Fire Service Community Achievement Award

 

FASNY proudly announces that John Kryger, a veteran figure in public safety, has received its Fire Service Community Achievement Award for 2024.

Kryger, who passed away in March at the age of 81, began his firefighting journey in 1975 with S.W. Johnson SFE Co. 1, West Haverstraw FD, where he served as an interior firefighter, Fire Prevention Officer, and Corresponding Secretary. The Garnerville resident then dedicated 21 years to the FDNY, serving in engine and ladder companies and assisting in the News Service Division. Beyond operational roles, he held positions such as Corresponding Secretary for the FDNY St. George Association and Historian for the Pulaski Association.

Retiring in 1986, Kryger continued his dedication to fire safety and education. A Rockland Community College Fire Science Program graduate, he became a respected Rockland County and NYS Fire Instructor, specializing in firefighter safety courses. His expertise led to his appointment as Rockland County Deputy Fire Coordinator in 2005.

Kryger was active with the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, assuming leadership roles and earning accolades such as the Jack Lynch Presidential Award and the Charles “Smoky” Fales Award. Returning to Volunteer Hose Co. 2 in 2002, he served as Public Information Officer and was recognized for his commitment to public safety journalism and education. A member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he served as Church Treasurer for 28 years.

“John Kryger epitomized volunteerism and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” remarked FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr. “His legacy of service and dedication to the community will resonate for years to come.”

Past Award Recipients

2023	Ex-Captain Gerard W. Brown	Baldwin Fire Department
2022	Nelson Delameter	Margaretville Fire Department
2021	Joseph Lenhardt	Whitesboro Fire Department
2020	Michael A. Baker	Archville Fire Co.
2019	Primo Biscaro	Erie Hose Co., Warsaw Fire Department
2017	Thomas J. Cuff, Jr.	Levittown Fire Department
2016	John McKenna	Northport Volunteer Fire Department
2015	Donald E. Snyder	Wantagh Fire Department
2014	Martin Horanburg	Miller Hose Company, Inc.
2012	Stanley Figiel	Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company
2011	Brian J. Greck	Medford Fire Department
2010	Ernest Matthews	Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Company
2009	Philip F. DeLorenzo	Piermont Volunteer Fire Department
2008	Thomas P. Sullivan	Mombasha Fire Company
2007	Warren J. Rathke (deceased)	Wrights Corners Fire Company
2006	James Crowley	Woodstock Fire Company #4
2005	Joseph E. Sills, Jr.	A. H. Wicks Engine & Truck Company, Kingston
2004	John S. DaVanzo (deceased)	Mineola Fire Department
2003	No Award Given
2002	James Mahoney (deceased)	Northport Fire Department
2001	Bernard O. Monson (deceased)	Albertson Hook & Ladder, Engine & Hose Co.
2000	No Award Given
1999	Robert V. Lyon (deceased)	Setauket Fire Department, East Setauket
1998	William A. Wutz (deceased)	Hutchinson Hose Company, Williamsville
1997	William J. Reilly (deceased)	West Babylon Fire Department
1996	Richard F. Laitenberger (deceased)	Union Hill Fire Department, Webster
1995	Gus Wehrlin (deceased)	Farmington Volunteer Fire Association, Inc
1994	Joseph B. Kuhn (deceased)	Penfield Fire Company, Inc.