Riverhead Fire Department honored Robert Zaweski with its 2013 Firefighter of the Year award at a special dinner in his honor Tuesday night.
Zaweski, who served as chief from 2007 to 2009, has been a member of the Riverhead Fire Department for 29 years.
“He’s just there whenever we need him,” said Joe Raynor, the department’s current chief, in a speech at the dinner. “All the time – day or night.”
“This was totally unexpected,” said Zaweski afterward. “It’s such an honor.”
Zaweski joined the Riverhead Fire Department in 1985 as a member of the Eagle Hose Company. He then began to climb the company’s ranks, serving as treasurer, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, assistant captain and finally Captain of the Eagles from 1998 to 1999. In 2001, he was elected third assistant chief, and went on to attain the position of second and first assistant chief from 2003 to 2005 and 2005 to 2007 respectively.
He was elected chief of the department in 2007.
“He’s done a wonderful job in all the tasks that were given to him,” said Raynor Tuesday.
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