Lynbrook Fire Department wins an award

In the 4th Battalion Parade’s stream, bright red fire trucks, the Lynbrook Fire Department took home multiple first-place trophies, including that of “best appearing.”

The July 22 event honored the 4th Battalion, which includes East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne, and Rockville Centre. The Lynbrook Fire Department was recognized as the best appearing in the battalion, with the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department also taking home first place in the junior division.

The heat and humidity of the day didn’t stop the marching members from putting their best foot forward, and the pride Lynbrook has in its department shone through for the entire battalion to see. The 2022 awards for “best appearing” were given to the East Rockaway fire department. The last time Lynbrook firefighters took home a first-place prize from the 4th Battalion Parade was in 2019, so this trophy is all the sweeter.

“It was a great effort from the marching members on a hot Saturday night in July,” Chief Danny Ambrosio said.

The parade was followed by even more festivities as the fire departments gathered for a block party featuring live music — a well-earned celebration of all the work they’ve done throughout the year.

The “best appearing” distinction is accompanied by the sought-after Ex-Chief John Matzen memorial trophy, which the Lynbrook Fire Department was especially happy to take back home. The Ex-Chief John Matzen memorial trophy was donated to the 4th battalion by the Matzen family and the Lynbrook fire Department after Ex-Chief Matzen died 6 years ago, and is a leg trophy, meaning it goes home with the winner of “best appearing” each year instead of being kept permanently by any one department. Matzen had been the vice chairman of the 4th battalion, and his decades-long career of service left a lasting impact on the Lynbrook Fire Department.

“I’m proud to have the Ex-Chief John Matzen trophy back home in Lynbrook where it belongs,” Ambrosio said.

Both the Ex-Chief John Matzen memorial trophy and the “beast appearing” distinction are results from the dedication that Lynbrook firefighters have to keeping their department in tip-top shape, and the pride they have for their job of keeping Lynbrook safe.

“I take pride in leading this great group of dedicated men and women who serve our community of Lynbrook, and who deserved to be named ‘best appearing,’” Ambrosio said.