Patterson FD.

Smith joined the fire service in 1967, but, after serving for a short time, he embarked on a glorious military career.

When presented with his life member certificate, Smith told the gathering: “Coming here is a trip back in time. The Patterson FD means so much to me. Looking around the room at the portraits of former chiefs, I see my old little league coaches along with my dad, who served for 10 years as chief of this great department.”

The sheriff called volunteer firefighters “Putnam’s heroes. Firefighters give back to their communities in so many ways. Many of those who answer the alarm at 3 o’clock in the morning or 3 in the afternoon also coach the local sports teams or teach Sunday school. Firefighters and emergency medical responders are very special people.”

Smith said it was an “honor to be in the same room with such heroes and dedicated people who epitomize volunteerism.”

—Eric Gross