CHIEF KEVIN M. SHEA PARTICIPATION AWARD RECIPIENTS
2012 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Firefighter Donald J. Ballard
This year's winner of the Kevin M. Shea Participation Award became an active firefighter in July 2005. Since joining, one can always see his name on signup sheets for special drills and work details. He has completed at least eighteen NYS firefighter training courses and approximately twenty-five seminars in that time span. He can always be counted on to assist the Fire Lieutenants in setting up drills and is always available when I have a special work detail that is scheduled at the last minute. He even fills in as my backup fryer man during fish fry season. During the past year, he responded to 221 out of 452 emergency calls and completed 42 weekly drills, to say nothing of the countless extra drills and courses that he has attended. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that he is a member of the Townwide FAST Team. Although he might not be the fastest firefighter that we have, he has the dedication and determination to someday take the training that he has acquired and put it to good use as a fire lieutenant (unless his sister beats him to it). So, join me in congratulating this year's winner of the Kevin M. Shea Particiapation Award: Donald J. Ballard.
Chief William H. Webb, Jr.
2011 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Lieutenant Jeffrey M. Obernesser
This year's recipient of the Kevin M. Shea Participation Awardhas been a member of the Company for a little over seven years, joining in 2004, but you certainly wouldn't know it. From the beginning, taking Firefighter I, and progressing through at least twenty more courses and lectures, Jeff has shown a great interest in the fire service. He is constantly trying to better himself and is always there, ready and willing, to lend a hand to his fellow brothers and sisters. With his drive and determination, he ran for Lieutenant and was sworn in in January of 2009. He continues to hold this position currently. Jeff is aware of the responsibilty to pass on his knowledge and he has done a remarkable job in only a few short years. Hopefully, with many more years under his belt, Jeff will be a great leader and a valuable asset to the Company. Jeff has a particular fondness for Truck Company operations, just as Chief Kevin M. Shea did, which makes him a perfrct candidate for this award. No one else has called 30 Truck in service and gotten away with it. Join me in congratulating this year's winner of the Kevin M. Shea Participation Award, Lieutenant Jeffrey M. Obernesser.
Chief William H. Webb, Jr.
2010 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Stephen R. Wright
This year's recipient of the Kevin M. Shea Participation Award is no rookie. Having over thirty years of service and dedication to this organization, he is one of the reasons we are the "Pride of Bethlehem". This person, over the course of his career, has held various positions on the Company side, including serving as President for several years. He has truly put Elsmere's name out, not only in our county, but surrounding areas as well.
From being heavily involved in firematic organizations, running conventions, playing in a band and spearheading the County's R & R Committee, this person has accomplished more than a lot of us put together. The time and devotion that he has put in is what a true volunteer is, which is the same mindset that Kevin had. This person was one of Kevin's good friends.
This past year, he led the Company in fire call attendance (249 out of 376, or 66%). He also switched gears from his llong civil officer career to the fire line side, being elected Fire Police Lieutenant. I could go on and on, but we all know that without this individual, our Company probably wouldn't be where it is today.
So, this year's winner of the Kevin M. Shea Participation Award is Stephen R. Wright.
Chief William H. Webb, Jr.
2009 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Alan Antenucci
Firefighter Alan Antenucci (on right) received the Kevin M. Shea Award, named in honor of Chief Kevin M. Shea who suffered a Line of Duty Death in January 2004. Firefighter Antenucci was cited for his superior knowledge of and assistance to the Department's Hazardous Materials Response program. Alan joined the Department in January 2006.
2008 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Richard Root
2007 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Captain Brett Vincent
Captain Vincent was cited for his superior drill and alarm attendance in addition to his willingness to supervise and conduct the annual in-house fit-testing of active firefighters. Captain Vincent joined the Department in November 1998. He served as Fire Lieutenant from December 2003 until he was elected Captain in December 2007.
2006 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Michael Moon
2005 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Matthew H. Grant
2004 Chief Kevin M. Shea Participation Award - Daniel P. McMahon, Jr.
Elsmere Fire Company A, Inc.
15 West Poplar Drive
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-9144
webmaster@elsmerefire.org
