By Mary Ellen Zangara Special Writer
With more than 150 fellow firefighters, family and friends present at a Jan. 13 dinner in his honor, outgoing Fire Chief John Yanko made sure to thank those who have been most helpful to his success: his wife and daughters.
”My first person I need to thank is my wife, Roberta,” Mr. Yanko said. “A lot of families miss the chief of a family on fire calls and stuff like that.”
He then presented her with two dozen red roses, one for each month he served as chief of the Fire Department. He also gave roses to his daughters, Nicole and Deveney.
The dinner at St. Mary’s Parish Center also included a borough proclamation, presented by Mayor Lillian Zuza.
”I would like to thank all of our firemen who have served our town and kept us safe,” Mayor Zuza said. “I would also like to thank our outgoing officers and incoming officers and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”
After the dinner, master of ceremonies ex-Chief Vince Albanese began the program to honor Mr. Yanko. He also expressed his appreciation for Ms. Yanko’s support for his efforts.
”The reason why I mention her (is) that anybody who has been in that position knows that it is a lot of work and a lot of dedication but without our spouses, it just wouldn’t happen,” Mr. Albanese said. “We need our spouses’ support of our home life.”
Mr. Albanese noted Mr. Yanko had “a unique stint” as chief, serving an extra year filing on for Mark Malinowski as temporary chief when Mr. Malinowski was deployed in Iraq in 2005.
”John did a wonderful job and again had some unique situations for three years,” said Mr. Albanese. “A lot of changes, a lot of developments in Manville.”
Mr. Albanese introduced the event’s guests, including the borough’s ex-chiefs and firemen, as well as firemen from neighboring towns, Mayor Zuza and Borough Council members and others in attendance.
Mr. Yanko then took the podium and thanked the visitors and his fellow firefighters.
”I am proud to be here today to go out as chief, ex-chief of the Manville Fire Department,” he said. “You guys are great. As a team we accomplished a lot for the Fire Department and it’s a lot of work to be away from your family but it was great.
”I would say that I would do it again but I am glad to join the ranks of the ex-chiefs,” he added. “It is a very prestigious position.”
He also thanked Manville firefighters, the ladies auxiliary of the fire departments, the first aid and rescue squad, the Police Department, firefighters from other towns and many other people.
In a turnabout, Mr. Yanko presented plaques and certificates of his appreciation to them for their support during his term as chief, with a special token of appreciation to Walt Wilczek.
”He has been what I call a watchdog since day one,” Mr. Yanko said.
Mr. Yanko thanked former Mayor Angelo Corradino and the Borough Council, then closed his remarks by thanking everyone who helped make the dinner possible.
At the end of his comments, Mr. Yanko received a standing ovation.
Mr. Albanese had the chief return to the podium, and he received gifts from all three fire companies and the companies’ ladies auxiliaries, including a white chief’s helmet as a token of their appreciation.
The Camplain Road Fire Company presented him with an ex-chief’s ax plaque in recognition of his outstanding service.
Mr. Yanko served as chief in 2006 to 2007, as deputy chief and assistant chief in 2002 to 2003, acting chief in 2004 to 2005, and deputy chief in 2005 to 2006. He plans to still remain active in the Camplain Road Fire Company.
