06/12/2026
The Katonah Fire Department was honored to participate in the Tenth Annual Leary Firefighters Challenge held at the FDNY training academy at the FDNY Firefighter Training Academy ("The Rock") on Randall's Island on May 1.
The Leary Foundation, founded by Denis Leary in 2000 is the only foundation in the United States that provides annual grants to paid and volunteer fire departments for equipment, tools and training.
Captain Jason Lafond, Captain Ryan Hayes and Lieutenant Chris Langworth joined other participants and celebrities in various evolutions such as rappelling down a six story apartment building, working on a simulated subway car rescue, experiencing a flashover burn simulator, and participating in an airplane crash response simulation. FDNY instructors including active KFD members Mike Matteo and Anthony DeGeorge provided valuable guidance and instruction.
It was an exciting and amazing event and we were proud to be part of a very special day. We want to thank the Leary Foundation for their kindness and the FDNY instructors for their professionalism and making us feel at home at their academy.
