Kearny VFW names Fire/Policeman of the Year

Photo 1: VFW Post 1302 Ladies Auxillary President Beverly Sweeny, left, Commander Howard Withers, Police Officer of the Year Robert Turkowsky, Chief John Dowie and Sr. Vice Commander Bob Behson

Photo 2: Ladies Auxillary President Beverly Sweeny, Commander Howard Withers, Firefighter of the Year James F. Carey, Chief Steve Dyl and Sr. Vice Commander Bob Behson
Photo 3: Councilwoman Carol Jean Doyle, left, Mayor Alberto Santos, Patriot's Pen award winner Alexandra L. Colon and Councilwoman Susan McCurry

VFW Wilson-Gugelman Post 1302 honors police/fireman of the year

KEARNY – Kearny Fire Department firefighter James Francis Cary and Kearny Department Officer Robert Turkowsky were named Firefighter and Police Officer of the year by Kearny VFW Wilson-Gugelman Post 1302. Also named were Alexandra L. Colon, Milton Bianchi and Camila B. Scheibe as the winners of the Patriots Pen Essay contest. The Police and Firefighter awards are designated to recognize community service or meritorious performance, above and beyond the call of duty. Firefighter Carey was recognized for outstanding community service including but not limited to his involvement in the Kentucky Cares Project, his outreach work with fellow firefighters and other charitable organizations.
“Jimmy as President of the FMBA (Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association) Local 18 was responsible for the T-Shirts for Troops program. Kearny firefighters shirts were collected and sent overseas to our troops to remind them that we here at home are thinking about and supporting them, his work behind the scenes for his fellow fighters is sometimes confidential but essential and unknown to the rank and file of the department, his interest in the community and concern for his fellow firefighters safety and well being deserves to be recognized, He is an asset to the Kearny Fire Department,” Chief Dyl said.
Patrolman Turkowsky, a past recipient of policeman of the year has been singled out numerous times for valor during his career with the department.
“His concern for the general public, our residents and the safety of other police officers is to be commended, over the course of his career, be it evacuating residents of a burning building, apprehending armed subjects in a multiple stabbing or subduing armed carjacking suspects, Robert’s actions are outstanding in every regard,” Chief John Dowie said.
The Patriots Pen is an annual essay contest open to Kearny seventh and eighth grade and involves a patriotic theme determined at the state level of the Veteran of Foreign Wars. This year’s theme was “Why should We Respect Our Veterans.” Alexandra L. Colon, first place winner was inspired by the actions of her cousin who is currently in boot camp for the United States Marine Corps.
“Their bravery and willingness to fight for our country makes them heroes.” Colon said.
Camila Schibe, the third place winner also wrote of our veteran’s willingness to serve and protect our country. In her essay Schibe noted “The bravery of veterans both past and present who have given us the freedoms we enjoy and who protect our country deserved to be recognized and honored.”
Mayor Santos congratulated the essay winners and both Firefighter James Carey and Police Officer Robert Turkowsky.
“These people are the pillars of our community. Our Police and Firemen respond to danger and the call of duty every day and because of them our community remains safe and strong, we are grateful for their service,” Santos said.

Photos and story by Diane Tilley.