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
Michael C. Walsh
2009
Past Chief Edward J. Costigan
2009
Chief William H. Webb, Jr.
2008
Ariel L. Goodrich
2007
Peter Degnan
2006
Chief William H. Webb, Jr.
2005
Chief Kevin M. Shea
2004
Simon G. VanRyn
2003
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
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
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.