Timothy C. Hannigan

2023

This award has been given over the years for a variety of reasons; performance on emergency incidents, general leadership, helping other members of the department, and an overall positive attitude toward the department, its members, and the public, but the systemic theme is the high level of dedication to the residents we serve, commitment to the training we receive, and continuous acts of selflessness.

Our awardee this year displays all these characteristics and consistently goes above and beyond his call to duty. He sets the standard and is a role model for all members of our organization. His wealth of knowledge, hard work and experience is something that you simply cannot replace. He symbolizes what the fire service stands for and is a leader by example. As a steadfast member of the department for over 20 years, he best exemplifies the positive characteristics of a member of the Elsmere Fire Company and has a notable record of service and achievements. This individual has given selflessly of himself in support of the department, the fire service in general and the community.

Our awardee has continually demonstrated the highest degree of dedication to activities within in our fire department including training, fire response, public education, and other fire department operations. His dedication to our fire department is unwavering, and is displayed in every activity he participates in.

Our awardee this year demonstrates his loyalty not only in his allegiance to Elsmere Fire, but also to his fellow fighters and officers. Our awardee supports his officer’s efforts to achieve the goals of the fire service, and assists them with creating policies and procedures aimed at improvements in the department or fire service community. Additionally, he performs his fire service duties in a manner that exemplifies the competency that reflects the highest standards of the fire service and regularly demonstrates the ability to lead or follow based on the existing circumstances.

Throughout his time with the Elsmere Fire Department and particularly within the last year, this year’s recipient has demonstrated his dedication to the residents of both this town, and the great State of New York. A recent study conducted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) showed that volunteer service in New York State saves $4.7 billion a year. Recognizing this tremendous benefit to taxpayers, our awardee this year, was an integral part of the legislation recently passed that is arguably the most significant contribution to the recruitment of volunteer fire service members in at least the last 20 years. In addition, our awardee has helped our department receive numerous grants for recruitment, retention, and training purposes. He also ensures that our department operates with the highest moral and ethical standards by routinely providing and assisting with not only Elsmere’s procedures and policies, but also the Mandated NYS policies required for our members each year.

Our awardee is heavily involved in behind-the-scenes activities, particularly providing guidance and continuous acts of selfishness to many of our members. He has offered and provided legal support and advice to numerous members, and has gone beyond normal duties of firefighting to make visible improvements that have enhanced the department’s ability to reduce fire losses and to better serve the community. Our nominee was integral in the acquisition of 24 Ridge Road and the bunk-in program, which has provided additional manpower to our department, as well as the other outstanding departments in our town. His many contributions truly make Elsmere Fire a better place.

Ladies and gentlemen, for his dedicated service to both the Elsmere Fire department and for his profound service to the State of New York for helping create the Real Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters and ambulance workers, please join me in congratulating Tim Hannigan on being selected as Elsmere Fire Department’s Firefighter of the year.


Commissioner Joseph M Catalano

2022

Joseph M Catalano joined the Elsmere Fire Company as a social member in July of 1990. He transferred to active status in August of 1990 and remained active until January 1995. He remained a social member until September 2001 at which time his personal circumstances allowed him to rejoin as an active member. Our nominee served as Lay Chaplain for the Company in 1991, 1992, 2002, and from 2007 through the present time. He also served as a Company Director for a three year term starting in April 1992. The nominee served as Company Vice-President in 2003 and as President from 2004 through 2006 and again in 2012. In May of 2016, the nominee was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elsmere Fire District to fill an unexpired term and has served on the Board ever since. Joe is very active in the Fire Company serving on numerous committees. In 2012, Joe was awarded the Kenneth E. McNary Achievement Award for his level of achievement and involvement in promoting the goals of the Elsmere Fire Company. In 2015, Joe earned the Kevin M. Shea Participation Award for his outstanding level of participation in Fire Company activities.


Lieutenant Michael A. Moon

2021

The Elsmere Firefighter of the Year Award is typically presented in March at the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post 1040 annual Community Service Awards ceremony. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be announcing our 2021 nominee for the first time today...


Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright

2020

Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright was once again awarded Firefighter of the Year for the Elsmere Fire Company at an awards ceremony hosted by the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post 1040 on March 2, 2020. Click Here to View the Nominating Letter .

Lieutenant Wright was also recognized with this award at a virtual awards ceremony at the Elsmere Fire Station on the evening of 9/24/2020.


Past President John C. Murphy

2019

Past President John C. Murphy was honored as Elsmere Fire Company's 2019 Firefighter of the Year at a ceremony conducted at the NA Blanchard Post #1040 on March 4, 2019....


Commissioner John E. Brennan

2018

Commissioner John E Brennan was named Elsmere Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year for 2018....


Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright

2017

Fire Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Wright was honored at Elsmere Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year at ceremonies at the NA Blanchard Post #1040 on March 6, 2017.


Michael L. Taylor

2016

Fire Police Officer Michael L. Taylor joined the Elsmere Fire Company on June 25, 1970... 


Chief James Reagan and Firefighter James A. Trotta

2015

On Monday, March 2nd two Elsmere firefighters were awarded Forefighter of the Year at the N.A. Blanchard Post 1040. Chief James Reagan and Firefighter James Trotta were selected for this honor by the Elsmere Fire Company. Click the "Read More" link to see the letter of nomination....


Lieutenant Marc F. Futia

2014

Lieutenant Marc F. Futia received Elsmere Fire Company's Firefighter of the Year award at a ceremony hosted by Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post No. 1040 on March 3, 2014.


Captain Robert C. Baldwin, Jr.

2013

Captain Robert C. Baldwin, Jr. was honored as Elsmere Fire Company A's Firefighter of the Year at a ceremony on March 4th at the NA Blanchard Post 1040. Please click "Read More" to see comments by President John C. Murphy during the presentation of the award...


Captain John J. Zboray

2012

Captain John Zboray joined the Elsmere Fire Company on February 22, 1973 and became an active member on March 6 of that year.


Wayne R. Johnson

2011

Wayne R. Johnson joined the Elsmere Fire Company on March 24, 1961 and became an active firefighter on April 4th of that same year.


Michael J. Cirillo

2010

Commander Lukaschat, Invited Guests, Fellow Firefighters, It gives me great pleasure to announce the Elsmere Fire Company’s selection of Firefighter of the Year. The past couple of years we have had occasion to provide to the Legion, the selection of a member who had performed a heroic action. But that is not always the case. Many times, this award is given to someone for their contribution over the long term, or to someone who has taken on a particular cause.

Michael C. Walsh

2009

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."

Past Chief Edward J. Costigan

2009

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.

Chief William H. Webb, Jr.

2008

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.

Ariel L. Goodrich

2007

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.

Peter Degnan

2006

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.

Chief William H. Webb, Jr.

2005

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?

Chief Kevin M. Shea

2004

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.

Simon G. VanRyn

2003

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 competition.

Lieutenant Frank Wickham

2002

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 began 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.


Chief Edward J. Costigan

2001

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.


Past Chief Kenneth E. McNary

2000

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.

John R. Devine

1999

Fire Police Officer John R. Devine was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1999


James Reagan

1998

James Reagan was named Firefighter of rghe Year in 1998.


Richard I. Brown

1997

Richard I. Brown was named Firefighter of the Year in 1997.


Ralf K. Wiegand

1996

Ralf K. Wiegand was named Firefighter of the Year in 1996.


Paul D. Millhausen

1995

Paul D. Millhausen was named Firefighter of the Year in 1995.


John T. Pregent, Jr.

1994

John T. Pregent, Jr. was named Firefighter of the Year in 1994.


Henry Sterling

1993

Henry Sterling was named Firefighter of the Year in 1993.


Kevin M. Shea

1992

Kevin M. Shea was named Firefighter of the Year in 1992.


Oliver “Ollie” Palmer

1991

Oliver "Ollie" Palmer was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1991.


Robert N. Irish

1989

Robert N. Irish was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1989.


Peter G. Merrill

1989

Peter G. Merrill was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1989.


Paul D. Millhausen

1989

Paul D. Millhausen was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1989.


Irving “Pop” Leonard

1988

Irving "Pop" Leonard was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1988.


Peter G. Merrill

1987

Peter G. Merrill was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1987.


Past Chief Anthony J. Morrell

1986

Past Chief Anthony J. Morrell was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1986.


Past Chief George M. Kaufman

1985

Past Chief George M. Kaufman was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1985.


Henry J. Turner

1984

Henry J. Turner was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1984.


Past Chief Kenneth E. McNary

1981

Past Chief Kenneth E. McNary was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1981.


Past Chief Frederick C. Webster

1974

Past Chief Frederick C. Webster was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 1974.