Clair and Lannon Recipients of Michael Neuner Safety Award

Thomas Lannon and Ken Clair are presented the Michael Neuner Safety Award at last week’s meeting of the Putnam Legislature by Legislator Mary Ellen Odell. Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services Adam Stiebeling (right) looks on. ERIC GROSS Putnam County’s third annual Michael Neuner Fire Prevention and Safety Award has been presented to two veteran members of the Brewster Fire Department.

Kenneth Clair, a former chief and current Deputy Emergency Coordinator, and Thomas Lannon, a former captain and current Director of Putnam County Emergency Management Services, provide year-round fire prevention activities and lessons to children throughout the Brewster School District.

At last week’s regular meeting of the Putnam Legislature, Legislator Mary Ellen Odell presented both “heroes” with proclamations and honor pins for their uniforms.

Commissioner of Emergency Services Robert McMahon and Deputy Commissioner Adam Stiebeling were also on hand for the occasion, as were a dozen members of the Brewster FD.

Michael Neuner perished 12 years ago when battling a house fire in Southeast, leaving his wife and young children behind.

Commissioner McMahon explained the award was conceived to “recognize the efforts of an individual or individuals who contribute significantly toward the goal of making Putnam County a fire-safe community.”

In 2007 the award was presented to Dan Valentine of the Cold Spring Fire Department for his organizing a summer camp in western Putnam stressing fire safety. Last year the award was made to Robert Johnson of the Mahopac Falls FD, who was gravely injured and later died after falling from a fire truck while teaching children about the perils of fire.

Clair told the COURIeR the award meant a great deal to him because he served side-by-side with Neuner: “Michael did so much for our community, from being a Little League coach to serving with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and Peekskill Police Department. He was always involved with children by teaching them right from wrong. This is an excellent way of keeping his memory alive. Both Tom and I are humbled by the recognition.”