| In our department's nearly 124 year history, there has only been one member that held the rank of Chief for three full terms. That person was our most recent Ex-Chief, William C. Vlad.
Vlad has been a member of the CFD since 1982, and has spent a total of 18 years as an elected Chief Officer of this department, holding the rank of Chief from 1996-1998, 2004-2006 and most recently from 2014 until 2016.
In front of over 150 friends, family and Croton FD members, the Chief received several gifts, presentations and accolades for his time as a Chief, as well as for being among the most active of our members for over 30 years. In addition to his accomplishments with the CFD, his family - which included his wife Lisa, daughters Stephanie and Taylor and son, William Jr. - also paid tribute to the man that has been there for his family during all of his time leading our department.
Representatives from neighboring Millwood, Montrose and Ossining Fire Departments, the current Chiefs, the five CFD companies, the department's Ex-Chiefs Association, department friend Steve Rossi from AAA Emergency Supply and Mayor Greg Schmidt from the Village of Croton-on-Hudson all made presentations to Chief Vlad.
At the end of the ceremonies, the guest of honor took the microphone and thanked his family for their never-ending support, and paid homage to all of the men and women of the CFD that have supported him and have always been there for the department.
Our thanks Deputy Chief Gerry Munson for coordinating the dinner, to the staff at Cortlandt Colonial Restuarant for a fantastic evening, and to Joe Streany for emceeing the night.
We would also like to thank the Montrose and Ossining Fire Departments for providing us with coverage in Croton during this event.
All photos provided by Stephanie Vlad, unless otherwise noted. |
