On Saturday, Jan. 10, the Roslyn Highlands Hook and Ladder; Engine and Hose Fire Company, held its 92nd Annual Installation at the Swan Club. With over 200 members and guests in attendance, several awards were handed out and officers installed for 1998.

The most prestigious award handed out that evening was "Firefighter of the Year." This award is given to a member of the department, based on an achievement or act above and beyond the line of duty, an honor not awarded every year. This years recipient is Captain Michael Mulchinski, a 10 year veteran of our department.

This is the story of Capt. Mulchinski's rescue: On the afternoon of Sept. 13, Capt. Mulchinski was visiting Roslyn Highlands Firefighters, Denise and Paul Cesarski. Also visiting that day was Denise's sister, Dawn Kennedy and her 11-month-old daughter Kristin. Kristin was playing with a small toy, when she ingested a small plastic piece from the toy.

She began to choke. While Kristin's mother yelled for help, Kristin's condition became worse. Capt. Mulchinski was on the second floor of the house when upon hearing the screams, he ran to the baby's aid. Mike grabbed the baby, whose airway was totally obstructed, into his arms, turned her over, and performed a back blow in an attempt to dislodge the object. He repeated this step until the baby expelled the tiny round plastic object. Denise had come up from the basement as the baby expelled the object. Kristin, thanks to Capt. Mulchinski, is fine, and a healthy, happy baby.

Other members that night received various awards this year, with six members celebrating 10 years in the department. Past chief and President William Trottier celebrated his 30th year of active service, Past chiefs Frank Sokolski and Carmen Ceriello celebrated 45 years of active service in the department. The installation of officers were sworn in by Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli, whose father served many years in Roslyn Highlands, as well as two of his cousins who are still active members of our department.