FIREFIGHTERS OF THE YEAR
Firefighter of the Year 2012 - Captain John Zboray
Dear Commander Reidel,
The Recruitment and Retention committee admittedly has a tough job each year selecting the firefighter of the year. They have to choose from among 75 department members who all do great work. After going through their choices, the committee chair said to me “We have an excellent choice for this year’s firefighter of the year, and the committee voted unanimously for him”This year’s individual is a firefighter 24hours a day, seven days a week. Tomorrow marks his 39th anniversary as a firefighter with the Elsmere Fire Company. He has demonstrated his passion for the job through his positive attitude and his daily commitment to his company. He motivates those around him through his positive outlook and his ability to encourage optimism rather than cynicism. He is a professional who takes the job seriously while maintaining an ability to have fun and make someone smile. He demonstrates his passion for the job through his affirmative attitude, his daily commitment to the department, to his fraternal brothers and the citizens of Bethlehem. He is an experienced, hardworking professional who can be counted on to get the job done. He is also an individual that can build anything and fix things. From the finishing touches on our old members’ room to the garage he built behind the firehouse, this individual has amazed us with his skills and talents. He is passionate about the care and maintenance of the apparatus in his department. He has an incredible knowledge and understanding of the apparatus, particularly of Truck 30. When the Elsmere Fire Department took delivery of ladder Truck 30, he spent an extensive amount of time with the factory representative to learn about the new apparatus. To this day he remains the most knowledgeable on the specifications and operation of the vehicle. He continues to serve as the senior officer that new drivers need to pass muster with before being approved as a driver/operator. He also maintained our antique “dinky” for many years. Over the past two years, this individual has completely revamped our annual department driver requalification program which has yielded a 100 percent completion for all of our apparatus drivers.He has also made an impact at Elsmere through his own personal talents, time and effort. He has tremendous skills in both administration and cooking. In 1992, he co-chaired the combined 2004 Hudson Mohawk and Albany Count VFA conventions which included the ordering, preparation, and serving of three major dinners along with the food offered to the public for a three day event. He has made hundreds of meals for all of us at Elsmere. Most recently, he chaired the instillation ceremony dinner committee. When Jolly Olie Palmer said “Feed the Boy’s”, he took it seriously, and continues to keep us well fed at all times. This individual has served in both civil and fire line office; He has served in civil office as Vice President, and in the Fire Line Office as Lieutenant and Captain.As one of the original members of the Elsmere Wanderers, he is an individual that has touched every aspect of the Elsmere Fire Company. There isn’t a committee, function, organization or project that this individual hasn’t served on, and our fire company is a better place for it.This individual is active in the Town of Bethlehem Fire Officers Association, and active outside the fire department, as leader, past commander of the American Legion Son’s and most recently, past Commodore of the Ravena Coeymans Yacht club.This award is given to volunteer firefighters who not only perform admirably on the job, but also are heavily involved in their respective communities, and in that regard, John Zboray was the logical choice. His high level of maturity allows him to subordinate personal recognition and aspirations for the overall good of his fire company.People such as John are an inspiration for the future of our fire company. He possesses commitment and integrity, and takes his job very seriously. There is one thing that John is not good at, and that is being singled out and accepting praise or accolades for his actions. On behalf of the members of the Elsmere Fire Company, it is with great honor that we select (as one of Walt Whitman’s famous poems is entitled “Oh Captain my Captain”) Captain John Zbrory as this year’s firefighter of the year.
Respectively submitted,
Joseph M. Catalano,
President, Elsmere Fire Company A Inc.
Firefighter of the Year 2011 - Wayne R. Johnson
Wayne R. Johnson joined the Elsmere Fire Company on March 24, 1961 and becane an active firefighter on April 4th of that same year. He remained active until March 14, 1967, at which time he moved out of Town and became an exempt member. He held exempt status until July 15, 1967 when he returned to Elsmere and resumed duties as an active firefighter. He was recognized on March 8, 2011 for his fifty years of service during ceremonies at the N.A. Blanchard Post #1040.
Wayne was elected as a Director of the Fire Company on April 5, 1968. On October 29, 1970 he assumed the office of 4th Lieutenant. On April 8, 1971 Wayne was elected Company Secretary. He served as the Company's President from April 6, 1972 until April 7, 1977 at which time he resumed duties as Secretary of the Company. He was elected to three year terms as Director on April 6, 1978 and April 3, 1980. On December 1, 1982, Wayne was elected to the office of Fire Commissioner of the Elsmere Fire District and held that office until June 1, 1998.
Wayne has been a qualified pump operator, getting the District's fire apparatus to emergency scenes for the past fifty years. He is a past Treasurer and Life Member of the Hudson Mohawk Volunteer Fireman's Association and a member of the Albany County Volunteer Fireman's Association. He was also the recipient of the Kenneth E. McNary Achievement Award in 1998. His current responsibilities include serving as Deputy Secretary-Treasurer of the Elsmere Fire District and as the District's Custodian.
Firefighter of the Year 2010 - Michael J. Cirillo
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Firefighters of the Year 2009 - Past Chief Edward J. Costigan and Firefighter Michael C. Walsh
On August 12th, mid-morning, Elsmere Firefighter and Past Chief Edward (Ned) J. Costigan took quick action to assist victims of a motor vehicle accident and revive an elderly patient using CPR while on vacation at Saranac Lake. He heard the unmistakable sounds of a motor vehicle accident and screaming on Route 3 while deploying a kayak in the waters of Saranac Lake. He returned to shore and rushed toward the scene of the accident. He found a serious head-on motor vehicle accident with vehicles smoking. He not only assisted other travelers in removing the occupants from the smoking vehicles, but was also able to triage a family of five from one vehicle, and revive an elderly female from the other vehicle who was unresponsive, by using a short burst of CPR prior to arrival of local EMS and firefighters. The elderly female victim, who was in critical condition at the Vermont Medical Center ICU, has now been upgraded to fair condition. Firefighter Costigan joined the Elsmere Fire Company in August, 1971 and served as Chief from 1998 through 2003.
Only nine days later, on August 21st at about 12:30pm, Elsmere Firefighter Michael C. Walsh was leaving his neighborhood when he heard the call come out for "a man down, unknown"in his vicinity. The dispatcher said "the patient was believed to be not breathing" Firefighter Walsh parked his car and ran into the house. The 58 year old victim was inside. His wife was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. Mike did an initial assessment of the patient who was unresponsive with no pulse and no respirations and told the 911 dispatcher what he had just obtained by a quick assessment. The patient was lying in a pool of his own blood because when he had collapsed he sustained a laceration to the head. Mike told the dispatcher he was about to initiate CPR and hung up the phone. He gave the patient two rescue breaths and began compressions. He continued chest compressions even after EMS arrived while they started an IV line and hooked up an AED. After about 11-12 minutes of CPR and 3 shocks on the AED, rescue crews received a cardiac rhythm and packed the patient up and transported him to St. Peter’s Hospital. The patient’s wife called Mike and thanked him for saving her husband’s life. The doctors indicated that without question, Mike’s early response made a difference between life and death, as he saved the patient about seven minutes of downtime while he provided oxygen to his brain. The patient was in a medically induced coma for 2-3 days and came home from the hospital after 8 days. He is alive and well today. Firefighter Walsh joined the Elsmere Fire Company in August, 1999.
(Photos Courtesy of Joseph Angermeier, Glenmont NY)
Firefighter of the Year 2008 - Chief William H. Webb, Jr.
Chief Webb joined the Elsmere Fire Company as a firefighter on June 27, 1985. He was elected Fire Company Treasurer in October 1987. He served as a Fire Lieutenant from April 1989 through April 1995. In April 1995, he was elected to the position of Fire Captain. He served in this capacity until December 1997. Chief Webb was elected 2nd Assistant Chief in December 1997 and served in that capacity until December 2003, when he was promoted to the rank of 1st Assistant Chief. In February 2004, he was elected to fill the position of Chief, left vacant by the untimely line of duty death of Chief Kevin M. Shea. Chief Webb continues to serve as the Department's Chief. Chief Webb is a member of the Elsmere FAST Team and chairs the Fire Company's popular Fish Fry Dinner Committee, which many residents of the Town enjoy on four Friday evenings during February and March. He is also trained in Hazardous Materials Incident Command.
Chief Webb was commended for his brave actions during a fire at a local nursing home. At 3:01am on December 17, 2007, he responded to a report of a structure fire in an elderly resident's room. As one of the first firefighters to arrive, Chief Webb was able to make his way through a smoke filled wing of the nursing home to the elderly resident's room. Finding that sprinklers had extinguished the fire involving the resident's clothing and surroundings, he was able to remove the seriously burned resident from danger and further injury with the assistance of Bethlehem Police Officer Frank Muller. Chief Webb also received this award at Post No. 1040 on March 7, 2005.
Firefighter of the Year 2007 - Ariel L. Goodrich
The Elsmere Fire Co. A, Inc. is proud to recognize Ariel Goodrich as Firefighter of the Year. A 13-Year veteran of the Fire Company, Ariel served for 10 years as the Fire Police Lieutenant. He is a quiet and unassuming person always at work behind the scenes of the Fire Company. He has helped to establish an administrative procedure to relieve some of the workload from the fire officers, so they can devote more time to their fire line responsibilities. He is always busy with fire reports so that the correct information is available to NYS and OFPC. He was instrumental in moving the fire reporting system and service awards records from paper to computer.
As Lieutenant he was in charge of maintaining M38 and M39 to be sure they are ready to respond to emergencies, whether the County calls them/or Haz-Mat or the Urban Search and Rescue Team calls. Ariel established a checkout system for portable radios and the radio batteries to eliminate many charging and repair problems that effect fire ground operations. Through the years as Fire Police Lieutenant he took many training classes such as Highway Safety-Fire Scene operations, Haz-Mat WMD Response, Intersection Accident Termination and Coping with Change in the Fire Service. With this knowledge he established many pre-plans for the most efficient means of traffic control at various locations within the Elsmere Fire District.
He continues to Chair the newsletter committee known as the Firehorn where he gathers and edits information of interest to be distributed quarterly. And for many years he has been recognized annually with the most drill attendance.
A Past Chief who worked closely with Ariel was once quoted as saying he is "lucky to have a fast paced, aggressive and thorough person with private industry experience that knows how to cut through the BS and get things done. "
Firefighter of the Year 2006 - Peter Degnan (Honored for Serving Our Nation)
This year's Firefighter of the Year came to us through the Albany County Legislature sponsored Recruitment and Retention committee's 24-hour hotline. With an interest in joining and taking classes, he instantly signed up as a social member 3 weeks after his high school graduation. Within the next 30 days, he spent numerous hours at the firehouse captivating everything possible. In the following month, on August 26, 1999, he became an active Elsmere firefighter. Over the next six months, he fully immersed himself in all aspects of firefighting. He took classes, participated in training drills, and responded to a majority of his company's fire calls. In February 2000, he took a seven-month military leave for Basic Training, but upon his return, he immediately returned as an active firefighter, participating fully in his department, and doing what he loves the most, helping the residents of his community. He never stopped learning and improving his skills. He enrolled in classes for Hazardous Material Operations, Hazardous material Technician, Decontamination, and the very enduring FAST team. Throughout all of his firematic service, he somehow found the time to become an EMT and participate with the Delmar Rescue Squad. He sets an example as a firefighter, EMT, and brother. These are just some of the reasons why his peers recognized him.
His passion for service goes far beyond his firematice and community service. While in his first semester of College, he once again went on military leave, as he was ordered to Active Duty in the United States Military. He would spend the next 18 months serving his country. This Sergeant spent one year in Iraq, serving as an Engineering Technician Surveyor. He was stationed in Kirkuk at one of Sudan Hussein's private Air Force Bases, where he surveyed and built living quarters for the other units that were already there, and future troops that would eventually be stationed there. His job was to provide safe and livable quarters for the United States Military. During his Tour of Duty in Iraq, he was given a 2-week leave for R&R, and he returned home to reaffirm his passion.
After completing his Tour, he returned to Bethlehem, where he decided to continue his education. Although he is currently away at college, he always takes every opportunity to respond to emergencies while he is on break.
The firefighters in Bethlehem come from many backgrounds, but certainly share some common values and common goals: particularly when it comes to protecting our neighborhoods and keeping our residents safe. This individual goes beyond his community, in his service to our country, and I can't think of a more fitting venue to honor such an individual than this American Legion, where so many have served with the same conviction.
This award is given to volunteer firefighters who not only perform admirably on the job but also are heavily involved in their respective communities, and in that regard, Pete Degnan was the logical choice.
Pete Degnan has served the Elsmere Fire Company since 1999, and has already forged a successful career as a firefighter. People such as Pete are the future of our fire company. He has maturity, commitment, and integrity, and takes his job very seriously. On behalf of the members of the Elsmere FireCompany, it is with great honor that we nominate Peter Degnan as this year's firefighter of the year.
Firefighter of the Year 2005 - Chief William H. Webb, Jr.
With the unexpected death of Chief Kevin M. Shea just over a year ago, a leader and friend was lost. The future of the Elsmere Fire Company was unknown, and questioned by all. Who would now lead us and continue the pro-active direction established by Kevin and foster the respect needed to be the new Chief? After holding a special election the decision was overwhelming decided by the membership that the new Chief would be Bill Webb. The experience Bill has in his professional career as a police officer. and also his familiarity with the civil office and fire line office of the Fire Company were beneficial. Having served a term as the Fire Company's Treasurer in 1987 he then began climbing the ladder of the Fire Line Offices beginning in 1989 as 3rd Lt. He served in that capacity until 1992 when he became the 1st Lt. of the Fire Company. Serving for three years in that capacity he then was elected to Captain where he alos served for three years. Bill became the 2nd assistant Chief in 1997 and served that office for six years. In December of 2003 he was elected to 1st Assistant Chief. Less then three months later he was elected as the Chief of the Elsmere Fire Company A, Inc.
As Chief Bill has lead the membership through one of it's darkest periods. He has the respect of the membership and is committed to the fire safety of residents of the Elsmere Fire District. The American Legion Blanchard Post 1040 honors Chief William H. Webb, Jr. as the 2005 firefighter of the year.
Firefighter of the Year 2004 - Chief Kevin M. Shea
In 1992 the Elsmere Fire Company A Inc proudly nominated Kevin Shea as our choice for Fireman of the Year at the annual American Legion awards ceremony. Kevin received this honor for the many tireless hours spent as an officer in both the civil office and fire line office. Kevin was also commended for his success with the Elsmere Drill Team, which came to be known as the Blues Brothers. He was our Captain of the Drill Team and our leader on the fireground. Kevin went on to earn the coveted Kenneth E. McNary Achievement Award in 1996.
To every member of the Elsmere Fire Company Kevin was a leader a mentor a teacher a brother and a friend. He was a friend to everyone. Kevin?s friendship was binding, his loyalty unwavering and his understanding unconditional. These qualities represent those of a true friend, brother firefighter and respected leader.
We honor Chief Kevin Michael Shea as our choice for Fireman of the Year. Kevin was a role model for all of us and a man who lived life to its fullest. Kevin never put himself first and always made sure that everyone else was taken care of. He was something to everyone particularly his brother firefighters. He took great pride in us and we are proud to have had the opportunity to share our lives with him. He was generous to all of us, as is his family. We would like to thank you Kathy and Kelly for sharing him with us.
Firefighter of the Year 2003 - Simon Van Ryn
At this years annual awards ceremony of Fireman of the Year presented by the American Legion Post, Simon Van Ryn was honored as Elsmere's nominee. Simon began his service with the Delmar Fire Department where he served for 24 years. During this time he was elected to the office of Lt and Captain. He is currently in his 24th year at Elsmere. He was a Director of the Fire Co and a longstanding member of the Elsmere Wanderer's Drill Team competing in Central New York State and Long Island Firematic competion.
Simon was just added to the ranks of Life Membership of Elsmere. He was acknowledged as Past President of Albany County Fireman's Association. A member of Hudson Mohawk, Nighthawks, and Hudson Valley. Simon born in South Holland, came to the United States in 1948. Simon and wife Trudy of 51 years have 5 children. Congratulations to Simon Van Ryn, Fireman of the Year!
Firefighter of the Year 2002 - Lieutent Frank Wickham (honored for his work at Ground Zero)
Having entered the department in April 1989, Frank is now in his 13th year of service. His history of dedicated service begain in the civil officer line as a property clerk in 1992. Following this he continued through the ranks being elected vice president in 1995 and 1996, until becoming President in 1998. In the year ahead Frank's firematic desire drew him towards the company fire line office, and as he completed his term as President, immediately ran for and was elected 4th Fire Lieutenant in December of 1999. Since then he has continued to advance in rank and currently holds the position of 2nd Lieutenant.
The performance of this candidate can certainly be characterized as above average when considering the most important factors such as training and response to alarms. Frank's occupation and background being employed in a fast paced private sector technical environment, has benefited our department in making advancements for our training programs and computerization in many areas. Following suit is a long list of outside training courses Lt. Wickham has taken, from numerous NYS OFPC training courses to a variety of seminars offered to the fire service each year. Highlighted by this effort is the specilized training received as a member of the NYS Urban Search and Rescue team. This training as an active member of the technical team, has brought Frank to several disastrous events across the state including the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11.
The quality effort put forth as a volunteer in Elsmere, and the outreach of this trait helping the citizens throughout the state in their time of need, is what really characterizes a true volunteer, the volunteer firefighter.
Firefighter of the Year 2001 - Chief Ned Costigan
In the the spring of 2000 the hamlet of Elsmere was thrust into the national spotlight when the banks of the Normanskill began to slide. The landslide claimed one commercial building and threatened several others along with residential properties and the main thoroughfare between Albany and Bethlehem. With the threat of approaching storms and further movement of the landslide, the Elsmere Fire Company along with Town, County, State, and City of Albany officials were called in, and a Command Center established.
Immediately, 30-year member and Chief of the Elsmere Fire Company, Ned Costigan began evaluating the life safety and rescue issues of the disaster area. Evacuations of the area and civilian accountability efforts were also put into action. Fire risk was evaluated because of the potential for natural gas and electrical emergencies. Special dispatch assignments were planned bringing in other town fire and EMS agencies, and several informational meetings were held. Chief Costigan also developed a mutual aid plan with the City of Albany Fire Department realizing the loss of water and access to the lower portion of the Elsmere Fire District was a possibility. On site staging and command areas were established. The New York State Urban Search and Rescue Team was put on notice in the event of a sudden collapse trapping civilians and firefighters. New York State Department of Transportation was contacted and the old bridge in Normansville was inspected and made accessible for emergency use.
With the coordination between agencies, and the hundreds of hours of planning for a worst case scenario, Chief Costigan made sure that the residents and businesses of the Elsmere Fire District never received anything less than 100 percent of dedicated protection from the Elsmere Fire Company. It is because of this loyalty, dedication and attention to detail that the members of the Elsmere Fire Company ?A? Incorporated, nominate Chief Edward ?Ned? Costigan as Fireman of the Year.
Firefighter of the Year 2000 - Kenneth E. McNary
Ken McNary excepting one of the many proclamations commemorating his 70 years of service to the community. Supervisor Fuller is shown presenting this award, assisted by Chief Costigan.
Ken McNary recalling the reasons why he became a Firefighter in 1930 with Chief Costigan looking on.
The Elsmere Fire Department is very proud this year to present a monumental candidate for the 2000 American Legion Firefighter of the year award. Beginning his fire service career on January 30, 1930, he immediately directed his goals towards advancing in a leadership position. Three years after entering active membership he was elected as company property clerk. In 1934 he moved into the fire line office by being elected 3rd Lieutenant, and serving in that position for 2 years. From here the upward advancement continued serving in the position of 2nd Lieutenant in 1936, Captain from 1937 to 1941, and Chief of Department in 1942, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1950, and 1951. This 9-year period as Chief, was only interrupted by a term of active duty with the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. From here the dedication to service continued with the election to Fire District Commissioner in 1953, 1958,1963, 1977, 1980, and 1985. Achievements and honors acquired through the years include Life Membership granted in 1946, Albany County Volunteer Firemen's Association "Fireman of The Year" in 1980 and numerous fire department awards marking years of service. A career fire protection specialist with the Mobil Oil Corporation, our candidate provided us with the best in fire extinguisher training and the handling of flammable liquids, and shared this expertise as a County Fire Instructor from 1951 to 1957. This year we celebrate his 70 years of service. Not many have achieved this plateau of volunteer service to a community, and not many will ever match it. The personal contribution made to our department and the community is unmeasurable. A model stature that exemplifies the modern day term "Recruitment & Retention", the 2000 Firefighter of the Year our most senior member Kenneth E. McNary. Congratulations on an honor well deserved!
Elsmere Fire Company A, Inc.
15 West Poplar Drive
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-9144
webmaster@elsmerefire.org
