The West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Corps gathered with hundreds of guests last week at Russo’s on the Bay to celebrate their 84th Annual Installation, Dinner and Dance.
Many years have passed since the dinners and celebrations began and much has changed but the one thing that remains
constant is the flow of neighborhood residents who continue to sing the praises of those they say are their “local lifesavers.”
The event has now become the hallmark of the corps fund raising efforts.
This year two local businessmen were chosen as honorees for the occasion. Both grew up in the community and went on to join the businesses begun by their fathers, and both have since worked for the support of the Department and the community over the years.
Joseph DeCandia Jr., owner of Lenny’s Clam Bar and Roma View, and Jimmy Kolm, owner of Liberty Bell Car Care, were presented 
with plaques to mark their honors.
The WHBVFAC also remembered Ex-chief of their Department, Kevin Delano, Firefighter Raymond York and
Battalion Chief Thomas Farino – three men honored for having given their lives in association with the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
There was another honored “guest” at the event. It remained draped along the wall behind the podium where the evening’s speeches were made. It was a flag that had been found tattered during 9/11. The leader of the National 9/11 Flag Project, Firefighter Jimmy Sands of Howard Beach brought the flag and Jimmy Sands, a firefighter from Howard Beach who leads the National 9/11 Flag Project, brought a flag that had been found tattered in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks to the anniversary dinner.
Sands has traveled across the country with the flag to be re-patched. It was completed in Rockaway.
Justice Augustus Agate, who presented a check to the organization on behalf of the Howard Kiwanis, summed up his feelings about West Hamilton, “There is no agency better …they do tremendous work in our community.” Ozone Park Kiwanis Club members Victor Rodriguez and Paul Capocasale presented the Corps with a check for $2,500.
Photos Courtesy of Nick Beneduce
